Buddhist Health Promotion of Health Assembly in Roi Et Province

Abstract

This research article aims to (1) develop health promotion activities based on Buddhist principles for the Health Assembly of Roi Et Province and (2) strengthen the Buddhist health network of the Health Assembly in Roi Et Province. This study employs a qualitative research methodology, focusing on the Health Assembly of Roi Et Province. The target groups were 5 monks, 5 community leaders, 10 village health volunteers (VHVs) and 15 general public, totaling 35 monks/people, selected purposively. The research instruments were interviews forms and group discussion recording forms and observation type, Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, observe behavior and the organization of health promotion activities based on Buddhist principles. The findings are presented descriptively. The study revealed that: (1) Holistic health promotion activities based on Buddhism involve the application of Buddhist principles in daily life to achieve happiness, disease prevention, and safety. These activities encompass four dimensions: physical cultivation (kaya bhavana), ethical cultivation (sila bhavana), mental cultivation (citta bhavana), and wisdom cultivation (panna bhavana). Examples include physical health promotion through exercise, mental health promotion through the practice of loving-kindness, wisdom health promotion through contemplation of life according to the principles of the Three Characteristics (anicca, dukkha, anatta), and social health promotion through adherence to the law. (2) The strengthening of the Buddhist health network within the Health Assembly of Roi Et Province involves participatory work at every stage, from planning meetings to evaluation and summarization of activities each year. Key components include the processes of network building, network management, role allocation among network members, utilization of the network, and the application of the Four Noble Truths in the development of the network-building process.