An Application of the Buddha Dhamma to Solve Drug Problems in Watratsatthatham Community, Phra Khanong District, Bangkok

Abstract

This article aimed 1) to study the state of drug problems in Watratsatthatham Community, Phra Khanong District, Bangkok, 2) to analyze the Buddhist principles for preventing and solving drug problems, and 3) to study the application of the Buddhist principles for preventing and solving drug problems at Watratsatthatham Community, Phra Khanong District, Bangkok by using a qualitative research method and collecting data from documents and in-depth interviews from key informants, which consist of 3 groups: temple representatives, people representatives. and representatives of government agencies, totaling 15 people.

The research study found that drug problems in the community of Watratsatthatham are fewer now because of the cooperation in solving problems from community leaders, temples, government, and private agencies with the participation of people in the community.

Dhamma principles applied to prevent and solve drug problems consist of the six directions, the six vices, the rules of morality and the five ennobling virtues, the friendships, and other dhamma such as honesty, gratitude, conscience, and moral dreed.

An application of the Buddhist principles to prevent and solve drug problems in Watratsatthatham Community: The application of 6 directions to prevent drug problems in the community are: 1) promoting good understanding among family members; 2) promoting respect towards monks/elderly people/adults/teachers in the community and 3) promoting youth groups to fight drugs. The application of the 6 vices to prevent drug problems are: 1) Community and family giving knowledge and understanding about vices 2) to managing the community's environment away from vices. The application of the rules of morality and the five ennobling virtues are: 1) do not promote the sale of all types of intoxicating liquor in the community area. 2) The community cooperates with government agencies to strictly arrest drug users and drug dealers. 3) The community cooperates with government agencies to organize happy family activities. The application of friendship is 1) Community sports activities and 2) Volunteer activities in the community.