A Synthesis of Buddhist Principles and Buddhist Well-being Promotion According to Missions of the Tambon People’s Training Unit (TPT) under the Thai Sangha

Abstract

This documentary research aimed to analyze characteristics of Buddhist holistic well-being, and synthesize Buddhist principles from the project of Buddhist well-being promotion according to missions of the Tambon People’s Training Unit (TPT) under the Thai Sangha. Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya (P.A. Payutto)’s concept of Buddhist holistic well-being was used as the study framework. Data were analyzed by content analysis and descriptively presented. Findings showed that the Buddhist holistic characteristics are reflected in the Threefold Trainings (Trisikkha). The first characteristic concerns interaction between human beings and environment, which covers the four necessities of life. Animals are also included. The second characteristic concerns mental activities, which underly human interaction with the environment. It is called promotion of well-being in the realm of mental training to cultivate mental competencies and qualities. The third characteristics concerns knowledge and understanding of life which ultimately leads to liberation from problems or eradication of suffering. It is called promotion of well-being in the realm of wisdom. The Buddhist principles employed in the synthesis include the threefold Patimokkha Exhortations (Ovada-Patimokkha), which are extended to other minor Buddhist principles related to the eight missions. This set of knowledge is called "Threefold Trainings and Exhortations to Develop TPT."