Relieving Chronic Elderly Patients with Primary Stipatthana 4 Center Happy Elderly Wat Nong Waeng Temple in Muang District, Khon Kaen

Abstract

The thesis aims of this research were: 1) to study the problems of chronic patients in current Thai society and the elderly health center at Nong Waeng temple, royal monastery, Nai mueang sub-district, Mueang district, khon kaen province; 2) to study the principles and practices of the Four Satipaṭṭhāna (Mindfulness); 3) to study the relief of chronic illness of the elderly by the Four Satipaṭṭhāna in the Elderly health center at Nong Waeng temple. This study was carried out by means of a qualitative research methodology through in-depth interviews of 20 key informants and group discussion. The obtained data are presented by the descriptive analysis.
The results of the research showed that: chronic patients in the Thai society and health center have 5 similar problems: 1) diabetes, 2) heart pressure, 3) depression, 4) anxiety and depression and 5) lack of interaction with other people. Due to medical principles and practices, chronic illnesses are alleviated, have good quality of life both physically and mentally, for both patients and families. The principles of alleviating
sickness in the elderly are Vadanānupassanā Satipaṭṭhāna (Contemplation of Feeling), which is a form of feeling awareness for alleviating illness with practices that support illness relief, including memory, carelessness, having a strong mind, being patient, and seeing the truth. When this dhamma is applied, it results in: 1) understanding of life that illness is normal; 2) understanding of Four Dhātu (Elements) and Five Khandha (Aggregates) that are impermanent and uncontrolled; 3) good practice consciousness without
carelessness; 4) understanding in determining happiness and unhappiness as a natural law that cannot be enforced. These four elements are used to restore the mental state of the patients, help relieve their chronic illness and have a better quality of life.