AN ANALYSIS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROCESS FOR ENHANCING WELL-BEING THROUGH VIPASSANA MEDITATION PRINCIPLES IN COMMUNITIES OF PHON SAWAN DISTRICT, NONG KHAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) examine the promotion of community well-being in Fao Rai District, Nong Khai Province, 2) develop a process for enhancing community well-being using Vipassana meditation in Fao Rai District, Nong Khai Province, and 3) analyze the promotion of community well-being through Vipassana meditation in the same district. This qualitative research involved 50 key informants and used interviews as the primary data collection tool. The data were transcribed and categorized using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the implementation of Vipassana meditation positively influenced the community’s well-being, contributing to physical, mental, and social health improvements.

          1) The community in Fao Rai District possesses religious and cultural capital, as well as strong local collaboration, which serve as fundamental bases for promoting well-being in four dimensions: physical, mental, intellectual, and social. In the physical dimension, various health promotion activities are organized in collaboration with temples and government agencies, despite certain resource limitations. In the mental dimension, temples and monks function as centers for emotional healing and psychological balance. In the intellectual dimension, Buddhist principles and local wisdom are applied to enhance life skills. Social well-being is strengthened through cohesive relationships and strong community networks. The integration of temples, communities, and the public sector is a key factor in achieving sustainability.

          2) The development of a health promotion process based on Vipassanā meditation effectively enhances physical, mental, and intellectual well-being. Community members demonstrate increased health awareness, reduced stress, and improved health behaviors. Mindfulness practice alleviates anxiety, cultivates inner peace, and strengthens social support networks, while also enhancing analytical thinking and decision-making. Despite limitations in time and continuity, strong support from monks and community members reinforces its effectiveness.

          3) Vipassanā meditation plays a significant role in holistic well-being by fostering bodily and mental awareness, reducing stress, promoting appropriate health behaviors, and strengthening social harmony. Sustainability depends on governmental support, flexible program design, and integration with local health initiatives.