Elderly Care according to Buddhism: A Case Study of the Elderly Schools in Buddhist Monasteries in Maeka, Muang, Phayao

Abstract

This research aimed at studying the elderly care in the contemporary Thai society, the elderly care according to Buddhism, and the form of elderly care according to Buddhism employed by the elderly schools in Buddhist monasteries in Maeka Sub-district, Muang District, Phayao. It was a qualitative research conducted by reviewing documents including participatory observation and informal interview. The findings revealed that the elderly care in Thai society was based on self-care taken by the elderly themselves, whereas their family, community, and society were supporter in accordance with their physical conditions. For example, the social bound group of elders was taken care by health promotion activities in the so-called ‘Elderly School’. According to Buddhism, the elderly care was a kind of showing gratitude. The elderly’s physical and spiritual aspects were taken care to help them develop themselves by means of Tisikkhā, namely, Sila, Samādhi, and Paññā. One of the best practices was a case of Phrakhrusujinkalyanatham who initiated the elderly school and prepared reasonable activities for developing the elderly students in Phan District, Chiangrai. This type of school became a model of the other two schools in the Buddhist Monasteries, i.e. Maekatokwak Temple and Maekahuaykian Temple in Maeka Sub-district, Muang District, Phayao. The two monasteries applied the activities of learning processes based on Tisikkhā to suit the contexts in Maeka Community. However, it seemed that Maekatokwak Temple could manage teaching and learning more satisfactorily.