The Development Process of Peaceful Well-Being for the Elderly by Buddhist Peaceful Means

Abstract

This research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to analyze context, problems, needs, and the development process of peaceful well-being for the elderly according to modern science; 2) to examine the Buddhist peaceful means that contribute to the development process of peaceful well-being for the elderly by Buddhist Peaceful Means; and 3) to develop and present the development process of peaceful well-being for the elderly by Buddhist peaceful means for Chiang Rak Noi Subdistrict Municipality School for the Elderly. The study was conducted using research and development (R&D) method. All 35 key informants included academics, community leaders, and religious leaders for a total of 20 persons, as well as the elderly of 15 persons. The obtained data were analyzed using the descriptive method.

The research results found that: 1) The elderly at Chiang Rak Noi Sub-district Municipality School for the Elderly face a variety of problems, including health issues, adaptation to family, society, and the workplace, physical, emotional, and mental changes, a lack of self-help, and dependence on others. The elderly must be ready to live happily with their family and in society. 2) The Buddhist peaceful means conducive to the development process of peaceful well-being for the elderly by Buddhist peaceful means require the elderly to develop and practice themselves holistically according to Iddhipāda (the four paths of accomplishment). This includes the following: (1) Chanda refers to aspirations in a changing life; (2) Viriya refers to continuous attempt to improve oneself; (3) Citta refers to thoughtfulness with a healthy, bright and tranquil mind; and (4) Vīmaṃsā refers to investigating with wisdom to solve problems and lead one’s life. 3) The development process of peaceful well-being for the elderly by Buddhist peaceful means aims to develop the elderly so that they are “opened to learn, think positively, and develop themselves”. This begins with enhancing mindfulness, learning holistically, conversing and cultivating wisdom, and putting all of this into practice to improve one's life. The study established a model called “Soong Suk” (high happiness) that consists of external high (strong physical health), internal high (clear mind), and mindfulness high (smart in life), all of which result in the elderly being “loving, firm, and stable”.