Journal of Contemporary Buddhist Society = JCBS

SUSTAINING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT UNDER PROTRACTED CONFLICT IN MYANMAR: A DOCUMENTARY SYNTHESIS OF RECURRING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MECHANISMS

2026-08-31T18:36:36+07:00

This study examines how communities in Myanmar sustain community development under prolonged challenges. It uses a qualitative, interpretivist documentary synthesis of nineteen publicly available documents published from 2021 to July 2026. The Framework Method combined twelve study-specific analytical domains, developed to operationalise the research objectives and sensitised by the literature, with inductive sub-coding of 118 page-referenced excerpts. The documented community development initiative served as the unit of analysis. Community resilience provides the primary explanatory orientation, while community-driven development (CDD), asset-based community development (ABCD), and social capital provide complementary perspectives. A supplementary post-inductive Buddhist ethical lens is used only to interpret selected practices of non-harm, restraint, mutual care, and non-escalation. Seven context-dependent continuity mechanisms were identified: (1) local institutional adaptation and service continuity; (2) local guidance and coordination; (3) context-adaptive implementation and community safety; (4) resource mobilisation and capacity under prolonged constraints; (5) external partnership and community capacity support; (6) adaptive social relationships and community networks; and (7) safety-oriented and non-escalatory community practices. These mechanisms are partly sequential but not universal: they may overlap, recur, be absent, or operate differently across locations. Community resilience is expressed through adaptive continuity rather than unlimited coping capacity and may involve strain, interruption, resource depletion, and external support. Buddhist peace ethics remains a supportive interpretive lens rather than a causal explanation. The study contributes a context-sensitive account of community resilience and continuity mechanisms while recognising the limits of an uneven English-language documentary record.

CREATIVE HOSTEL MANAGEMENT BASED ON LOCAL FOOD WISDOM IN THE CHAO PHRAYA RIVER OLD TOWN AREA

2026-07-21T21:56:45+07:00

This research aims to1) examine the context, identity, and value of local food wisdom in the Old Town area along the Chao Phraya River 2) investigate current creative management practices in hostels integrating food wisdom and 3) propose guidelines for developing creative hostel management based on local food wisdom. Applying a qualitative research methodology, the study focused on two strategic zones in the Phra Nakhon district Tha Tien and Phra Athit Road. Data were collected through purposive sampling of 15 key informants, including hostel entrepreneurs, culinary experts, and international tourists, until data saturation was reached. Data collection instruments comprised semi-structured in-depth interviews, participant observations, and document analysis. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis and validated through data triangulation.

The findings reveal that

The local food identity functions as Living Heritage. Tha Tien is characterized by refined Royal Thai cuisine adapted into contemporary riverside cafes, whereas Phra Athit Road is defined by historic Muslim street food and multicultural fusion cuisine. In terms of creative management, leading hostels act as Cultural Intermediaries by deploying spatial design, narrative storytelling, and community collaboration to transform cultural capital into business value. The study synthesizes a strategic 3D Management Model (Space-Story-Experience): 1) Space: physical design and visual symbolization; 2) Story: building shared meaning through local historical narratives; and 3) Experience: co-creating participatory activities and integrating community ecosystems. This model provides actionable guidelines for hostel entrepreneurs to foster distinctive brand identity and sustainable competitiveness.

THE BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGICAL PRACTICE MODEL AFFECTING THE HOLISTIC WELL-BEING OF PRIVATE SECTOR PERSONNEL

2026-08-06T21:57:44+07:00

This research aimed to: 1) investigate the components and processes of Buddhist psychological practice that contribute to the holistic well-being of personnel in private-sector organizations; and 2) synthesize and propose a Buddhist psychological practice model for enhancing the holistic well-being of personnel in private-sector organizations. This qualitative research employed documentary research based on the Tipiṭaka, commentaries, Buddhist psychology literature, and related research, together with in-depth interviews with 20 key informants from four groups: Buddhist scholars, psychology experts, organizational executives, and employee representatives. The research instrument was a semi-structured interview protocol, which was validated for content validity by five experts. The data were analyzed using content analysis and verified through data triangulation.

