The dissertation aimed at finding a model for the development of compassionate peace for youth. The study applied the research and development (R&D) approach by integrating the Buddhist peaceful means and modern science in order to acquire a development model. The obtained model was experimented to achieve efficiency. The dissertation entitled “A Model for the Development of Santi-karunā for Youth” consisted of 3 objectives as follows: 1) to study the context and problems of youth in Prang Ku district of Sisaket province; 2) to developing a model for the development of Santi-karunā for youth; and 3) to present a model for the development of Santi-karunā for youth in Prang Ku district of Sisaket province. The obtained model will create a guideline for promotion, prevention, and solution to problems in order for the society to have peace and people in society to achieve inner peace.
The results of the research are as follows:
1) From studying the context and problems of youth in Prang Ku district of Sisaket province, it was found that youth are exposed to the risks posed by the surrounded dangerous social environment. Youth are found to have violent behavior, get addicted to pornography and drugs, have early sexual intercourse, get involved in risky places to committing unlawful actions, etc. All of these behaviors have become parts of students and youth. The problems of youth, therefore, can be concluded as follows: 1) a romantic affair during study leading to teenage pregnancy; 2) the time that is not spent productively; 3) the desire of wanting to be and have; 4) a naive attitude towards life; and 5) the lack of experience to distinguish inappropriate thought, speech, and action. All of these problems are caused by social values, the influence of friends, and the use of social media which altogether impact youth to have low self-esteem, conflict in society, imitation of behavior, excessive use of media, and lack of experience to distinguish ideas.
2) From analyzing a model and process for the development of compassionate peace for youth, it was found that Brahmavihārā (the four sublime states of mind) should be applied in order for youth to have a behavior that is based on compassion, loving-kindness and inner peace. This will allow youth an ability to confront problems in the society of materialism where people tend to be selfish and narrow-minded. The practice of compassion, loving-kindness, and forgiveness towards other people will develop youth to become a role model of youth leaders. Therefore, the training of youth should focus on following the principle of compassion in Brahmavihārā in order to have a volunteer mind and empathy for the sufferings of other people by wanting to help them. This can start from having compassion toward oneself before helping others to be free from troubles, as well as compassionately conserving the environment. Youth should also be promoted to be mindful of their emotions, compassionately understand and accept oneself, have an attitude that is not clinging on the social values, compassionately coexist with friends and family with understanding and acceptance, and lastly, stay away from social media and use the time productively for the benefits of oneself, the community, and the environment.
3) From studying a model for the development of Santi Karuna for youth, it was found that there are 6 attributes under the framework of “Karunadham Model” as follows: smiley, calm, kalyāṇa-mittatā (being a good friend), empathetic of others, sharing, and following dreams. A model also consists of 4 phases: keeping an open mind, accepting, developing, and sharing. This is a process of development for reaching Santi-karunā. Youth should be promoted to develop oneself first and followed by family, temple, school, community to achieve the abovementioned attributes. All of which will lead to the 4 kinds of peace: having courage, being disciplined, having gratitude, and upholding society. This is the kind of peace appropriate for the youth of Prang Ku district conforming to the context and problems of the research area.
In summary, the research has allowed the researcher to discover the process for training the behavior of youth and raising their awareness to avoid both outside and inside conflict that impact oneself and society. The obtained body of knowledge will be effective if youth receive the training for peace youth development program. Youth will be developed to become youth leaders of Prang Ku district, leading youth in the society to have Santi-karunā and bring peace upon family and community.
