The Preserving of Uposathasila for Developing Quality of Life of Buddhists Wat Latphrao, Latphrao District, Bangkok

Abstract

This article aims to 1) study the Uposathasila in Theravada Buddhist scriptures; 2) study the development of Buddhists’ quality of life; and 3) analyze the results of observing the Uposathasila to develop the quality of life of Buddhists at Wat Lat Phrao, Lat Phrao District, Bangkok. This research is qualitative research using document analysis and in-depth interviews. The key informants are Buddhists who observe the Uposathasila at Wat Lat Phrao. The results showed that Uposathasila or precepts is the practice of the Dhammasavana day, that is, on the days of the waxing moon - the waning moon, 8th day, 14th day, 15th day, consisting of 8 precepts, which Buddhists should observe by counting the days and nights. Uposatha precepts is a tool to reduce the surface defilements. It is the conduct of celibacy, resting a normal life for a while to live a righteous life in order to encourage the Buddhists to achieve the goal according to Buddhism. Buddhists who observe precepts at Wat Lat Phrao, mostly have not yet fully understood the precepts but still intending to observe the precepts aiming to create merit for oneself which is a meritorious practice according to the threefold principle, namely morality, concentration, and wisdom, resulting in the development of one’s own life quality for being healthy in daily life, an ability for building family’s happiness. On the mental side, the mind becomes calmful, not distracted, able to control emotions. In wisdom aspect, they can distinguish what is merit, not commit sins according to Buddhist teaching and reduce greed, anger, delusion, self-confidence to lighten, which has a positive effect on oneself family and society for more peace.