AN APPLICATION OF SARANIYADHAMMA TO PROMOTE UNITY IN BANNONGKONG COMMUNITY, SAM PHRAO SUBDISTRICT, MUANG DISTRICT, UDON THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore the substance of Sārāṇīya Dhamma in Buddhist Scripture, to study the context of the research community's unity in Udornthani province, and to present the way to apply the Sārāṇīya Dhamma to enhance the community's coexistence reconciliation. The research employs a qualitative methodology, with data gathered through documentary analysis, participant observation, and in-depth interviews. The research indicates the followings:1) The Sārāṇīya Dhamma is a discourse on the six conditions for conciliation that lead to amiability, endearment, respect, and a sense of fellowship and unity as well as conflict resolution and coexistence. 2) The context of community unity in this research area found that conflict occurs when different ideas or actions cause disagreements such as social conflict: the burning of garbage, noise interference, and a shortage of local leaders capable of effectively resolving conflicts. The conflict management approach has proceeded to an accusation, leading to a lack of harmony as a consequence of community relationships. 3) The Six Sārāṇīya Dhamma’s conflict resolution for the community begins with the same viewpoint, participation in constructing community rules and regulations and having loving-kindness toward one another through the body (mettaṁ kaya,kammaṁ), speech(mettaṁ vacī,kammaṁ) and mind(mettaṁ mano,kammaṁ) to bring the expressions of respect, giving honor and sympathy, sharing mutual benefits with justice (appaṭivibhatta,bhogī) and compatibility in moral virtues (silā,sāmañña,gato) and view(diṭṭhi,sānañña,gato), to enhance reconciliation, to eliminate conflict, and to strengthen unity from community to the nation.