Dhamma practice of graduate students at Mahamakut Buddhist University Isan Campus

Abstract

The objectives of this research were as follows: 1. to study Dhamma according to Buddhist Principle, 2. to study Dhamma practice of graduate students in Mahamakut Buddhist University Isan Campus, and 3. to integrate ways in promoting Dhamma practice to develop moods of graduate students in Mahamakut Buddhist University Isan Campus.

The results were as follows : Dhamma practice according to Buddhist principles were: 1. Abstain from doing bad, and purify the mind, 2. Making merit by observing precepts (Sila) and meditation, 3. Practicing Samata (Concentration Development), and 4. Practicing Vipasana. As for the Dhamma practice of graduate students of Mahamakut Buddhist University Isan Campus, they practice: merit making by offering drinks, and giving alms; observing 5 precepts (Sila), pacifying body, speech, and mind while walking, cleaning, temple area, sala, chanting hall, Chedi. Praying means dedication of merits to the relatives; practice endeavors, being reasonable, remembering Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, reading Dhamma books, meditation, praying, listening to Dhamma, helping others, and being patience. 1. Ways to develop Dhamma practice were: 1) in the aspect of thinking; be positive and study dhamma, 2) be friendly; talking with your friends about bad moods, 3) create good moods; sleeping, listening to music, strolling around, being with nature and take a rest, 4) stick to Dhamma in living a life; live a life using Dhamma of Buddha, detached and practice Samatha and Vipasana meditation; 2. Ways to develop the moods of graduate students of Mahamakut Buddhist University Isan Campus: 1) be systematic i.e., to observe Sila, meditation regularly; 2) have positive attitude i.e., listen to Dhamma, be conscious, pray, read Dhamma books; 3) practice meditation regularly i.e., be calm, restrain the things which creates bad moods and study Samatha and Vipasana meditation; and 4) do beneficial deeds.    

Integrating ways in developing the Dhamma practice in developing moods in 4 ways are as follows: 1. Being conscious in daily life i.e., avoid moods, restraint moods, soothing wisdom, be self-controlled; 2. Meditation i.e., Samatha Meditation, Vipasana Meditation; 3. having good friends i.e., discuss Dhamma, study Dhamma; and 4. Doing activities i.e., making merits, practicing meditation.