The Process of Building a Peaceful Family under the Bowon Power by Buddhist Peaceful Means

Abstract

The study had the following objectives: 1) to investigate the context, problems, causes, and needs for a peaceful family in the Bang Khun Non district, as well as the theories related to the process of building a peaceful family under Bowon power using Buddhist peaceful means; 2) to explore the Buddhadhamma that supports the process of building a peaceful family under Bowon power using Buddhist peaceful means; and 3) to present the process of building a peaceful family under Bowon power using Buddhist peaceful means. The study employed an action research method based on the Ariyasacca (Four Noble Truths) model with a 9-ladder approach to research methods. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with three groups: 1) 22 participants from the Wat Mai (Yai Paen) community; 2) 16 experts; and 3) a focus group discussion with 6 participants.

From the study, the following results were found: 1) Problems of coexistence among families in the Wat Mai (Yai Paen) community are caused by economic status, lack of morality, honesty, and awareness of one's roles, leading to mental and physical effects, and ultimately resulting in family separation. 2) The Buddhist peaceful means that support the process of building a peaceful family include Gharāvāsadhamma (four virtues for a good household life), namely sacca (truth and honesty), tama (self-development), khanti (tolerance), and cāga (generosity). These virtues enable spouses in families to overcome problems and obstacles, learn to forgive, and train themselves to control their minds while being aware of each one’s surroundings. 3) The process of building a peaceful family is achieved through five activities, leading to a new body of knowledge titled the ‘Happy Family Model.’ The model consists of five aspects: (1) being attentive, sacrificing, maintaining a positive mindset, and being considerate of one another; (2) being open, having a stable mentality, walking the talk, being affectionate, and taking care of one’s feelings; (3) understanding, being tolerant of temptation, and finding solutions to life’s problems; (4) fostering positive relationships and being considerate of one another; and (5) engaging in happy learning activities, which can lead to a covenant for building a strong family, helping one another throughout family life, and resulting in sustainable peace and happiness.