Developing a Collective Consciousness to Elevate the Temple to Become the Center of the Community by Buddhist Peaceful Means

Abstract

The research article consisted of the following three primary objectives: 1) to analyze the context, problems, and needs related to the cultivation of collective consciousness among  monks of Wat Mai (Yai Paen), along with the theoretical concepts of developing collective consciousness based on modern sciences and Theravada Buddhism; 2) to examine the Buddhist peaceful means conducive to the development of processes for cultivating collective consciousness in order to elevate monks of Wat Mai (Yai Paen) as a community center of the community; and 3) to develop and present a process for cultivating collective consciousness to enhance the role of the temple as a community center through Buddhist peaceful means. The study adopted an action research methodology within the framework of the Ariyasacca (Four Noble Truths) model, structured around a nine-step research ladder. The study was conducted through in-depth interviews with 23 key informants, critical evaluation of the research process (research criticism), and practical implementation (action research).

From the study, the following results were found: 1) The problems and needs of the Monks at Wat Mai (Yai Paen) lacked collective consciousness in several dimensions, including participation, shared memory, shared benefits, and shared space, which resulted in a lack of unified direction in temple development. An effective approach to address these issues is to encourage monks to actively organize religious activities, particularly on important Buddhist holy days such as Visakha Bucha Day, Magha Bucha Day, and Buddhist Lent Day, in order to reconnect the temple with the community and reestablish it as a social center. 2) The Buddhist principles that support the development of collective consciousness are the Six Principles of Sāraṇīyadhamma, which promote harmony and mutual awareness. These include loving-kindness in bodily action, speech, and mind; sharing of resources; common morality; and common views. These principles were applied through various training programs and development activities within the temple. 3) The developed process for cultivating collective consciousness emphasizes participatory practices involving monks, novices, and community members through real-life activities. Religious activities function as key mechanisms in strengthening relationships, fostering a sense of shared ownership, and effectively elevating the temple as a community center.