The objectives of this research were: 1) to study concept of the sickness according to Theravada Buddhism, 2) to study the comprehensive process on the sickness according to Buddhism, and 3) to study the application of the comprehensive process on the sickness according to Buddhism in the present society.
This research applied qualitative research with focusing on studying documents from Tipitaka as the primary source and used academic textbooks, related documents and research as the secondary source.
The results of the research were as follows:
Buddhism explained the comprehensive process on sickness as a natural process that all animates could not avoid. Such process showed:
1. The concept of sickness according to Theravada Buddhism had two meanings, namely: physical sickness (Kayikarorogo) and mental sickness (Cetasikarogo). Besides, the meaning of those kinds of sickness included the application of Buddhism Doctrine or Dhamma to the treatment. That would enable relief to the symptom.
2. The concept of the sickness according to Theravada Buddhism led to understand and learn about the process of sickness comprehension as well as care taking and treatment methods.
3. The concept of the sickness according to Theravada Buddhism aimed to apply the comprehensive process on sickness according to Buddhism. This process could also be applied to help survival in the modern Thai society very well.
In conclusion, the study was summarized in such a way that in Buddhism, any problem solution including one on sickness was done with one’s wisdom developed. Buddhism Doctrine or Dhamma was recommended to be used for comprehensive sickness, for solving the problems of symptom and for releasing the pain occurred. Mindfulness was a tool to solve both physical and mental sickness. More than anything else, mindfulness was absolutely workable to relieve all types of sickness in the modern Thai society of today. |