Caring for Bedridden Patients According to Buddhist Ethics in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province

Abstract

This research aims to: (1) study the problems faced by bedridden patients in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province; (2) examine Buddhist ethical principles in caring for bedridden patients; and (3) analyze how to apply Buddhist ethics to the care of 
bedridden patients. This is qualitative research, collecting data from primary and secondary sources as well as related studies. A total of 30 monks/laypeople were interviewed as key informants. The data was analyzed descriptively using inductive 
methods.
The findings of the research are as follows:
1. Bedridden patients often suffer from ischemic stroke, cerebral infarction, or hemorrhagic stroke, particularly among the elderly with multiple chronic conditions. This makes treatment more complex and presents unique challenges compared to other age groups. Being bedridden leads to severe complications, as patients are unable to care for themselves and require constant assistance. A major issue is the lack of caregivers, which significantly affects the patients’ quality of life physically, mentally, socially, and environmentally.
2. The Buddhist ethical principles applied in caregiving include the Four Brahmavihra - loving-kindness (Mett), compassion (karu), sympathetic joy (Mudit), and equanimity (Upekkh) - to foster moral understanding and kindness toward patients. In conjunction with the Fourfold Cultivation (Bhvan 4) -development of the body, morality, mind, and wisdom - these principles help caregivers cultivate strength, awareness, and mindfulness in fulfilling their caregiving roles.
3. Applying Buddhist ethics in the care of bedridden patients enhances their physical, mental, and social well-being. The Four Brahmavihra encourage caregivers to treat patients with genuine compassion and without abandonment. Providing close, 
stable emotional care helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression among patients. At the same time, the Fourfold Cultivation helps caregivers develop their physical actions, speech, mind, and wisdom, enabling them to live mindfully and consciously with the patients. This approach fosters acceptance in patients regarding their physical conditions and allows them to live peacefully and meaningfully.