PROMOTING BUDDHIST MENTAL WELL-BEING OF THE ELDERLY IN NONG HIN COMMUNITY, KHOK KO SUB-DISTRICT, MUEANG MAHA SARAKHAM DISTRICT, MAHA SARAKHAM PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study Buddhist mental well-being; 2) to study the Buddhist mental well-being of the elderly in Ban Nong Hin community, Khok Ko sub-district, Mueang Maha Sarakham District, Maha Sarakham Province; 3) to study the Buddhist mental well-being promotion of the elderly in Ban Nong Hin community. This study was carried out by means of qualitative research by studying documents and fieldwork to collect the data through an in-depth interview with 22 key informants. The obtained data were interpreted by descriptive analysis. The research results were as follows: Buddhist mental well-being: mental well-being is a state of mind that is not stressed, happy, physically healthy, has a strong body, and is free from disease. Buddhism teaches everyone to be able to exercise their bodies and minds to live in a changing society. The Buddhist mental well-being of the elderly in Ban Nong Hin community: mental well-being is emotional stability. The ability to make decisions and the ability to deal with situations and environments of Ban Nong Hin community elderly have to be adapted to changing conditions all the time. The Buddhist mental well-being promotion of the elderly in Ban Nong Hin community: exercise strengthens the body and has a calming effect on the mind. Meditation leads to a stable mind to build immunity against various diseases from mental tension. There is a walking meditation activity, meditating and listening to Dhamma can make Paññā with more consciousness to understand conditions or events and this makes the mind happy with change acceptance.