GUIDELINES FOR APPLYING THE PRINCIPLE OF LOVING-KINDNESS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE PEOPLE IN WANG PLAPOM SUB-DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION, NA WANG DISTRICT, NONG BUA LAMPHU PROVINCE

Abstract

The three objectives of this research were: 1) to study the general state of quality of life development of people in Wang Pla Pom Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Na Wang District, Nong Bua Lamphu Province; 2) to study the principle of loving-kindness in Theravada Buddhism contributing to quality of life development; and 3) to investigate the application of the loving-kindness principle to improve the quality of life of people in the designated area. Qualitative research methodology was employed in this study. Data were gathered from academic documents, Buddhist scriptures, and in-depth interviews conducted with 26 key informants, including monastic authorities, local administrators, educational personnel, and community leaders. Additionally, a panel discussion was organized with 9 experts. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive analysis based on inductive reasoning. The research results were revealed as follows: General problems in the area: It was found that local people faced uncertain income from agricultural sectors, resulting in chronic stress. Broken family structures were caused by the migration of the working-age population, and community resilience was declined due to materialistic competition. The principle of loving-kindness: Loving-kindness was defined as a mental state desiring the happiness of others, expressed through three channels: physical actions (Metta-Kayakamma), verbal actions (Metta-Vacikamma), and mental actions (Metta-Manokamma). These aspects were recognized as vital mechanisms for conflict reduction and social equality. The application for quality of life development: The model of "Compassionate Governance" was integrated into public administration. The implementation of "Creative Compassionate Physical Actions" was operated through community enterprise activities to generate income. Furthermore, the "Bovorn" (Home-Temple-School) network and Buddhist dispute mediation were effectively utilized, leading to psychological well-being, economic stability, and sustainable improvement of life quality.