Analyzing Approaches to Enhancing Family Happiness according to Buddhist Principles

Abstract

The purposes of this research article were 1) to study the problems faced by Thai family; 2) to study the enhancement of family happiness according to Buddhist principles; and 3) to analyze approaches to enhancing family happiness according to Buddhist principles in Thai society. This was a qualitative research study, collecting field data through in-depth interviews with 25 informants using purposive sampling, and analyzing the data using content analysis. The research results found that 1) Thai family problems arose from many dimensions, including domestic violence, economic stress, distant relationships, moral decline, and the impact of technology which resulted in domestic violence, distant relationships, moral decline, and emotional vulnerability of family members. However, Buddhist principles, namely Disa 6, Sila 6, Gharavasadhamma 4, and Brahmavihara 4. It can be used as an important conceptual framework for developing family relationships, both in terms of roles, responsibilities, virtues in managing a household, and building mental stability; 2) the approaches to enhancing family happiness according to Buddhist principles consisted of 4 main approaches: (1) the relationship structure according to Disa 6 to arrange the roles of parents-children, spouses, and social networks appropriately; (2) developing morality in family life through Gharavasadhamma 4 to create honesty, self-control, patience, and sacrifice; (3) creating a safe physical and mental space through adherence to the Five Precepts to reduce violence and risky behaviors; and (4) developing positive relationships through Brahmavihara 4 to create a warm atmosphere and reduce conflict within the home; and 3) the researchers synthesized the knowledge into a “HAPPY Model”, a model to enhance the happiness of Thai families according to Buddhist principles, consisting of H (Harmony): harmony through roles and the Five Precepts, A (Affection): love and compassion according to Brahmavihara 4, P (Participation): building good relationships according to the Six Directions (Disa 6), P (Patience): patience and self-control according to Gharavasadhamma 4, and Y (Yielding): sacrifice to reduce ego. This model can be used as a guideline to sustainably enhance the happiness of Thai families.