The Approach for Developing Practitioners According to the Four Right Exertions for Thai Buddhists in Norway

Abstract

            The objectives were: (1) To study the approach for developing Buddhist practitioners based on the Four Right Exertions (Sammappadhāna) for Thai Buddhists in Norway. (2) To compare the approaches for developing Buddhist practitioners based on the Four Right Exertions for Thai Buddhists in Norway. (3) To propose recommendations for addressing challenges in developing Buddhist practitioners based on the Four Right Exertions for Thai Buddhists in Norway. It was quantitative research, incorporating a survey method conducted among a sample group of 100 Thai Buddhists in Norway, selected through purposive random sampling. It also employs a descriptive research approach. The research tools include questionnaires distributed via Google Forms and interviews with five representatives of Thai Buddhists in Norway.

            Research Findings 1) Aimed to study the approach for developing Buddhist practitioners based on the Four Right Exertions (Sammappadhāna), the results indicate that the overall level of opinions on the approach was high (Mean = 4.11, S.D. = 0.135). When considering each aspect in descending order, the findings are as follows: The highest mean score was for Pahāna-padhāna. The lowest mean score was for Anurakkhaṇa-padhāna (Effort to maintain), but it stillremained at a high level (Mean = 4.05, S.D. = 0.278). 2) Aimed to compare the approaches for developing Buddhist practitioners based on the Four Right Exertions (Sammappadhāna) for Thai Buddhists in Norway, the findings indicate that all four aspects were consistently rated at a high level (Overall Mean = 4.11, S.D. = 0.135). Additionally, practitioners exhibited positive behavioral changes. More than 80% of participants experienced increased peace and well-being in their daily lives. 3) Aimed to propose recommendations for addressing challenges in developing Buddhist practitioners based on the Four Right Exertions (Sammappadhāna) for Thai Buddhists in Norway. The recommendations for problem-solving in each of the four aspects are summarized as follows: Pahāna-padhāna (Effort to abandon unwholesome deeds): Suggested solutions had the highest rating (Mean = 4.17, S.D. = 0.245). Saṁvara-padhāna (Effort to restrain): Suggested solutions were rated at Mean = 4.11, S.D. = 0.135. Bhāvanā-padhāna (Effort to cultivate): Suggested solutions were rated at Mean = 4.08, S.D. = 0.246. Anurakkhaṇa-padhāna (Effort to maintain): Suggested solutions had the lowest rating but remained high (Mean = 4.05, S.D. = 0.278).