RIGHT CONCENTRATION AND MENTAL HEALTH ACCORDING TO BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES: AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH FOR HOLISTIC WELL-BEING IN 21ST CENTURY THAILAND

Abstract

This academic article presents an integrative analysis between Buddhist Right Concentration principles and contemporary mental health promotion approaches within the context of 21st-century Thailand, where rising stress, anxiety, and increasingly complex mental health challenges are contributing to an escalating mental health crisis. The study examines Buddhist conceptual frameworks concerning the development of concentration and compares them with empirical evidence from modern research in psychology, neuroscience, and mental health to explain the mechanisms and holistic outcomes of concentration practice. The analytical findings indicate that systematic Right Concentration practice positively influences four key dimensions of well-being: (1) Mental health, by reducing stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and enhancing emotional regulation; (2) Physical health, by strengthening the immune system, balancing neurophysiological and hormonal functions, and reducing bodily tension; (3) Cognitive development, through improvements in attention, memory, structured thinking, and decision-making capacity; and (4) Social skills, by fostering compassion, patience, empathy, and the ability to build positive interpersonal relationships. Integrating Right Concentration into Thailand’s healthcare and education systems aligns with cultural traditions and Buddhist wisdom while also responding to contemporary holistic mental health paradigms. This article provides practical and policy recommendations to support the application of Right Concentration in promoting sustainable holistic well-being at the individual, family, community, and societal levels.