An Analytical Study of Youth Development of the Department of Observance according to Buddhadhamma

Abstract

The purposes of this research article were 1) to study the problems of youth; 2) to study youth development according to Buddhadhamma; and 3) to analyze youth development of the Department of Observance according to Buddhadhamma. This research was a qualitative field research. The research was based on in-depth interviews with 29 people. The results of the research found that 1) in terms of the causes of youth problems,  the origin of many problems was a problem that was related to the family, such as the problem of family separation and affecting upbringing or even a family was not separated if the upbringing was imperfect due to duties or the economic situation of the family that can have a negative effect on the youth as well; 2) in the aspect of youth development according to Buddhadhamma, basic factors of youth development (Paratoghosa), basic factors of development were external factors. It was a part of Paratoghosa, consisting of 2.1) in terms of Patirupadesa, the environment was an important factor and was important to the quality of life of youth, both in the worldly and religious ways, 2.2)Kalyanamittata; good friendship consisted of kindness and faith, inviting people to consult, asking for wisdom. It liked the shade of a large tree whose shade can be seen from far away. Those wanted to go and live there to escape the heat and felt comfortable, 2.3) Yonisomanasikaran was a consideration and then applied to the youth's lives; and 2.4) the process of youth development according to Tisikkha was development with Sila, Samadhi and Panya; and 3) analyzing the youth development of the Department of Observance according to Buddhadhamma, it was found that the problems of children and youth were the complex problems and had many negative consequences. It was not limited to only children and youth who were in the justice process, but also included the behavior of youths who were apart from the youths under the care of the Department of Observance. There were still a lot of them in general society of Thai society. This resulted in the moral deterioration and potential of the country's population in the future, leading to an understanding the causes and mechanisms of youth problems.