Abstract 

           This thesis entitled “An Analytical Study on Buddha Dhamma Principle for Application among the Elderly” has 3 objectives: (1) To study the elderly in the area of Tambon Khamyai, Muang district, Ubonratchathani province; (2) To study Buddha Dhamma principle in relation to the elderly; (3) To analytically study on the application of Buddha Dhamma principle among the elderly in Tambon Khamyai, Muang district, Ubonratchathani province. The method of this research is a qualitative research by studying from related primary and secondary documents and also interviewing the elderly. All information was analyzed, compiled, bound and presented in descriptive manner.

           The results of this research are as the followings:

               1) The elderly includes the people aged 60 and above as specified by government office retirement. The elderly faces physical and mental problems with weaknesses and illnesses that changes into deterioration. The elderly needs to be basically taken care to be spiritually happy and neither discouraged nor lonely in leading their lives. The elderly in Tambon Khamyai needs their rights to be protected. They should be taken care of and honorably live in society. The elderly, thus, volunteer to be leaders, participants and observers in social activities, religious ceremonies and national days of events in order to live happily together. The elderly are also examples of leaders and models of parents to be respected by society.

               2) Buddha Dhamma principle applied among the elderly in Tambon Khamyai includes 5 aspects: the triple gems, the three characteristics, the five precepts and the five Dhammas, constant mindfulness and mindfulness of the body. Application of the triple gems, it is found that the elderly are conscious on Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha as a refuge. Mindfulness in the three characteristics helps the elderly understand the conditions of transiency, suffering and non-self. These characteristics can be considered and understood of the uncertainty that one should not adhere but let it be as it is. For the five precepts and the five Dhammas, the five precepts must be physically and verbally controlled by virtuousness. The five Dhammas should be practiced. For constant mindfulness, it is the awareness of the elderly as Buddhists and they can be good models of the community. The constant mindfulness applied among the elderly in Tambon Khamyai includes 3 aspects: mindfulness on Buddha; mindfulness on breathing; and mindfulness on death. Mindfulness of the body helps the elderly consider all the things as they are. The elderly in Tambon Khamyai has brought mindfulness of the body to apply and lead their lives by consciousness of their body, feelings, thoughts, mind condition and real condition. This leads the elderly to happiness while the elderly behaves themselves as a model to teach others.

               3) The Buddha Dhamma principle application, the elderly must study, clearly understand, see the value and practice Buddha Dhamma principle then propagate it. The elderly must behave themselves as a good model in organizing and participating activities. In the five precepts and five Dhammas, as the elderly have passed various stages of life, they understand the righteousness in leading life in society. The elderly should strictly behave as a good model in the five precepts and the five Dhammas. Problems faced by individuals, families and societies are related to the lacking of keeping the five precepts and behaving the five Dhammas. The understanding in three characteristics: transiency, suffering and non-self are common characteristics that the elderly should understand and lead their life with precautions. They realize the worthiness of time to make merit for themselves and their societies. Constant mindfulness, most of the elderly in Tambon Khamyai are Buddhists. They, thus, understand and realize the 10 aspects of constant mindfulness and they choose three of them including mindfulness on Buddha, mindfulness on breathing, and mindfulness on death to apply in their lives. They focus mindfulness on Buddha, realize in and out breathing, see the value of indispensable breathing. Mindfulness on death can help keeping one’s mind out of distractions by considering deaths of animals and realizing that death will, however, reach everyone. Mindfulness on body, the elderly need to consider all the things as they are and be conscious on body, feeling, thought, mind and conditions that can be applied for a peaceful life of oneself and society at present and in the future. 

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