Promoting the Four Noble Truths for the Development of the Quality of Life in the Nang Yorn Community Kura Sub-District, Kuraburi District, Phang Nga Province

Abstract

             The purposes of this research were: 1) to study the concepts concerning the quality of life of the Nangyon community, 2) to examine the principles of the Four Noble Truths as presented in the Buddhist scriptures, and 3) to promote the application of the Four Noble Truths in enhancing the quality of life of the Nangyon community, Khura Sub-district, Khura Buri District, Phang Nga Province. This study employed a qualitative research design, utilizing both documentary analysis and in-depth interviews. The key informants included Buddhist monks, community leaders, and local residents. The findings were presented in a descriptive narrative form, aiming to reflect the interconnection between Buddhist principles and the development of community quality of life within the local context.
             The research result found that:
             1. The concept of the quality of life in the Nangyon community reflects that human actions aimed at conscious transformation can be carried out in accordance with the principles of Buddhism. These include right understanding and right thought (samma-ditthi, samma-sankappa), right speech (samma-vaca), and right conduct (samma-kammanta, samma-ajiva, samma-sati, samma-samadhi), with the ultimate goal of fostering sustainable human development.
             2. The Four Noble Truths, as presented in the Buddhist scriptures, constitute a genuine process for the cessation of suffering. They comprise: 1) Dukkha the recognition of problems that arise, 2) Samudaya the identification of the causes of those problems, 3) Nirodha  the clear understanding of the goal of extinguishing suffering, and 4) Magga  the appropriate path for problem-solving through the principles of the Noble Eightfold Path.
             3. The promotion of the Four Noble Truths for enhancing the quality of life in the Nangyon community emphasizes addressing three major aspects: 1) education, religion, culture, and tradition; 2) environment and natural resource management; and 3) economy and community livelihoods. The application of Buddhist principles as a guiding framework helps to promote systematic and sustainable solutions to these issues.