A STUDY OF GUIDELINES FOR APPLYING THE FOUR PRINCIPLES OF MATURITY VUḌḌHIDHAMMA 4 TO DEVELOP UTTARATHIT WITTHAYA SCHOOL AT WAT PHO CHAI BAN LAO, NA DI SUBDISTRICT, MUEANG DISTRICT, UDON THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) study the principles of the Four Bases of Growth Vuḍḍhidhamma 4 in Buddhism; 2) examine the current conditions of school development at Uttarathit Wittaya School, Wat Phochai Ban Lao, Nadee Subdistrict, Mueang District, Udon Thani Province; and 3) propose guidelines for applying the Four Bases of Growth to develop Uttarathit Wittaya School. This study employed a qualitative research methodology. The key informants consisted of 35 monks and lay participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. The data were analyzed using content analysis and presented through descriptive analysis.

The findings revealed that:

1) First, the Four Bases of Growth—namely association with good persons (Sappurisa-saṃseva), listening to the true doctrine (Saddhamma-savana), wise reflection (Yoniso-manasikāra), and practice in accordance with the Dhamma (Dhammānudhamma-paṭipatti)—constitute a sequential process of intellectual and moral development. This process begins with cultivating a supportive environment, acquiring correct knowledge, engaging in rational reflection, and applying the learned principles in practice, leading to the holistic development of knowledge, morality, and right conduct.

2) Second, the current conditions of school development were found to encompass four main dimensions: administration, teaching and learning, moral and ethical development, and environmental management. The school emphasizes participatory management involving administrators, teachers, the temple, and the community. Buddhist principles are integrated into learning activities; however, limitations remain in terms of budget, personnel, and instructional materials.

3) Third, the application of the Four Bases of Growth can systematically support school development across five key areas: academic affairs, administration, moral development, environmental enhancement, and community participation. The approach promotes learning networks, the reception of accurate knowledge, critical thinking, and practical implementation. This contributes to improving educational quality and fostering sustainable school development.