Abstract:
This thesis aims to examine the progress of quality of life within the context of Theravada Buddhism, as well as the development of quality of life specifically in the Phu Pha Fah Nam Community situated in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province. The research approach employed for this study is qualitative and involves conducting field research.
The findings of the study indicate that the enhancement of quality of life within Theravada Buddhism is rooted in various aspects of development, namely Bhàvanà (mental cultivation), Kàya-bhàvanà (physical development), Indriya (controlling faculties), Sãlabhàvanà (moral development), Citta-bhàvanà (cultivation of the mind), and Pannà-bhàvanà (cultivation of wisdom). Through adherence to these principles, individuals have been able to foster positive quality of life in four key domains known as Bhavit 4: Bhavikaya (attainment of a tranquil body), Bhavitsila (adoption of virtuous conduct), Bhavitcitta (cultivation of a resilient mind immune to defilements), and Bhavitpanna (supreme wisdom leading to liberation from suffering).
The Phu Pha Fah Nam community has made significant strides in enhancing the quality of life, aiming to promote well-being for both oneself and others. To alleviate the root cause of suffering, they have embraced a path of purifying passions. The community has embraced five guiding principles as a means to address various challenges: 1) fostering associations and showing respect to virtuous companions, 2) upholding noble precepts, 3) seeking balance, 4) cultivating self-reliance, and 5) engaging in benevolent sharing with a pure heart. These principles have been applied within the Phu Pha Fah Nam community, resulting in a remarkable improvement in their quality of life across four key aspects: 1) leading a life of simplicity and sufficiency, 2) cultivating physical strength, 3) nurturing a wholesome mind, and
4) cultivating wisdom and experiencing genuine happiness.
Through an analysis of the development of Buddhist quality of life within the Phu Pha Fah Nam community, it was discovered that Dr. Jaipetch Klajon, the community leader, established four essential principles to enhance their overall well-being. These principles encompass: 1) embracing a life of simplicity and sufficiency, 2) cultivating physical strength, 3) fostering a virtuous heart, and 4) embodying Panyaphasuk (wisdom leads to happiness), an integrated Buddhist quality of life. Panyaphasuk comprises the following elements: 1) Bhavitkaya, which pertains to the quality of life concerning physical strength, 2) Bhavitsila, which refers to the quality of life derived from a simple sufficiency lifestyle, 3) Bhavitcitta, which encompasses the quality of life resulting from a virtuous mind, and 4) Bhavitpanna, which represents the quality of life attained through wisdom. By implementing these Buddhist principles, the Phu Pha Fah Nam community has successfully improved their quality of life, aligning it with the teachings of Buddhism and fostering a positive quality of life for the entire community.