Model for Promoting People to Be Successful in Life with Buddhist Principles

Abstract

The objectives of this dissertation were: 1) examine models for promoting individual success in life; 2) explore Buddhist principles that contribute to personal success; 3) integrate these success-promotion models with Buddhist teachings; and 4) present a synthesized body of knowledge based on this integration. The research design was qualitative, using in-depth interviews with 15 key informants and analyzing the data using descriptive content analysis.

The results of the research showed that: 1) The model for promoting individual success in life emphasizes a transformative process aimed at enhancing knowledge and fostering changes in attitudes and behaviors. This model comprises three key dimensions: (1) cognitive development, focusing on intellectual and reflective capabilities; (2) feeling development, emphasizing emotional awareness, mental states, and intrinsic motivation; and (3) behavioral development, oriented toward ethical conduct and practical self-discipline. 2) The Buddhist principles that support life success center on cultivating wisdom, reshaping attitudes, and guiding behavior along the Middle Path. These principles include: (1) the Four Conditions of Accomplishment (Wutthidhamma), (2) the Four Bases of Spiritual Power (Iddhipāda), and (3) the Four Virtues for a Householder (Gharāvāsadhamma). These teachings aim to develop human potential and lead to sustainable well-being. 3) The integration of success-promotion models with Buddhist principles reveals a comprehensive approach: (1) cognitive development is aligned with the Four Conditions of Accomplishment to foster critical thinking, ethical judgment, and intellectual clarity; (2) affective development is integrated with the Four Bases of Spiritual Power to instill enthusiasm, persistence, determination, and mindfulness; and (3) behavioral development corresponds with the Four Virtues for a Householder to nurture discipline, honesty, perseverance, self-training, and altruism-leading to sustainable and holistic success. 4) The resulting synthesis is conceptualized as the SCFB Model: The Buddhist Integrative Model of Success through Cognitive, Feeling, and Behavior. This model proposes a Buddhist-integrated approach to achieving success through the harmonization of intellectual growth, emotional maturity, and virtuous conduct.