Dhamma doctrine, applied for developing the elders life quality living in Nan municipality of Nan province

Abstract

This study aims 1) to study the problems of the elders, living in Nan municipality of Nan province; 2) to study the Buddhist dhamma doctrines, applied for using in the daily life of elders, living in Nan municipality of Nan province; and 3) to study the body of knowledge about the Buddhist dhamma usage of the elders in Nan municipality of Nan province. The research was designed as mixed method which collected the datas by questionairs and indepth-interview from 60 elders, aged 60 and older, in Nan municipality of Nan province.

The research found that

1) There are 5 aspects of the elders' problems. They are the health, the profession, the economy and the state of works, the habitat, the recreational area and the relaxation time, and the social status and warranty. The most problematic aspect is the social status and warranty which is averaged at high level (4.02). The secondary is the profession, the economy and the state of works which is averaged at high level (3.79). The third is the recreational area and the relaxation time which is ageraged at high level (3.61). The fourth is the health which is at average level (3.40). The fifth is the habitat which is at also average level (3.18).

2) The Buddhist dhamma doctrines which are applied in daily life of the elders are the Three Characteristics, the Four Noble Truths, the Five Precepts and the Five dhamma, the Four Development, and the Four Objects of Sympathy.

3) The elders could apply the six Buddhist dharma doctrines as mentioned above into their daily life. They helped the elders solve the problems, reduce the sufferrings, change and improve their behaviors unitil to be the good model for their lineage. Although the elders faced many problems, with based on their experiences they could apply the doctrines in their daily life in qualified level.