A Study of Community Development with Brahmavihara Dhamma of Community Leaders in Mueang District, Songkhla Province

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1) Study concepts and theories about Community development of Community Leaders, 2) study the principles of Brahmavihara Dhamma in Theravada Buddhism, and 3) analyze community development with Brahmavihara Dhamma of Community Leaders in Mueang District, Songkhla Province. The qualitative research study based on primary documents and secondary document, such as the Tripitaka, Commentary, textbooks, theories, and related research documents. Additionally, in-depth interviews with 12 key informants/people.

          The research found that:

Concepts and theories about Community development of Community Leaders was important for developing quality human resources. And if Community Leaders adopt the principles of Brahmavihara Dhamma in Theravada Buddhism with the 4 Dharma elements: Metta was love goodwill with wanting others to be happy. Karuna was compassionate thoughts of wanting others to be free from suffering. Mudita was joy when seeing others happy. Upekkha was the neutral belief in living according to the Dhamma that was considered with wisdom. Let’s use it as a moral principle as well, it will cause the community to progress and develop even more. Therefore, community development was based on the principles of Brahmavihara Dhamma of community leaders in Mueang district, Songkhla Province. Therefore, it was considered a measuring point that shows the well-being of community members. However, community leaders needs to be developed in 3 areas: community education, community organization and operations according to community processes, that community leaders have use in community development in order for the community to have peace, quality and good living. Because community was considered social capital that was the foundation for national development. And if community leaders apply the principles of Brahmavihara Dhamma to the development of the country, then community Members will live happily together, and effectively develop a good quality of life for people in the community.