GUIDELINES FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE SEVEN FACTORS OF ENLIGHTENMENT IN HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE FOR THE MONKS OF MUANG LOEI DISTRICT LOEI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to investigate the general health care conditions of Buddhist monks in Mueang Loei District, Loei Province; 2) to compare the guidelines for applying the Bojjhanga VII (Seven Factors of Enlightenment) in health care based on personal factors; and 3) to propose guidelines for applying the Bojjhanga VII to promote the holistic health care of the Sangha. A mixed-methods research design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, was employed. The quantitative sample consisted of 189 Maha Nikaya Buddhist monks in Mueang Loei District, selected through purposive sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistics, including t-test and One-Way ANOVA. For the qualitative phase, data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 10 key informants and analyzed using inductive content analysis. The research findings were as follows: 1. Regarding the general health care conditions, it was found that the majority of the monks engaged in appropriate health care behaviors in their daily routines, such as refraining from smoking, exercising through daily monastic duties (specifically walking for alms rounds and cleaning temple areas), obtaining sufficient rest, and avoiding inappropriate beverages. Most respondents were ecclesiastical administrative monks, aged 51 years or older, and held a Bachelor’s degree. 2. In the comparison analysis, it was revealed that monks with different statuses, ages, and educational levels showed no statistically significant differences in their practices and guidelines for applying the Bojjhanga VII in holistic health care at the 0.05 level. Consequently, the research hypothesis was rejected. 3. Regarding the guidelines for the application of the Bojjhanga VII for holistic health care, it was proposed that all seven factors should be actively promoted: (1) Sati (mindfulness) for self-awareness in daily life; (2) Dhamma-vicaya (investigation of states) for utilizing wisdom to analyze the causes and effects of health conditions; (3) Viriya (effort) to sustain perseverance in continuous health care; (4) Piti (rapture) to generate inner joy and morale; (5) Passaddhi (tranquility) to reduce stress and enhance physical and mental relaxation; (6) Samadhi (concentration) for mental stability; and (7) Upekkha (equanimity) for maintaining a neutral mind and accepting the nature of physical changes. All these factors contribute to a balanced, stable, and sustainable physical and mental health for the monks.