Buddhist Principles and Public Welfare Rescue Group Operations Supported by Buddhist Institutions in Northern Thailand

Abstract

Socially engaged Buddhism is an attempt to adjust the role of Buddhist institutions in order to adapt to the changing ways of life in society. In line with this idea, this study examines how Buddhist principles are applied in public welfare operations of rescue groups supported by Buddhist institutions in three areas of northern Thailand. Qualitative data was obtained from interviews together with documentary studies and fieldwork. Thirty monks/laypeople who are involved in the public welfare operations of the rescue groups supported by Buddhist institutions participated in this study. The objectives of this study include analyzing the essence as well as the application of the principles of dharma in the public welfare operations of the rescue groups and examining the development and recommendation of policy for Buddhist volunteerism in the public welfare operations of the rescue groups according to Buddhist principles.

The research found that the core principles of dharma exist at the basic level in the thoughts or minds of these rescue groups in support of their voluntary effort in order to achieve maximum benefit within the context of Saṅghahadhura, which is service to society or serving the society with service mind. When performing their operations, such as rescuing effort, the groups apply the principles of dharma to their tasks in an orderly way: before, during, and after operations. With regard to the development and recommendation of policy for Buddhist volunteerism, the groups demonstrate the connection with Buddhist principles in determining their group’s mission and the development of Buddhist volunteerism, leading to the beginning of sustainable and efficient participation in the public welfare operations of the rescue groups.