A Study of the Happiness Appearance in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy of Nurse in Sampran Hospital, Nakhon Pathom Province

Abstract

The objectives of this thesis were; 1. To study happiness according to Theravada Buddhist philosophy, 2. To study happiness according to Theravada Buddhist philosophy of the nurses in Sampran Hospital in Nakhon Pathom Province, and 3. To analyze happiness according to Theravada Buddhist philosophy of the nurses in Sampran Hospital in Nakhon Pathom Province. The study was qualitative and its data were collected from the Tipitaka, documentary and 10 certified nurses.
The results of the study found that: 1) The happiness according to Theravada Buddhist philosophy emphasized on the facts and performance of lay-people based on 4 factors; happiness resulting from economic security, enjoyment of wealth, bliss of debtlessness, and bliss of blamelessness. All these four factors of happiness could be applied in living a life to achieve the real happiness and advantages of human beings. 2) The nurses in Sampran Hospital in Nakhon Pathom Province believed that the mentioned happiness was the principle making them and their families live the life carefully, realize causes and results, be satisfied with whatever they own, and have lovingkindness and compassion, and they also realized that the nurses’ responsibilities were to take care, assist, rehabilitate, prevent the disease, encourage the wellness, and cure the patients. Furthermore, the nurses must reduce and refrain from sensual desire, but promote co-living a life in society. 3) The regular practice in the four happiness principles in Theravada Buddhist philosophy could enable living a life full of physical and mental happiness and create peace and happiness in society.