Buddhist Innovation for Processing of Sustainable Peace for Community: A Case Study of Community of Phrasasung Temple, Huairat District, Buriram Province

Abstract

             The purposes of this research are: 1) to study the problem conditions and development guidelines 2) to study the process of creating and 3) to apply the Buddhist innovation model for sustainable peace in the community of Wat Prasat Sung. This research employed a mixed-methods approach, the quantitative sample consisted of 152 people in the area surrounding Wat Prasat Sung, selected using stratified random sampling. A qualitative data group of 20 people was selected using purposive sampling. The research tools used included questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and non-participant observation. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis.
             The research results found as the followings:
             1. The problems and approaches to developing a sustainable Buddhist peace innovation for the community of Wat Prasat Sung. Four major problems were found: 1) Physical and mental health issues, including household debt, 2) Regarding morality and spirituality, this includes the weak community and temple rules and their insufficient enforcement, 3) Spiritual concerns include family worries and 4) In terms of intellectual contemplation, this includes solving problems without participation. The overall level of challenges in achieving sustainable peace for the community at Wat Prasat Sung was at the highest level of opinion (𝑥̅ = 4.54, S.D. = 0.679). When considered in order of importance, the aspect of intellectual cultivation had the highest average score.
               2. The process of creating a Buddhist innovation model for sustainable peace, the following steps were found in the design of the peace development process, are: 1. Creating understanding through participation 2. The mechanism for driving activities based on the principles of Bovorn (Buddhist, Community, and Local). 3. Creating reliable leaders. 4. Establish rules and agreements together, using the temple as a central hub to connect homes, communities, schools, and a network of partner organizations.
             3.  Application of the Buddhist innovation model for sustainable peace found that the practical application involves creating shared awareness and understanding among the community members. Preparing the necessary personnel, budget, and supporting resources through collaboration with temples, local authorities, schools, and public health agencies, and building sustainability by using temples as the central hub for ongoing activities.