Buddhist Principles for Stress Reduction: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being

Abstract

This article aimed to study: (1) the concept of stress from a Buddhist perspective, (2) Buddhist principles applicable to stress reduction, and (3) a synthesized Buddhist stress reduction model for Thai society. The research employed a qualitative documentary methodology, using Buddhist philosophy and holistic well-being theories as the research framework. The target sources comprised 40 academic documents and research articles published between 2018 and 2023, selected through purposive sampling. The research instruments included: (1) a document analysis form, (2) an expert interview form, and (3) a credibility verification form. Data were analyzed using content analysis and conceptual synthesis.

The research results were found as follows. 1. From a Buddhist perspective, stress originates from craving (tanhā) and attachment (upādāna), which are identified as the root causes of mental suffering (dukkha). 2. Buddhist principles effective for stress reduction include mindfulness (sati), clear comprehension (sampajjañña), mindfulness of breathing (ānāpānasati), loving-kindness meditation (mettā-bhāvanā), and contemplation of the Three Characteristics of Existence (tilakkhaṇa). 3. The Buddhist Stress Reduction (BSR) Model consists of four components: Awareness (rū’thān), Letting Go (plɔɔiwāng), Cultivating Loving-kindness (mettā-bhāvanā), and Developing Wisdom (paññā-bhāvanā). These findings are consistent with Attarung (2023), who demonstrated that Buddhist principles constitute a comprehensive framework for mental healing within Thai socio-cultural contexts.