Guidelines for Promoting Community Peace with Buddhist Principles in Khon Taek Sundistrict, Sangkha District, Surin Province

Abstract

This research article has three objectives: 1) to study the background of the community in Khon Taek sub-district, Sangha district, Surin Province, 2) to study the concept of the community peace according to the Theravada Buddhism, and 3) to present the guideline for promoting the community peace in Khon Taek sub-district, Sangha district, Surin province. This is qualitative research done by studying documentaries, related research work, and in-depth interviews with 4 groups of key informants: 1) a group of monks, 5 monks; 2) a group of government executives/local leaders, 5 people; 3) a group of local scholars/academics, 5 people; 4) a group of local people, 10 people, totaling 25 monks/people. A descriptive analysis was also made respectively.

The research results were as follows:

The background of the community in Khon Taek sub-district, Sangha district, Surin province found that in the past, Khon Taek sub-district under the government of Sangha district, Surin province until 2514 B.E. (1971 C.E.) the administration was separated into Khon Taek sub-district, Sangha district, Surin province. They were the founder of the village. Future, there was Mr. Thiam Manirat as the first Village headman. The SUAI language has been used in communication in these communities until the present.

The concept of community peace according to Theravada Buddhism, peace means happiness with the characteristics of stillness, convenience, and calmness. There are two kinds, namely bodily happiness (Kâyika-sukha), and mental happiness (Cetasika-sukha), the 6 states of conciliations (Sâraniyadhamma), the five precepts, 3) the four principles of services. Besides, another Buddhist principle that contributes to building a peaceful society viz. 1) the holy abiding (Brahamavihara), 2) the state of conciliation, and 3) the Middle Path (Majjhimâpatipadâ)

To present the guideline for promoting community peace in Khon Taek sub-district, Sangha district, Surin province found that the communities have integrated the Buddhist principle viz the 6 state of conciliations (Sârâniyadhamma) and the five precepts, etc., in the way of life for promoting the community peace according to the Buddhist principle.