The Process of Social Purification of Defilements according to the Buddhist Wisdom-Based Approach to develop teaching and learning for students at Thai Buddhist Universities

Abstract

The purposes of this research were 1) to study the general state of the process of social purification of defilements according to the Buddhist wisdom-based approach in order to develop teaching and learning for students at Thai Buddhist universities and 2) to investigate approaches for student development based on the Buddhist wisdom-based approach at Thai Buddhist universities. This study was mixed-method research, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study employed document analysis, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires for data collection. The scope of the study included students of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Lam Sai Subdistrict, Wang Noi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, and students of Mahamakut Buddhist University, Salaya-Nakhon Chai Si Road, Salaya Subdistrict, Phutthamonthon District, Nakhon Pathom Province. The sample group used for in-depth interviews included administrators of Thai Buddhist universities/representatives, heads of departments/representatives, and lecturers in the Social Studies Education program/representatives, totaling 13 individuals. The subjects were selected by a purposive sampling method. The findings were as follows: 1) The process of social purification of defilements based on the Buddhist wisdom-based approach emphasizes correcting undesirable habits and guiding individuals toward appropriate behavior through self-discipline. The process also emphasizes awareness of emotions such as Raga, Dosa, Moha, Mana, and Ditthi, together with the practice of mindfulness and wisdom. These practices help prevent defilements from overwhelming individuals and manifesting as negative behaviors such as lobha, dosa, and moha, or immoral conduct. The process is guided by the three Patihariya principles of Dhamma: (1) Iddhipatihariya refers to the display of supernatural powers. (2) Adesanapatihariya refers to the ability to understand the minds of others, which is considered a miraculous feat. (3) Anusasanipatihariya refers to teachings that reveal the true, showing the truth, and serving as a guide, such as Sallekha Dhamma (Dhamma for purifying defilements). 2) Guidelines for student development based on the Buddhist wisdom-based approach in Thai Buddhist universities found that before developing the instructional model, it is necessary to define the content for the refinement of behavioral, mental, and intellectual defilements. This involves using the three Patihariya principles to create a three-stage process for social purification of defilements, as follows: 1) Iddhipatihariya: The knowledge acquisition stage involves stimulating interest, describing the assigned content, and encouraging students to conduct further research. 2) Adesanapatihariya: The analytical thinking stage involves exchanging ideas, expressing opinions, analyzing events, and synthesizing knowledge. 3) Anusasanipatihariya: The instructional stage involves putting knowledge into practice, summarizing acquired knowledge, suggesting ways of application, and serving as a model for the purification of defilements.