A Conceptual Model of Bi-dimensional Development for Happiness Access by Biofeedback Process

Abstract

     This paper presents the qualitative research originally in English and had three objectives, namely: - (1) to explore the concept of happiness access according to Buddhist principles and the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH); (2) to examine a theory of biofeedback; and (3) to propose a conceptual model of Bi-Dimensional development of mind and wisdom for happiness access in life via biofeedback process. Data collection and in-depth interviews were carried out with eight key informants from six countries. They were monks and Buddhist scholarly representatives with the index of item-objective congruence (IOC) examined by three experts.
     The findings show that Buddhism mentions the access of superior happiness while the model of GNH is constructed by the four pillars including sustainable and equitable socio-economic development for instance, together with the Buddhist doctrines such as the middle path, contentment and social engagement. The Biofeedback skillfully employed instruments including EMG and EEG. into treatments. It was found that when they are integrated with Buddhist meditation, a practitioner can entrain the assessment of happiness in a tangible way. That is, when a practitioner experiences happiness in concentration which is a psycho-physiological change, the EMG provides prompt and accurate“feedback” to the practitioner to facilitate progressiveness in their practice.
     The Bi-Dimensional Model to develop happiness access consists of two discrete parts. The first is the Mental Dimension or access to the fivefold happiness in concentration, namely: - Gladdening (pāmojja), Happiness (pīti), Tranquility (passaddhi), Bliss (sukha), and Concentration (samādhi). The biofeedback tools measure happiness according to the mind-body phenomena in the practice. The second is the Wisdom Dimension for perpetual happiness access or Nibbāna, the supreme happiness.