Survey Results on The Current Conditions and Essential Needs for Improving of Quality of Life Based on Buddhist Psychology among Laymen and Laywomen at Thai Temples In Boston Of Massachusetts in The United States Of America

Abstract

This research article aimed to study the current conditions and essential needs for improving of quality of life based on Buddhist psychology among laymen and laywomen at Thai temples in Boston of Massachusetts in the United States of America. The sample consisted of 375 laymen and laywomen who participate in merit-making and meditation practices at Thai temples in Boston. The key informants included 17 individuals consisting of Vipassana teachers, abbots, Dhammaduta, those involved in organizing meditation programs lay men and laywomen at Thai temples in the United States. The results revealed as 1) the current conditions for improving of quality of life based on Buddhist psychology at Thai temples in Boston included three Thai temples including Wat Boston Phuttawararam, Wat Nawamintararachutis and Wat Phra Dhammakaya Boston, played an important role in continuously organized activities to propagate Buddhism to both Thai and foreigners; 2) the essential needs for improving of quality of life of among laymen and laywomen at Thai temples in Boston included the desire for Thai temples to organize life quality improvement activities that catered to individuals starting from childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and into old age; and 3) the level of the quality of life based on Buddhist psychology among laymen and laywomen at Thai temples in Boston found that the average scores for overall quality of life and for each specific aspect including the development of physical, precept, mental and wisdom were high.