THE APPLICATION OF THE KATHINADANA IN STRENGTHENING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) explore the concept of community empowerment; 2) examine the principles of Kathina Dana as presented in Theravada Buddhist scriptures; and 3) apply the principles of Kathina Dana to community empowerment. This qualitative research employs a documentary research method and presents the findings through descriptive analysis. The research findings revealed the following: 1) Regarding community empowerment (objective 1), development encompasses progress across economic, social, and quality-of-life dimensions, emphasizing community participation and equity. While contemporary approaches prioritize material and quantitative development, a Buddhist perspective emphasizes the development of individuals' behavior, morality, and wisdom.  2) The principles of Kathina Dana, as depicted in Theravada Buddhist scriptures (objective 2), inherently contain skillful means for fostering social harmony.  The essence of Kathina Danathe offering of robes is the cultivation of unity and selflessness, embodied in the six principles of Saraniyadhamma: 1) Mettakayagamma (benevolent action), 2) Mettavajigamma (benevolent speech), 3) Mettamanogamma (benevolent thought), 4) Sadharanaphokita (sharing of common resources), 5) Silasamannata (shared morality), and 6) Dittisamannata (shared views). 3) The application of Kathina Dana principles to community empowerment (objective 3) utilizes Dittisamannata (shared views) to address disunity; Mettakayagamma, Mettavajigamma, and Mettamanogamma (benevolent action, speech, and thought) to address participation issues; Sadharanaphokita (sharing of common resources) to address selflessness; and Silasamannata (shared morality) to address cultural challenges.