The Practice of Maṅggala Sutta 38 to Alleviate Mental Health Problems Rooted in Babyhood Deprivation

Abstract

    This research is a qualitative and quantitative study with the following objectives: 1) to examine the influence of a happy
babyhood as a result of having received ample maternal love and kindness on an adult person’s mental health; 2) to investigate if and how a deprivation of such happiness may lead to mental health problems in adulthood; 3) to show that the practice of Maṅggala sutta 38 in cases of mental health problems may help recall one’s early happiness from receiving maternal love and kindness, and may aid in solving some of these problems. The study was conducted in the rural area of Sakol Nakorn. The sample group consisted of 50 adults, of which 33 females and 15 males led simple lives, had no mental health problems, and had received ample maternal love and kindness in their babyhood. However, the study found 2 adult males with mental health and drug-addiction problems who reported having been deprived of maternal love and kindness in their babyhood. These two men were advised to practice the Maṅggala sutta 38 to recall and reimagine the maternal love and kindness in babyhood. After an intensive practice, both reported being drug-free for already one year.