The Model of Welfare Assistance Provision According to Theravada Buddhist philosophy of the People in Roi Et Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research were 1) study the theoretical concepts of welfare organization, 2) study the Theravada Buddhist philosophy on welfare organization, 3) study the form of welfare organization for people in Roi Et Province. This research is qualitative research by studying data from Tripitaka, Buddhist academic documents, and related research. The key informants are 10 qualified monks. The research instrument is an in-depth interview form, and the research results are presented using descriptive analysis.
The results revealed that:
1. The theoretical concepts of welfare management include: 1) Carrying out activities to help and support others; 2) Helping and supporting others' activities for the public benefit; 3) Helping and supporting public property; 4) Helping and supporting the general public.
2. The main principles of Theravada Buddhist philosophy regarding the organization of welfare and support are 2 points: 1) Dhamma which is the foundation of mutual support, a method to make people love each other; 2) Dhamma principles which facilitate the creation of benefits and relationships among human beings in 3 areas: (1) present benefits, (2) future benefits, (3) the highest benefits which is Nirvana; and 3) Dhamma which makes people remember each other or practices for people who live together as a group.
3. The form of providing welfare according to the Theravada Buddhist philosophy of the people in Roi Et Province which includes giving (Dana), using polite words (Piyavaca), useful conduct (Atthacariya), and equality consisting in impartiality (Samanatta); emphasizing the highest benefit which is attaining Nirvana through practicing Dhamma in daily life; and sharing things in the form of public utilities (Sadharanabhogi). Those who practice must be generous and have good behavior in body, speech, and mind to promote unity and happiness in the community.