Development of Factors to Promote Volunteerism according to Buddhadhamma

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were 1) to study the conditions for developing factors promoting volunteerism; 2) to develop the development of factors promoting volunteerism according to Buddhadhamma; and 3) to present the guidelines for developing factors promoting volunteerism according to Buddhadhamma. It was a qualitative research. There were 4 groups of key informants used in the research using in-depth interviews: 1) a group of the Sangha working in public welfare, 2) a group of volunteers in Mueang Phetchabun District, 3) a group of volunteers in Lom Sak District, and 4) Lom Kao District Volunteer Club Group, 20 persons, and focus group discussions were conducted with 20 experts. The tools used to collect data were interviews and group discussions and descriptive content analysis. The results of the research found that 1) in terms of the conditions for the development of factors promoting volunteerism in current Thai society, there was development of factors promoting volunteerism in 6 areas: self, family, school, friends, society/community, and mass communication; 2) development of factors promoting volunteerism according to Buddhadhamma found that for factors promoting volunteerism, awareness of the importance of volunteerism should be instilled from childhood. There should be physical and mental preparation. There should be continuous participation in activities and there should be knowledge and expertise in communication based on Buddhadhamma, Bhavana 4, namely Kayabhavana, Silabhavana, Cittabhavana and Panyabhavana; and 3) the guidelines for developing factors to promote volunteerism according to Buddhadhamma found that the development guidelines should start with building faith, raise awareness of giving, sacrifice, and dedicating yourself to being a servant to fellow human beings. As for how to use it, this can be done in the form of training courses related to volunteer work or giving knowledge, deep understanding of the nature of volunteer work that Can be put into practice in a concrete way.