MODEL OF THE RIGHT PRACTICE BASED ON THERAVADA BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY FOR LAYPEOPLE IN THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

Abstract

          This research article aims to: 1) study the current practice of laypeople in Thai society, 2) examine the right practice based on Theravāda Buddhist philosophy, 3) analyze the model of right practice of laypeople in Thai society according to Theravāda Buddhist philosophy, and 4) present new knowledge regarding this model. The study employed a qualitative research method through in-depth interviews with 12 Buddhist scholars and experts. The collected data were analyzed and presented in a descriptive form.

          The research findings revealed that: 1) The current practice of laypeople in Thai society—most lay Buddhists still have faith in Buddhism, but their moral and ethical conduct has been influenced by changes in the economy, society, and technology. This has led
to moral challenges in several dimensions, including self-conduct, family life, work, education, and religious activities, reflecting both strengths and weaknesses in lay Buddhist practice.
2) The right practice based on Theravāda Buddhist philosophy is a gradual process of self-development beginning with generosity (dāna), morality (sīla), and meditation (bhāvanā)
to cultivate virtue, concentration, and wisdom. The essential Dhamma principles include
the Three Bases of Merit (Puññakiriyāvatthu)3), Four Virtues of a Householder (Gharāvāsadhamma) 4), Four Paths to Success (Iddhipāda) 4), Threefold Training (Sikkhā 3), and Five Qualities of a Lay Disciple (Upāsakadhamma) 5), which together promote holistic development in personal, familial, and social dimensions. 3) The model of right practice
of laypeople consists of five main dimensions: (1) self-discipline guided by the Three Bases
of Merit; (2) family harmony guided by the Four Virtues of a Householder; (3) right livelihood guided by the Four Paths to Success; (4) education guided by the Threefold Training; and (5) religious observance guided by the Five Qualities of a Lay Disciple. These five dimensions serve as a moral, mindful, and wise way of living for lay Buddhists. 4) The new knowledge from this study is presented as the “RBSWP Model”, which comprises: R (Right Practice of Laypeople) the moral and spiritual conduct of lay Buddhists, B (Buddhist Principles) the foundation of Theravāda Buddhist teachings, S (Stability) the establishment of life stability, W (Wisdom) the cultivation of insight and understanding, and P (Peace) the attainment of inner and outer peace. This model illustrates the developmental process of laypeople through right practice according to Buddhist principles, leading to stability, wisdom, and sustainable happiness at the personal, family, community, and social levels.