Application of Buddhist Principles in Health Innovation during the New Normal of Phra Khilanupatthaka in Sukhothai Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were 1) to study Buddhist principles and health innovations; 2) to study the process of applying Buddhist principles in health innovations during the new normal of Phra Khilanupatthaka in Sukhothai Province; and 3) to propose a process for applying Buddhist principles in health innovations during the new normal of Phra Khilanupatthaka in Sukhothai Province. This was the qualitative research using document analysis and interviews. A total of 16 key informants were involved in the study. Data was analyzed using content analysis. Data was collected through interview questionnaires and audio recordings. The research results found that 1) Buddhist principles had significant implications for health in two dimensions: (1) physical happiness (kayikasukha) and (2) mental happiness (Cetasikasukha). The important principles that can be applied to promote health included (1) Tilakkhana, (2) Bhavana 4, (3) Iddhipada 4, (4) Bala 5 (5) Appamadadhamma; 2) Phra Khilanupatthaka should study the process of applying the five principles according to the following steps: (1) studying the knowledge gained from Buddhist principles, (2) analyzing the principles that were appropriate for work of Gilanadhamma, (3) experiment or practice for the integration of health work, (4) disseminating knowledge and practicing to sick monks and target groups, and (5) promoting the tangible and intangible development of sick monks, enabling them to effectively care for and improve their own health effectively, especially sustainable methods of mental treatment; 3) a key feature in applying Buddhist principles and proposing processes was that Phra Khilanupatthaka must consider that in performing their duties, they should have a motto: "Dharma as an innovation to protect the mind," and be able to apply it to develop health in four dimensions: physical, mental, social, and intellectual. In creating a work process, Phra Khilanupatthaka must apply the knowledge gained from Buddhist principles as a model within the framework of Buddhist health innovation, which had four models as follows: (1) Dhamma as an innovation to protect the mind, (2) 4-dimensional health innovation, (3) natural healing innovation, and (4) monk’s dwelling palliative care innovation. These four model prototypes were guidelines for developing a concrete and sustainable model for performing well-being duties of Phra Khilanupatthaka in Sukhothai Province.