ENHANCING HAPPINESS ACCORDING TO THE FOUR FOUNDATIONS OF MINDFULNESS

Abstract

This research article aims to achieve three objectives: 1. To study the principles of happiness enhancement in society. 2. To examine the practice of Dhamma according to the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhāna). 3. To propose a guideline for enhancing happiness based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness in meditation centers in Nan province. This study is a qualitative field research conducted in Nan province, collecting data from two meditation centers.
The findings reveal that the principles for enhancing happiness in society follow the eight dimensions of happiness: 1. Good health. 2. Kindness and generosity. 3.Relaxation. 4.Intellectual growth (Brain: seeking knowledge). 5.Morality. 6.Financial self-sufficiency (ability to manage personal income and expenses). 7. Family happiness (strong family relationships) 8. Organizational and social well-being (harmonious society). Additionally, Buddhist principles such as generosity (dāna), morality (sīla), meditation (samādhi), cultivating a mindset of giving and self-sacrifice, developing loving-kindness (brahmavihāra), and practicing public-mindedness (sādhāraṇīyadhamma) should be emphasized. These principles contribute to inner peace and true happiness. The practice of Dhamma based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness involves cultivating mindfulness in daily life by being aware of the body (kāya), feelings (vedanā), mind (citta), and mental objects (dhamma). It begins with mindfulness of the body (kāyānupassanā), which includes awareness of bodily movements, physical sensations, and even the rising and falling of the abdomen. This is followed by mindfulness of feelings (vedanānupassanā), which involves recognizing bodily and mental sensations—pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. Then, mindfulness of the mind (cittānupassanā) is developed, focusing on awareness of thoughts, emotions, and distinguishing between the self and the mind. The guidelines for enhancing happiness in society based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness are as follows: 1. Focusing on physical well-being – This approach emphasizes happiness through physical aspects, such as maintaining good health and having sufficient basic necessities for living. The principle of a sufficiency economy can be applied to promote adequate and sustainable income for individuals. 2. Focusing on mental well-being – This approach emphasizes psychological happiness, including peace of mind, inner happiness, and wisdom. The Four Foundations of Mindfulness can be applied to encourage mindfulness in daily life, helping individuals let go of attachments, develop wisdom in solving problems, and appreciate the value of things around them.