Strengthening the Family according to Buddhist Principles to Achieve a Good Quality of Life in the New Normal Era

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1. study the situation of Thai families in the new normal era; 2. explore concepts regarding family strengthening in the new normal era and 3. propose guidelines for strengthening families based on Buddhist principles to achieve a good quality of life in the new normal era. Qualitative research was conducted, collecting data from documents and interviews. Content analysis was conducted based on identified issues, categorizing and sequencing the research into a research book and presenting the results using descriptive analysis.

The research findings revealed :

1. Five factors impacting Thai families in the new normal era include : 1) changing population structure; 2) economic change; 3) social and cultural change; 4) the influence of media, technology and information and 5) environmental change and the trend of severe disease outbreaks.
2. Strengthening families in the new normal era involves expressing appreciation, valuing each other and encouraging one another; fulfilling their roles appropriately and adhering to moral principles in life; earning income to support the family; keeping records of income and expenses; engaging in various forms of savings; owning one’s own home and receiving health insurance; maintaining good relationships with neighbors and participating in community quality of life development activities, preparedness and cooperation in solving problems, especially disasters and emerging infectious diseases.
3. Strengthening families according to Buddhist principles to ensure a good quality of life the new normal era. This includes relevant principles, including the two principles of having the most support, the four divine states of mind, the four principles of laymanship, the four principles of the heart of the millionaire, the four principles of Bhogavibhāga, the four principles of training, the four principles of social welfare, the four principles of effort, the six principles of Sārāṇīyadhamma and the six principles of directions. The study yielded new knowledge, namely the FA-BUDHI Model.