An Analytical Study of Monks’ Life in Mueang District, Mahasarakham Province According to the Paccayasannissitassīla Principles

Abstract

        The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the Paccayasannissitassīla principles in the scriptures of Theravada Buddhism; 2) to analytically study monks’ life in Mueang District, Mahasarakham Province according to the Paccayasannissitassīla principles. This study was carried out by means of the qualitative research methodology through fieldwork interviews and analysis of the monks’ life in the research area.
        The research results were as follows: The Paccayasannissitassīla in the scriptures of Theravada Buddhism is the principles of consumption and utilization of the four requisites. It is used as the principle of living to create physical and mental balances. It is the teaching about using the four requisites by considering its meanings and advantages or values of things. It is not the consumption based on desire but for health, cloth used in protection of coldness, houses used in preventing wind and sun, medicine used for treatment of illness, which is the cause of feeling.
        The analytical study of monks’ life in Mueang District, Mahasarakham Province according to the Paccayasannissitassīla principles suggested that the monks in the area understood the use of four requisites, namely the use of cloth, eating, living in the residence, including the use of tools and appliances, having medicine, which is a necessity for life as well.