The Mediation Process for Building Reconciliation Based on Buddhist Peaceful Means: A Case Study of the Bridge Across to Harrow International School, Don Mueang District, Bangkok

Abstract

The research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to analyze problems, context, needs, and concepts relevant to mediation process based on modern science; 2) to examine the Buddhist peaceful means conducive to building reconciliation; and 3) to present mediation process for building reconciliation based on Buddhist peaceful means on a case study of the bridge across to Harrow International School. The study employed an action research based on Ariyasacca (the four noble truths) model under 9-step framework. The in-depth interview was conducted with 25 key informants comprising 25 mediators, scholars, religious officials, and those affected. The focus group discussion was also carried out with 10 persons. The obtained data were analyzed and presented by descriptive method.

From the study, the following results were found: 1) People in the community are experiencing problems as a result of their lack of participation; therefore, a mediation process is required to effect change. Change is caused by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, all of which contribute to problems in coexistence; 2) Ariyasacca (the four noble truths) is the Buddhadhamma to analyze the parties to the conflict namely, (1) Dukkha, referring to an analysis of conflict, (2) Samudaya, referring to an analysis of the real causes of conflict,  (3) Nirodha, referring to the real needs of the conflicting parties, and (4) Magga, referring to dispute mediation process based on the Buddhist peaceful means that focuses on collaboration between conflicting parties to solve problems; and 3) The mediation process for building reconciliation based on the Buddhist peaceful includes the 5 pillars of mediation, which are (1) Pillar of truth, involving speaking the truth even if it is painful, (2) Pillar of love, involving love for one another without complaint or accusing, (3) Pillar of responsibility, involving shared responsibility, (4) Pillar of neutrality and justice, and (5) Pillar of unity, involving the power of people in the community. Dispute mediation process analyzes conflict into the following stages (1) problems, (2) causes of problems, (3) setting goals, and (4) mediation process for building reconciliation under the 9-step framework. This phase involves (1) mindfulness, (2) empathetic companion, (3) deep listening, (4) instance analysis, (5) appropriate thinking, (6) thinking wisely, (7) interest finding, (8) option creating, and (9) new relationship building.