Abstract

The thesis entitled ‘An Application of Buddha dhamma for the Elderly’s Lifestyle in Sukhsawat Community, Lampang Province’ is of three objectives as (1) to study the community context and problems of elderly people in Sukhsawat community, Lampang province, (2) to study the elderly’s lifestyle based on the principles of Buddhism and (3) to investigate an application of the Buddhist doctrine for the elderly’s lifestyle in Sukhsawat community, Lampang province. This research is conducted by the qualitative research method and survey research. The results are as follows:

Regarding to the community context and state of problems related to the 345 elderly people (60 years old and above) in Sukhsawat community, Phrabath Sub district, Muang district, Lampang province, they believe in Buddhism and experiencing physical degeneration such as sickness and unhealthy. It results the mental and emotional state such as anxiety, loneliness, loss of beloved person, lack of confidence in living in society. These problems make some older people lack emotional stability and income.

The principles of elderly living in accordance with the teachings of Buddhism, they have practiced in physical and mental development. They have prepared themselves in advance by accepting the truth of the Three Characteristics that everyone must die based on the law of nature. Therefore, they exercise regularly for healthy and eating a hygienic food.

An application the Buddhist doctrine for living in the Sukhsawat Community, they have developed themselves by practicing the Four Noble Truth, when they faced their physical problems. Regarding the mental development, they have practice the Five Precepts, the Virtues Enjoined by the Five Precepts and the Sublime States of Mind In regard to the social coexistence, when problems arise in the community, they uphold and solved those problems by the virtues making for group integration and leadership, the teaching of good and evil, the law of Kamma. They live their lives based on the sufficient economy by avoiding from sources for the destruction of the amassed wealth and developing the path of accomplishment. The daily life, they lived their lives in line with the heedfulness and upheld the Three Characteristics, the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Worldly Vicissitudes.  

Download