The findings revealed that:

1) the fundamental basis of the practice consisted of the Four Bhāvanā and Ānāpānasati (mindfulness of breathing) based on the approach of Venerable Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta. These practices were connected to four Buddhist psychological mechanisms: mindful awareness of emotions, appropriate emotional regulation, wisdom-based decision-making, and the cultivation of compassionate relationships. These mechanisms contributed to physical, psychological, social, and intellectual/spiritual well-being. 2) The BIMH model consists of B: Bhāvanā 4, I: Integration into Work, M: Mindfulness through Ānāpānasati, and H: Holistic Well-being. The model is implemented through planning, application, personnel development and organizational culture building, as well as monitoring and evaluation. The model should be implemented on a voluntary basis, respect diversity in beliefs, and avoid making causal interpretations that extend beyond the evidence supported by qualitative research.

ANALYSIS OF THE FACTOR OF DHAMMAKATIKA BUDDHIST CANON

2026-07-15T09:35:13+07:00

This documentary study aimed to: (1) examine Dhamma preachers in Buddhist scriptures; (2) investigate the attributes of Dhamma preachers presented in those scriptures; and (3) analyze these attributes. Data were drawn from the Tipiṭaka, commentaries, subcommentaries, and relevant scholarly works. A documentary data-extraction form and a content-analysis matrix were used to organize the evidence. The data were examined through qualitative content analysis, descriptive analysis, and conceptual synthesis.

The findings revealed that:

1) A Dhamma preacher is one who possesses sound knowledge of the Dhamma and Vinaya, conducts oneself in accordance with the teachings, and communicates them in a manner suited to listeners’ dispositions and contexts. With the Buddha and his arahant disciples serving as exemplars, Dhamma preachers preserve the Dhamma-Vinaya, promote understanding among Buddhist communities, and connect doctrine with practice. (2) Their attributes are grounded in the Four Analytical Knowledges (paṭisambhidā), extensive learning (bahussuta), the Ten Topics of Discourse (kathāvatthu), spiritual friendship (kalyāṇamittatā), and the Five Principles of Dhamma Teaching (*dhammadesaka-dhamma*). A synthesis of these sources yielded three domains: knowledge, moral and ethical qualities, and Dhamma-teaching skills. (3) These domains function interdependently: knowledge safeguards doctrinal accuracy; moral and ethical qualities govern motivation and credibility; and teaching skills enable listeners to understand and apply the Dhamma.

The principal synthesis of the study is the “Three Dimensions of Dhamma-Preacher Attributes”: (1) a wisdom foundation, emphasizing mastery of and fidelity to the Dhamma-Vinaya; (2) an ethical foundation, emphasizing purity of moral discipline, intention, and conduct; and (3) a communication foundation, emphasizing sequential and reasoned exposition, responsiveness to listeners, and the creative use of technology without distorting the teachings. The Five Principles of Dhamma Teaching serve as a unifying guide across all three dimensions. This framework may inform the development of Buddhist preachers, missionaries, and other Dhamma communicators, enabling dissemination that cultivates wisdom and moral development, supports the reduction of defilements and suffering, and contributes to the stability and sustainability of Buddhism in contemporary society.

THE MODEL OF TEMPLE DEVELOPMENT ACCORDING TO THE SAPPAYA 4 PRINCIPLE IN SURIN PROVINCE

2026-07-25T19:19:16+07:00

This study aimed to: (1) examine the Four Sappāya principles in Buddhism; (2) analyze their application to temple development; and (3) propose a temple development model based on the Four Sappāya principles appropriate to the context of Surin Province. A qualitative research design was employed, combining documentary research on the Tipiṭaka, commentaries, books, documents, and related studies with in-depth interviews. The 25 key informants comprised seven monastic administrators, four academics, seven community leaders, and seven local residents from seven selected temples in Surin Province. The research instruments consisted of a document analysis form and a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed through content analysis, categorization, comparison, and descriptive synthesis.

The findings revealed that:

1) Sappāya refers to appropriate and supportive conditions for living, learning, and Dhamma practice. For this study, these conditions were synthesized into four dimensions: Āvāsa-sappāya (suitable dwelling), Āhāra-sappāya (suitable food), Puggala-sappāya (suitable persons), and Dhamma-sappāya (suitable Dhamma). These interconnected dimensions promote physical, social, and mental readiness for the cultivation of morality, concentration, and wisdom. (2) Temples in Surin Province applied the Four Sappāya principles by organizing their premises into orderly and tranquil zones, improving sanitation and nutrition, adopting transparent and participatory administration, and communicating the Dhamma in ways appropriate for people of different age groups. Nevertheless, limitations remained concerning restricted space and noise disturbance, monks’ nutritional conditions, communication between temples and communities, and engagement with young people. (3) The proposed model was the S4C Model: Sappāya 4 for Contextual Temple Development, comprising Spatial Management, Sanitation and Nutrition, Collaborative Governance, and Contextual Dhamma Communication. Its implementation involves four stages: contextual analysis, participatory planning, implementation, and continuous monitoring and improvement.

