Reinforcement of Kalyāṇamitta Community Strength with Buddhadhamma

Abstract

         This research, “Reinforcement of Kalyāṇamitta Community Strength with Buddhadhamma”, aims to: 1) study the state of the Kalyāṇamitta community and the concept of community strength, 2) study the Buddhist principles that strengthen the community, 3) integrate Buddhist principles in strengthening the Kalyāṇamitta community, and 4) present guidelines and create new knowledge on “The model of reinforcing Kalyāṇamitta Community Strength with Buddhadhamma”. The data of this qualitative research were collected from academic documents, Dhamma principles from the Tipitaka, commentaries, information from academic textbooks, and various research and in-depth interviews with four groups of informants. These groups were three people in the establishment project of Kalyāṇamitta Community, eight committee members in Kalyāṇamitta Community Project Driving, four experts in Buddhadhamma and ten participants focus group discussions with eight experts.
         The results of the study indicate that the Kalyāṇamitta project was established in 1999 with the idea to restore morality and build a network of good people expanding to family and community by using Buddhadhamma principles as a means of strengthening, benefitting and sharing responsibility in society. The Buddhadhamma principles include qualities of a good friend (Kalyāṇamitta-dhamma), bases of social solidarity (Saṅgahavatthu), virtues for fraternal living (Sāraṇīyadhamma), virtues wheeling
one to prosperity (Cakka) and bases of meritorious action, or grounds for accomplishing merit (Puññakiriyā-vatthu).
         Integrative reinforcement of Kalyāṇamitta Community strength with Buddhadhamma leads to the creation of a sustainable strong Kalyāṇamitta community. Firstly, in terms of culture, it was found that to cultivate right view according to karmic principles and comply with the rules requires regulations and conditions of living together in the community, social etiquette, interpersonal respect and knowing how to use resources for maximum benefit. Secondly, in the social aspect, building relationships between the community leader and the community members depends on mutual friendliness and promoting their roles and duties. Lastly, the environment should be tidy, clean, convenient, safe, well-organized, have good transportation, and be conducive to learning and doing goodness.
         The knowledge gained from the research, known as the RIABS Model, will be employed to monitor the community’s strength based on correct activities mobilized by the community leaders to create dynamic advantages to the community.