THE DEVELOPMENT OF HAPPINESS IN THE PERSPECTIVES OF BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY AND CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHY IN UBON RATCHATHANI PROVINCE.

Abstract

The objectives of this research article are 1) to analyze the relevant components for enhancing good citizenship consciousness in a democratic way of life using the principles of Bhavana 4  in Ubon Ratchathani Province which will lead to the development of a community empowerment model 2) to develop a model that promotes community empowerment focusing on creating good citizenship consciousness in a democratic way of life according to the principles of Bhavana 4 in Ubon Ratchathani Province and 3) to evaluate the success of applying the model at the community level and measure results in terms of behavior society and sustainability which will lead to the dissemination of knowledge and community development The research employed Participatory Action Research (PAR) with a sample group consisting of community leaders, key opinion leaders, and residents in three pilot areas: Ban Kao Kham, Kao Kham Sub-district Administrative Organization Nam Yuen District  Ban Chiat  Chiat Sub district Administrative Organization Khemarat District and Ban Thuen Chang, Mueang Det Sub-district Administrative Organization Det Udom District Ubon Ratchathani Province The research instruments included in depth interviews, focus group discussions and a model evaluation form

          The research findings revealed that the existing problems regarding good citizenship in a democratic way of life in Ubon Ratchathani communities include a lack of awareness of rights and duties, non-continuous political participation at the local level, and social polarization due to political differences. The developed model integrates the principles of Bhavana 4 Kāyabh (the development of behavior and relationships), Sīlabhāvanā (the development of discipline and community rules)  Cittabhāvanā (the development of mind and intellectual resilience) and Paññābhāvanā (the development of political knowledge and judgment) This is combined with the five-step community empowerment process (based on Rissel, 1994) and the six-step learning process (based on Permpoonvivat and Kaewmano 2015) The final model comprises five core components 1)creating self awareness and self worth 2) establishing public forums and communication for group power reinforcement; 3) joint identification and resolution of public issues; 4) developing and proposing community public policy; and 5) reflecting on experiences and democratic learning The evaluation results showed that the model significantly increased the level of good citizenship consciousness in a democratic way of life particularly in terms of self- and social-responsibility respecting the rights of others and peaceful conflict resolution The communities were able to apply the principles of Bhavana 4 as a moral and ethical foundation for concretely driving a democratic way of life