The integration of these four dimensions through collaboration among temples, communities, and relevant agencies, together with adaptation to the Thai–Khmer–Kuy–Lao multicultural context, enables temples to function in a balanced manner as spaces for Dhamma practice, centers of learning, and platforms for community collaboration.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE TRAVEL DECISIONS OF THAI TOURISTS BASED ON FAITH AND BELIEF.

2026-09-01T14:42:13+07:00

This research article aims to (1) examine the factors influencing the travel decisions of Thai tourists based on faith and belief at the ten most popular sacred sites in Bangkok, and (2) propose strategic guidelines for promoting faith-based tourism for destination managers. A qualitative research design was employed, using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 purposively selected key informants from five sectors: government, private enterprise, academia, community/belief specialists, and site administrators of the ten sacred places. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

The findings revealed that:

Tourists' travel decisions are shaped by internal push factors—economic and social uncertainty generating a need for psychological anchoring—combined with external pull factors such as site reputation, social-media and influencer endorsement, and travel convenience. Strategic recommendations for sustainable faith-based tourism include transparent financial management, personalized route design, storytelling and content marketing, ESG integration, and systematic environmental and zoning regulation. These findings culminate in a knowledge model linking push factors, pull factors, destination governance, and the sustainability of faith-based tourism.

BUDDHANUSSATI MEDITATION ACTIVITY MODEL FOR ENHANCING MENTAL HEALTH AMONG THE ELDERLY

2026-08-11T13:22:02+07:00

This study aimed to: 1) investigate the components and design guidelines for Buddhānussati meditation activities for older adults; 2) develop a Buddhānussati meditation activity model for promoting the mental health of older adults; and 3) evaluate the outcomes of implementing the developed activity model. A mixed methods research design was employed by integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches. For the quantitative component, a one-group pretest–posttest design was conducted with 29 older adults. The research instruments consisted of the Thai Mental Health Indicator–15 (TMHI–15), a questionnaire assessing perceptions and attitudes toward Buddhānussati meditation practice, a behavioral observation form for participation, and a satisfaction questionnaire. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using means and paired-samples t-tests.

The research findings revealed that:

1) the design of Buddhānussati meditation activities for older adults comprised five key components: Dhamma content, practice process, facilitators, environment, and evaluation. The activities should be designed based on an older-adult-centered approach, with due consideration given to participants’ physical conditions, psychological well-being, and everyday life contexts. 2) The developed activity model consisted of Dhamma lectures, chanting, Buddhānussati meditation, walking meditation, Dhamma discussion, and reflection on meditation experiences. These components were synthesized into the BUDDHANUSSATI–MH Model. 3) Following participation in the activities, the older adults’ overall mental health scores increased significantly from a mean of 44.34 to 49.76 (t = 4.91, p < .001). Their perception scores regarding Buddhānussati meditation increased from 3.49 to 4.06 (t = 5.81, p < .001), while attitude scores increased from 4.09 to 4.26 (t = 2.69, p = .012). Overall participation behavior was rated at an excellent level (mean = 4.65), while overall satisfaction with the activities was rated at a high level. The qualitative findings were consistent with the quantitative results, indicating that the older adults experienced greater mental calmness and relaxation, a stronger sense of joy and inner well-being, clearer understanding of the principles and methods of Buddhānussati meditation, an increased ability to apply the practice in daily life, and improved social interaction among participants.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOLISTIC HEALTH OF TAI YAI ELDERLY IN WAT NIWASATHAN COMMUNITY, MAE AI SUBDISTRICT, MAE AI DISTRICT, CHIANG MAI PROVINCE THROUGH THE "KARN KAM SIN NON JONG" CULTURE

2026-09-08T23:40:00+07:00

This study aimed to: 1) examine the well-being of Tai Yai older adults in the Wat Niwasathan community, Mae Ai Subdistrict, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai Province; 2) develop health-promoting activities based on the cultural practice of “Kan Kam Sin Non Chong”; and 3) transfer and evaluate activities for empowering the well-being of Tai Yai older adults. This study employed a qualitative participatory approach based on Participatory Action Research (PAR). A total of 44 key informants were purposively selected, including Tai Yai older adults, Buddhist monks, community leaders and ritual knowledge holders, village health volunteers, and family members. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, and field notes, and were analyzed using content analysis and inductive synthesis.

