A Study of the Morality and the Development of the Quality of Life for Thai Nun in Present Times.

Abstract

The objectives of this thesis were; 1) to study the 8 precepts in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy, 2) to study the development of the Thai nuns’ quality of life in present times and 3) to study the precepts and the development of the Thai nuns’ quality of life in present times according to Theravada Buddhist Philosophy.

The results of the study were as follows : 1. Precepts in Theravada Buddhist philosophy are to refrain from impropre or bad actions given by the Lord Buddha for oneself training of the Buddhists. In the Buddha’s time, the eight precepts were set for male and female disciples to observe on the Buddhist holidays. The eight precepts are the moderate level precepts. The nuns in Thailand observed the eight precepts in their daily life basis consisting of; 1) to refrain from killing, 2) to refrain from stealing, 3) to refrain from sexual relation, 4) to refrain from lying, 5) to refrain from intoxicating, 6) to refrain from eating food after the noon time, 7) to refrain from dancing, singing, and other pleasurable activities, and 8) to refrain from or lying on the luxurious couch or bed. 2. Quality of life means to make life prosperous until to access the highest aim of life. In Buddhist philosophy, the quality of life refers to freedom, without problems, end of suffering, and perfectness. The four principles in life quality development are; 1) Physical development, 2) Moral development, 3) Emotion development, and 4) intellectual development. 3. For the advanced benefits in the 8 precepts observation, the observers need to critically and analytically study principles and components concerning the eight precepts; observing principle, avoiding principle, sense-restraint, and critical reflection. And then apply all those principles in life quality development concerning behaviors, conduct, mind and intellectual.