Application of Buddhist Principles in the Daily Lives of the Elderly in Phak Top Sub-district, Nong Han District, Udon Thani Province

Abstract

The aims of this paper were: 1) to study the principles of Buddhism related to the lifestyle of the elderly in Buddhism 2) to study the problems of the elderly that are in Phak Top Sub Sub-district 3) to propose ways to apply the principles of Buddhism to the lives of the elderly in Phak Top Sub Sub-district. This study was carried out by means of a qualitative research methodology by collecting the data from documents and
in-depth interviews of 25 key informants. The gathered data were presented by the descriptive analysis based on the inductive reasoning method.
The research results were as follows:
1. The principles of Buddhism related to the way of life of the elderly, namely the Five Precepts, threefold training, meritorious action, Meditation (Meditation), making the elderly follow Buddhist principles. In order to make the elderly live longer, physical health, good mental health, so do not underestimate their lifestyle in property, use of property for benefit to prevent insults from others.
2. Problems of the elderly the most common physical problem that affects the health of the elderly is according to the deterioration of the body. Psychological and emotional problems family and social problems.
3. Guidelines for the application of Buddhist principles in the lives of the elderly, found that the happiness according to the principles of Buddhism do not just focus on human happiness for health. But taking into account the effects that will occur both on oneself, family, society and environment. Bring the principles of Buddhism that they practice in the way of life to promote and solve physical problems. To polish one's own desires trying to practice good deeds in order to control all aspects of behavior that is inherent in you. Prevents one from doing bad deeds for happiness now and after this world.