The findings revealed that:

1) the well-being of Tai Yai older adults was interconnected across physical, mental, social, and wisdom/spiritual dimensions. Vulnerabilities were associated with chronic illnesses, social isolation, and declining social roles, while Buddhism, the temple, local wisdom, and the cultural practice of Kan Kam Sin Non Chong served as important resources for strengthening mental and wisdom/spiritual well-being; 2) the participatory development process resulted in a set of five activities entitled Chong Dee, Lee Mee Sook, integrating physical, mental, social, and wisdom/spiritual well-being into the community’s traditional practices of observing Buddhist precepts and religious activities; and 3) reflection and evaluation of the activities led to the development of the Bowon 4-Sook Model, comprising five forms of cultural capital, a three-stage process—Awaken, Adapt, and Embed—and four dimensions of well-being: Physical Well-being, Mental Well-being, Social Well-being, and Wisdom/Spiritual Well-being, with Kan Kam Sin Non Chong serving as the core that connects all components. The study demonstrates that health promotion for older adults in ethnic communities should be grounded in existing religious and cultural capital and community participation so that interventions are consistent with local ways of life and cultural identity.

DEVELOPMENT OF A CONTENT AND LANGUAGE INTEGRATED LEARNING (CLIL)-BASED MODEL FOR ENHANCING ACADEMIC AND CRITICAL ENGLISH READING LITERACY FOR BACHELOR OF EDUCATION STUDENTS

2026-08-18T10:45:43+07:00

This research study aimed to: (1) examine the level and fundamental issues of academic and critical English reading literacy among Bachelor of Education students (International Program); (2) develop a Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)-Based Model for Bachelor of Education students (International Program); (3) compare the effectiveness of academic and critical English reading literacy before and after using a Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)-Based Model among Bachelor of Education students (International Program); and (4) evaluate the satisfaction of Bachelor of Education students (International Program) at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University toward a Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)-Based Model. The sample group was 35 second year Bachelor of Education students (International Program), selected by Random Sampling Method. This study employed a Research and Development (R&D) methodology combining by mix methods which consist of four phases.

The research findings revealed that:

The CLIL-based model was associated with significant improvement in students’ academic and critical English reading literacy, with post-test scores showing a mean score of 45.86 and a standard deviation of 4.73, surpassing pre-test scores with a mean score of 32.40 and a standard deviation of 5.21. This yielded an average increase of 13.46 points, with t(34) = 11.87 and p < .05. Furthermore, students expressed a high level of overall satisfaction, with a mean score of 4.05 and a standard deviation of 0.58. Among the evaluated aspects, the Culture dimension received the highest rating, with a mean score of 4.31 and a standard deviation of 0.49, whereas the Cognition dimension recorded the lowest score, with a mean score of 3.81 and a standard deviation of 0.68, though it remained at a high level. this study proposes a new conceptual framework, which extends the CLIL 4Cs by incorporating schema bridging between students’ first-language knowledge and target-language reading, a staged progression from rote memorization to critical reading, and explicit accommodation of student diversity between monastic and lay students.

STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS FOR SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AREA OFFICE

2026-08-06T22:49:49+07:00

This academic article synthesizes a strategic development process suitable for Secondary Educational Service Area Offices in a changing educational context. It reviews strategic management, educational administration, governance, and relevant Buddhist principles. The synthesis identifies a four-stage cycle: 1) analyzing external and internal contexts through STEP, SWOT, IFAS, and EFAS; 2) aligning direction and converting evidence into SO, WO, ST, and WT strategies through the TOWS Matrix; 3) translating strategies into projects and activities with indicators, budgets, responsible persons, and timelines; and 4) monitoring and evaluating implementation through MBO and KPIs so that feedback can be used for continuous adjustment. The article proposes the 4A model: Analyze, Align, Act, and Assess, corresponding to the Thai 4P model of Pramoen Boribot, Prap Thitthang, Patibatkan, and Pramoen Lae Phatthana. The model integrates educational governance with Iddhipada 4, Sangahavatthu 4, Brahmavihara 4, and the principle of Kalyanamitta. It thereby links national policy to area-based problems, learner quality and equity, school support, and transparent social accountability.