Abstract:
The objectives of this research were as follows: 1) to explore the concept of creating a peaceful society through modern scientific principles and Buddhist peaceful means; 2) to examine the role of Phra Mongkhon Thepmuni (Sodh Candasaro) in fostering peace within Thai society; and 3) to develop and present a model for building a peaceful society based on the Buddhist peaceful means advocated by Phra Mongkhon Thepmuni (Sodh Candasaro). A qualitative research method was used, involving in-depth interviews with key informants, including: Group 1) seven monk disciples, Group 2) fourteen lay disciples, and Group 3) three Buddhist experts, for a total of 24 participants. The data were analyzed using an inductive approach.
From the study, the following results were found:
1) The concept of building a peaceful society according to modern science, as viewed by Johan Galtung, emphasizes the creation of positive peace at the individual, community, and societal levels. This concept aligns with Buddhist peaceful means, which advocate for a society free from harm and foster mutual support and self-development, as taught in the Ovada Patimokkha. In terms of creating a peaceful society, key informants expressed similar opinions, emphasizing that such a society is one where coexistence is marked by the absence of harm. Society members adhere to ethical behavior and refrain from causing harm to others, thereby preventing violence. To create this peaceful society, it is essential to follow moral precepts and develop the body, mind, society, and wisdom. This process cultivates a community based on love, unity, compassion, mutual help, respect for rights and equality, and tolerance for differing views. It is a society of physical and mental peace, focused on inner peace, where the development of both the body and mind leads to sustainable peace and happiness.
2) Phra Mongkhon Thepmuni (Sodh Candasaro) played a significant role in promoting peace in Thai society through his path of self-development and enlightenment. His contributions to spreading the Dhamma and establishing peace networks, such as creating systems for meditation and educational training, were crucial. As a monk who fully dedicated his life to Buddhism, Phra Mongkhon Thepmuni built an international network focused on peace. His efforts to promote peace in Thai society were carried out through meditation practice, the spread of Buddhist teachings, and living an exemplary life based on Buddhist principles. He emphasized achieving inner peace through meditation, which he expanded into a worldwide network of peace through the Dhammakaya Temple and its meditation centers. Additionally, he initiated programs to support the community, including establishing kitchens and food banks to aid both monks and laypeople. Phra Mongkhon Thepmuni stands as a model monk who devoted his life to Buddhism, fostering disciples who carried on his teachings and expanded his peace-building practices globally.
3) The model for building a peaceful society according to the teachings of Phra Mongkhon Thepmuni (Sodh Candasaro) is as follows: (1) Adherence to the Ovada Pāṭimokkha precepts, which emphasizes the development of patience, the setting of life goals, a strict commitment to Pāṭimokkha precepts, refraining from causing harm, and demonstrating compassion toward all living beings; (2) Following the Middle Path to attain inner peace, which involves fostering a mind content with peace and pursuing the path of wisdom. Phra Mongkhon Thepmuni encouraged his disciples to practice meditation to realize Dhammakaya and to disseminate this practice to others; (3) Fostering religious successors to uphold the path of peace, which entails instructing disciples, establishing networks of students, and ensuring the transmission of the Dhamma across generations to maintain the peace-building practices; and (4) Creating a global network of happiness, which focuses on expanding networks locally and internationally to build a peaceful society, with an emphasis on four key dimensions: physical, social, mental, and intellectual well-being.
A body of knowledge derived from the study is the SEC-DP model, which outlines a framework for developing monks to contribute to the creation of a peaceful society. This model consists of the following components: S stands for self-development, E stands for education & practice, C stands for the cultivation of practice, D stands for dissemination & motion, and P stands for peaceful society.