A Comparative Study of the Guideline for Radiating Loving-Kindness in Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism for Improving the Mind of Expatriates -

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1) investigate the concepts, principles, and existing problems related to the mental development of people living abroad; 2) examine the approaches to loving-kindness practice in Theravāda and Mahāyāna Buddhism for promoting the mental development of people living abroad; and 3) compare and synthesize the loving-kindness approaches of Theravāda and Mahāyāna Buddhism in order to develop an integrated loving-kindness model for enhancing the mental development of people living abroad. This study employed a qualitative research design using documentary research in conjunction with in-depth interviews with a total of 28 key informants, consisting of Buddhist monks, Buddhist meditation practitioners, Buddhist scholars, and experts. The research instruments consisted of a document review form and a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed using content analysis and comparative synthesis. The findings revealed that people living abroad commonly experience loneliness, homesickness, stress, and difficulties in adapting to cultural differences, all of which negatively affect their mental well-being and quality of life. The Theravāda Buddhist approach to loving-kindness emphasizes the cultivation of mental stability through mindfulness practice, self-forgiveness, and the gradual extension of loving-kindness toward others. In contrast, the Mahāyāna Buddhist approach places greater emphasis on bodhicitta, great compassion, and the application of skillful means, including meditative practice, mantra recitation, and visualization, to cultivate loving-kindness and compassion toward all sentient beings. The comparative analysis further demonstrated that although the two Buddhist traditions differ in their philosophical perspectives and methods of practice, they share the common objective of eliminating mental defilements, cultivating loving-kindness and compassion, and promoting peaceful coexistence. Based on these findings, an Integrated Loving-kindness Model for Enhancing the Mental Development of People Living Abroad was synthesized. The model integrates the Theravāda emphasis on mental stability with the Mahāyāna emphasis on universal compassion in order to strengthen psychological resilience, reduce both intrapersonal and interpersonal conflicts, facilitate adaptation within multicultural societies, and promote balanced and peaceful coexistence with others.