STUDY OF PHRA VESSANTARA’S VOLUNTEER MIND

Abstract

This academic article presents  volunteering is the consciousness for the public or responsibility that is born from within. It is the mind with the subconscious mind, and the moral virtue and results in external actions. The evaluated mind with inner wisdom and public consciousness is happy in helping other people without hope of rewards, is ready to spend time, physical strength and intellect to serve the society with compassion, peace, good energy to create a fair and peaceful society. Volunteerism is considered the main reason of Buddhism in working for the benefit of society. Volunteerism is divided into 4 categories as follows: 1) self-discipline; 2) environmental awareness; 3) awareness of problems and impacts on society; 4) adherence to the principles of living. The volunteer spirit or mind of Phra Vessantara can be generally said that he is a person who volunteered with his public responsibility within. His mind was happy to help other people without hope of rewards. He devoted his time, physical strength and intellect to serve the society with compassion, peace, good energy to create a fair and peaceful society. He was well-equipped with all aspects of goodness, which was the nature of Bodhisattva. His charity (dāna) performance was considered one of 10 perfections (pāramī) in Buddhism. All Bodhisattvas performed this perfection first before the others. The generosity can be done outside to inside; the Bodhisattva was even willing to devote his life to obtain the perfection and enlightenment.