THE FIVE PRECEPTS OBSERVING FAMILIES: A MODEL AND ENHANCEMENT OF LIVING CULTURE OF THAI FAMILIES IN UBON RATCHATHANI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research included: 1) to study the concept of the Five Precepts appeared in Theravada Buddhism; 2) to study the Five Precepts observing families : a model and enhancement of living culture of Thai families; 3) to study the Five Precepts observing families: a model and enhancement of living culture of the families in Ubon Ratchathani Province. This research was a qualitative research through focused group discussion, observation and interview among the number of 25 targeted people including an abbot, a school director, community leaders and the Buddhist families. The results of this research were as follows. 1) The Five Precepts Principle means the regular bodily and verbal observation in 5 aspects including: (1) to abstain from killing all beings; (2) to abstain from stealing what is not given; (3) to abstain from sexual misconduct; (4) to abstain from false speech; and (5) to abstain from intoxicants causing heedlessness; whereas there are 5 Dhamma codes that enhance the Five Precepts observation including: (1) the five ennobling virtues; (2) the abstinence; (3) the forbearance and modesty; (4) the mindfulness and awareness; and (5) wisdom. The precept observation is beneficial to both individual and the society. 2) In the Project of the Five Precepts Observing Village: People with Happiness, there were 3 sectors driving the Five Precepts Observing Village including: (1) monasteries/monks; (2) villages/ communities; and (3) schools/other agencies. The objective of this project was to cultivate the Buddhists’ awareness on quality, importance, and duty of being Buddhists and the benefits of the Five Precepts observation. 3) Models and activities enhancing the Five Precepts observation of families in Ubon Ratchathani Province included 3 aspects as follows: 1) donation; 2) Dhamma audience; and 3) meditation practice; whereas the model of living life following the five precepts included 3 codes as follows: (1) faith; (2) true-hearted friends; and (3) wisdom. The objective of the precepts observation was to enhance the strength of the community and secure living life.