THE DEVELOPMENT MODEL OF APPLICATION OF THE BUDDHADHAMMA IN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Phra Rattanamuni (Punname Visaratho)

Abstract

This research consisted of three main objectives, namely: 1) to study the concepts and principles of Buddhism in social development; 2) to explore a process to apply the Buddhist principles for social development at individual level; and 3) to develop model of Buddhadhamma application in social development at community level. The research is a Qualitative Research. The data collection was conducted by in-depth interviews with key informants by using purposive selection. The collected data were analyzed by content analysis and presented by descriptive technique to classify category and then systematically synthesized to find common issues and describe the content. The findings revealed that: 1. As for the concept and principles of Buddhism in social development, it has been found that the Buddhist principles being suitable for social development, i.e., the Buddhist principle for social development at the individual level by applying the principles of Tisikkha (threefold learning) for the development of human capital in three main areas,namely, Sila (Precept), Samadhi (meditation) and Panna (wisdom), and the application of Buddhist principles for social development at the community level, i.e., 2. As for the process to apply the Buddhist principles for social development at individual level, it has been found that it is an application of the Tisikkha for human capital development: Sila (precepts) focuses on good conduct, behave properly according to the rules, morality, morals, customs, good traditions, physical and verbal, do not make others miserable, do not make oneself miserable; Samadhi (concentration) is a practice to develop the mind by developing virtue and ethics to strengthen the mind, develop mental capacity to be strong, strong, courageous, be able to develop a happy spirit; and Panna (wisdom) stresses on training, knowledge, understanding and good thinking under the principle of Paratoghosa (another's utterance) and Yonisomanasikara (reasoned attention), which must be of good friend and environment. 3. As for the model of Buddhadhamma application in social development at community level, it has been found that in social development at community level, it is the application of 7 Aparihaniyadhammas (Conditions of Welfare): It is an integration of the principles of participation in community development conforming to the concept of participation of the International Association for Public Participation consisting of 5 categories: 1) Inform, 2) Consult, 3) Involve, 4) Collaboration, and 5) Empowerment.