THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOLISTIC WELL-BEING OF BUDDHIST MONKS PA-SANG, LAMPHUN PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study the development of holistic well-being, to study the relationship between the application of the Bhavana IV principles and holistic well-being, and to study the approach to apply the Bhavana IV principles to the development of Buddhist holistic well-being for Buddhist monks in Pa Sang District, Lamphun Province. This research was a mixed method research. The quantitative research was based on 153 monks and qualitative research was conducted using in-depth interviews with 10 key informants. The results indicated that the level of holistic well-being of Buddhist monks in Pa Sang District, Lamphun Province was overall at a high level (X = 4.01). When each aspect was considered, it was found that every aspect was at a high level. Comparative results indicated that the age and level of earthly education yielded no different in opinion. The position in the Wat, monkhood duration, and level of Buddhism education yielded different opinions. Relative values showed that each variable had positive correlation coefficients. The results of the qualitative study revealed that the appropriate knowledge about the health care of the monks should be provided, such as proper exercise, choosing good food is beneficial to the body, setting the environment within the Wat to have a pure environment, having the vice free zone, having generosity and sacrifice for the sake of the common good, and seeking knowledge to solve daily life problems.