ATHLETE WELL-BEING THROUGH BUDDHIST PRACTICES

Abstract

This academic article aimed to propose a new approach to promoting athletes’ well-being by systematically integrating Buddhist principles. It connects physical training in the world of sports with inner dimensions of the mind, wisdom, and social relationships under the concept of holistic well-being. The content covered an analysis of well-being in four dimensions: physical, mental, social, and intellectual. It highlighted the challenges athletes face in competitive environments, such as pressure, burnout, injuries, and uncertainty in post-competition life, and presented the Buddhist methods as a means of strengthening inner resilience and fostering sustainable balance. Key Buddhist principles such as the Four Paths of Accomplishment, Iddhipada, the Five Powers,Bala, the Threefold Training TiSikkha, and the Middle Way, Majjhimapatipada were applied to enhance inner drive, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom in tangible ways throughout training, emotional regulation, and adaptation to change. The study proposed a Buddhist model of athlete well-being that reflected the application of Dhamma as a mechanism for holistic development across all four dimensions. The approach emphasized cultivating inner strength to create balance from within, extending to external aspects both at the individual and systemic levels. This framework not only enhanced athletic performance but also promoted quality of life and maturity, enabling athletes to thrive both in competition and in contemporary society with stability and sustainability.