The Cave of Healing: The Physical /Spiritual Detoxification and The Distinctive Healing Program for Drug Rehabilitation at Thamkrabok Monastery, Thailand

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Published: May 18, 2013
Keywords:
Buddhism and Drug Rehabilitation Buddhism and Health Thamkrabok Detoxification Program Thamkrabok Monastery

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Pataraporn Sangkapreecha
School of Communication Arts, Bangkok University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Taweesak Sangkapreecha
School of Architecture, Bangkok University, Pathum Thani, Thailand

Abstract

This research paper provides a comprehensive case study research of the relevance of the principles and practices of Buddhism in the field of drug and alcohol healing. Wat Thamkrabok, a Buddhist monastery in Thailand, is selected as it is cited of conducting the world-famous drug and alcoholic rehabilitation program. Based on Buddhist techniques and beliefs, the Thamkrabok healing program is extremely distinctive from other healing treatments. This paper first presents a brief story of Thamkrabok monstery and requirements for the addicts to entering to the rehabiitation program. It next focuses on the healing techniques employed in the program: physical and spiritual detoxification. The paper ends with the analysis on the distinctive characteristics of the Thamkrabok rehabilitation scheme in which its unique therapeutic elements would prove effective in rehabilitation programs elsewhere.

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Volume 13, Number 1 (January - June), 2013
Section
Articles

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References

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