THE APPLICATION OF BUDDHADHAMMA PRINCIPLES TO ENHANCE THE ETHICS OF LOCAL POLITICIANS IN NOEN SA-NGA DISTRICT CHAIYAPHUM PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the level of opinions on the ethics of local politicians, 2) study the relationship between the ethics of local politicians and the four divine states of mind of local politicians, and 3) propose the application of Buddhist principles to enhance the ethics of local politicians. The research was a mixed-methods research. The quantitative research used a questionnaire as a data collection tool. The sample group consisted of 393 eligible voters in Noen Sangha District, Chaiyaphum Province. The statistics used for data analysis were frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The hypothesis was tested using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The qualitative research used in-depth interviews with nine informants divided into four groups. The data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

The research results were as follows:

1. Overall, the level of opinions on the ethics of local politicians was high. The aspect with the highest mean was creating pride in the profession, followed by creating awareness of ethics. The aspect with the lowest mean was creating knowledge and understanding.


2. Overall, the relationship between the ethics of local politicians and the four divine states of mind was highly positive (r = 0.861**).


3. Buddhist principles were applied to enhance the ethics of local politicians under the principle of the Four Divine Abodes: Local politicians apply loving-kindness to help people escape from suffering. They have the compassion to help people live better lives. They always congratulate their colleagues and the people. They have empathy and cooperation, are impartial, and do not take sides.