THE FOUR BHĀVANĀS AND SUSTAINABLE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT: A BUDDHIST INTEGRATIVE FRAMEWORK THROUGH THE BOWON MECHANISM

Abstract

This academic article aims to study and synthesize the Four Bhāvanās in relation to sustainable local development through a Buddhist integrative framework driven by the BOWON mechanism. The article is based on the observation that previous approaches to local development, although increasingly emphasizing participation and community-centered development, still lack a framework of mentality, morality, and wisdom capable of guiding the development process toward genuine balance and sustainability. The Four Bhāvanāsnamely, physical development, moral development, mental development, and wisdom development can therefore serve as a holistic framework for human development, covering the dimensions of the body, behavior, social relationships, the mind, and wisdom. Meanwhile, the BOWON mechanism, comprising the home, temple, school, and government sector, functions as a social mechanism with the potential to translate Buddhist principles into concrete practice at the levels of family, community, religious institution, educational institution, and local administrative structure.

The synthesis reveals that the Four Bhāvanās function as the substance of development, whereas the BOWON mechanism functions as the driving mechanism of development. When integrated, they generate the BOWON–Bhāvanā Model for holistic quality-of-life and community development. This model consists of four key processes: building shared awareness, designing integrated activities, implementing practices and empowering the community, and evaluating outcomes for continuous development. The model connects religion with everyday life, individuals with the community, and morality with social management. As a result, local development is not limited to economic dimensions or physical infrastructure, but extends to the development of individuals, families, communities, and society in a balanced, supportive, wise, and sustainable manner.