Creative Meditation Practice for Thai Youths in Daily Life

Abstract

This study is a document/field research.  Three objectives are  namely: to study the Buddhadhamma related to practicing meditation in Buddhist doctrines, to study guidelines of meditation practice suitable for youth, and to make the practice form of meditation practice creatively for Thai youth.  This research was carried out as follows: (1) study data from      documents regarding Buddhist meditation practice, (2) survey opinion in meditation practice for Thai youth in the secondary school level and (3) in-depth interview the experts in meditation practice.  In this research, it is found that the creative meditation practice in daily life should have a form with an introduction of promoting the faith in meditation    practice, using meditation practice method suitable for Thai youth incorporating with the creative activities that can be applied to a practice in daily life for them.  The training process is composed of (1) cultivation in faith of meditation practice, encouragement in 5-precept ethical behavior, realization of Karma and Vipaka, and the Dhamma supporting the meditation practice such as 4-Brahmavihara, 4-Iddhipada, (2) a meditation practice either usually practice for public or easy method for practice such as mindfulness of breathing –Buddho method, and walking meditation incorporating with teaching media and teaching technique of interest; for example, Dhamma story telling, Dhamma song, Games for mindfulness practice, and (3) Creative activities in meditation practice to cultivate trainee behavior in Samadhi (concentration), in order to apply for their daily life. 

          The creative meditation practice for Thai youth that creating an interest for Thai youth could be harmoniously mingled a practice with an activity form to support meditation practice together with a cultivation of morality and an enjoyment of practice.   Moreover, the trainer can apply the principle of the practice for introducing their daily activities with the Buddhist principles such as 5-precept practice, loving kindness, Karma and Vipaka, self-realization of mind, and volunteer spirit activities.