Innovation for Creating a Peaceful Society Based on Buddhist Principles and Social Capital of Ethnic Communities in Chiang Mai

Abstract

The objectives of this research to: 1) Synthesize the principles of Buddhism and the social capital of ethnic communities; 2) create and develop innovations for building a peaceful society based on Buddhist principles and the social capital of ethnic communities; and 3) present innovation for creating a peaceful society based on Buddhist principles and social capital of ethnic communities in Chiang Mai. This is a mixed-methods research study. The research area includes the Galyani Vadhana District in Chiang Mai province. The targeting academics, teachers, and community leaders, with 20 individuals. The tools used are in-depth Interview and focus group. Analysis for qualitative data with content analysis.

The results of research found that: 1) The principles of Buddhism for creating a peaceful society: (1) Physical dimension: This involves Sīla. (2) Social dimension:
This involves Sārāṇīya-Dhamma. (3) Mental dimension: This involves Samādhi.
(4) Intellectual dimension: This involves Paññā. The social capital of ethnic communities for creating a peaceful society: (4.1) Human Capital: Knowledge, skills, and inherited traditions. (4.2) Social network capital: Collaboration network of community.
(4.3) Physical capital: Wisdom, traditions and culture. (4.4) Natural capital: Natural resources and environment. And (4.5) intellectual and cultural capital: Local wisdom, arts and culture. 2) Innovations for building a peaceful society based on Buddhist principles include: (1) Practicing the five precepts. (2) Following the principles of Sārāṇīya-dhamma, Saṅkhāru-vatthu, and Brahmavihāra. (3) The threefold training. And (4) awareness of reality, understanding the causes and effects. Innovations for building a peaceful society based on social capital of ethnic communities includes:
(1) Traditions and customs. (2) Collaboration Network. (3) Wisdom. (4) Natural resources. And (5) beliefs, rituals. 3) Present innovation for creating a peaceful society through religious and community ceremonies, activities, and traditions. Suggestions: Government agencies and religious organizations should have serious and continuous activities to promote peace in ethnic communities.