BUDDHA DHAMMA AND LAWS FOR PROBLEM RESOLUTION IN TAMBON KRASOB, MUANG DISTRICT, UBON RATCHATHANI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research titled “Buddha Dhamma and Laws for Problem Resolution in Tambon Krasob, Muang District, Ubon Ratchathani Province” included 2 objectives: 1) to study Buddha Dhamma principles for solving community problems; and 2) to study the principles of laws and social measures for solving community problems. It was qualitative research by gathering and analyzing information from the target groups including 18 community leaders, village committees and monks. In-depth interviews and participatory observation were used as a tool in this study, then the collected information was qualitatively analyzed for describing the research results. The findings of this research were as follows. Buddha Dhamma and Laws and social measures used for solving community problems that could be prioritized as the followings: 1) Alcohol and drug abuse: The Buddha Dhamma included: the Right Mindfulness; the Five Precepts and Apayamukha 6. The laws and social measures included: warning in alcoholic abuse; taking legal measures against the offences; setting community rules on preventing drug abuse; enforcing the laws; collaborating villagers, temples and schools; refraining from alcohol in Buddhist Lent; and campaigning on anti-drug. 2) Quarrels and violence: The Buddha Dhamma included: the Right Mindfulness; and Kalyanamitta-dhamma 7. The laws and social measures included: warning, deterrence and mediation; law enforcement in case of serious injury or death; Dhamma practice; young Buddhist volunteers; alms giving on cultural routes; and sports relationship. 3) Illegal gambling: The Buddha Dhamma included: the Right Mindfulness, Lokapala-dhamma and Apayamukha 6. The laws and social measures included: warnings; enforcing laws In serious offences; the Five Precepts Observation Villages; campaigns on dangers of gambling; training on public essential laws. 4) Motorcyclist racing on public roads: The Buddha Dhamma included: the Right Mindfulness, the Five Precepts and Apayamukha 6.The laws and social measures included: warnings; enforcing laws In serious offences; informing juvenile parents to cooperate in solving the problems; providing knowledge on traffic laws among youth; publicizing losses from accidents of motorcyclist racing on public roads; vocational skill training for youth; praising youth for their good deeds; sports relations; relationship building within families of youth.