Abstract

The purpose of this study is three-fold: (1) To study the principles of volunteer spirit according to the Buddhist Doctrines; (2) To study the volunteer spirit process among staffs, Sathira–Dhammasathan; (3) To study the application of volunteer spirit process according to the Buddhist Doctrines among staffs, Sathira–Dhammasathan.

Document and qualitative research was used for this research study. The topics of the Buddhist Doctrines consist of the principles of volunteer spirit process. The researcher conducted the in-depth interview with eight staff members who have involved in four activities at Sathira–Dhammasathan over a period of time.

The results show the principles of volunteer spirit according to the Buddhist Doctrines consist of 5 aspects. They are as follows: (1) Virtues of the leader. They are Sangahavatthu (Virtues making for group integration and leadership), Iddhipada (Path of accomplishment), Sappurisa-Dhamma (Qualities of a good man), and Rajadhamma (Virtues of a ruler).  (2) Virtues of the community. It is Sappaya (Seven things favorable to mental development).  (3) Virtues of the members. They are liberality, Kalyanamitta-Dhamma (Qualities of a good friend), Bhavana (Ways of concentration-development), and Caga (Generosity).  (4) Virtues for peace and harmony living. They are Saraniyadhamma (States of conciliation), Sammavaca (Right speech), Piyavaca (Kindly speech), and Ariyavinaya (Criteria of the Doctrine and the Discipline). (5) The volunteer spirit development process according to the Buddhist Doctrines.

There are 4 aspects that relate to the application of volunteer spirit process according to the Buddhist Doctrines among staffs, Sathira–Dhammasathan. These are (1) The leadership (2) The community culture (3) Place (4) The community lifestyles. All of the 4 aspects have refined the staff members at Sathira–Dhammasathan to bring out their virtues in a variety of ways such as care, share, and respect as well as generosity, aid support, and relieve stress to others. Their seeds of mental development are cultivated and shown in different kinds of volunteer spirit activities such as decorating, broadcasting, cooking, gardening, and housekeeping. All of these activities are distributed in 4 programs at Sathira–Dhammasathan. They are as follows: (1) Intensive weekends of Anapanasati meditation (2) Natural healing program (3) School for the parents program (4) Crystal baby/Serene mind program.

In addition, the staff members at Sathira–Dhammasathan have applied self development principles according to the Buddhist Doctrines. The results show that Sathira–Dhammasathan is a community where the Buddhist Doctrines become the basis and driving force for spiritual development. Therefore, it encourages the staff members to gain an inner peace, to train one’s mind to let go of self, to realize the ultimate truth, and to obtain a happy life.