บทคัดย่อภาษาไทย

บทคัดย่อภาษาอังกฤษ

          The thesis consisted of 3 objectives as follows: 1) to study the principles of care for terminally ill patients according to Buddhism; 2) to study the Buddhist teachings promoting care for terminally ill patients according to Buddhism of people in Tron district, Uttaradit province; and 3) to propose the process of promoting care for terminally ill patients according to Buddhism of people in Tron district, Uttaradit province. The study applied qualitative research by studying documents as preliminary data together with in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. The results of the research are as follows:

          1) The principles of care for terminally ill patients according to Buddhism emphasize two dimensions: physical and mental care as a basis and care that values the dimension of human being or the development of human potential up to the very last moment of life, be it physical, moral, social, mental, and intellectual aspect. All of which focus on a fruitful life of patients that is based on Trisikkhā (the Threefold Training) and the development of wisdom in order to have awareness towards life and the world. In addition, this type of care aims at helping patients to be aware of death and not in the fear of death. This will support the patients to have Sati-Sampajañña (mindfulness and awareness), resulting in a pure mind at terminally ill patiens so that they can rest in peace and enter the heavenly world after they leave the world of a man. 

          2) The Buddhist teachings promoting care for terminally ill patients can be divided into 2 parts: the teachings for the caregivers and for the patients. For patients, the necessary Buddhist teachings are Brahmavihāra (Sublime States of Mind), Saṅgahavatthu (Bases of Social Solidarity), Kalyāṇamitta-dhamma (Qualities of a Good Friend), Abhiṇhapaccavekkhaṇa (Ideas to be Constantly Reviewed), Yonisomanasikāra (Analytical Reflection), Appamāda (Non-negligence), and the practice of both Samatha and Vipassanā meditation, etc. All of which are the principles for taking care of patients according to the Buddhist teachings which cover both physical and mental aspect.

          3) The process of promoting care for terminally ill patients according to Buddhism of people in Tron district, Uttaradit province has been developed based on the concepts and methods of care for terminally ill patients according to Buddhism integrating with the conventional medicine of Tron hospital that applies the palliative care consisting of 5 steps as follows: 1) The 1st step is to assess the conditions of patients in order to find the needs and kind of palliative care; 2) The 2nd step is to inform patients and relatives of the treatment step by step, including performing the necessary coordination on the needs of treatment; 3) The 3rd step is to provide palliative care mentally and emotionally, as well as social assistance so the patients and their families will be able to adjust to their ongoing state and respond to the needs that the patients find valuable; 4) The 4th step is to forward the network for continuous care at home; and 5) The 5th step is to cover the process of holistic care according to Buddhism in the following 4 dimensions: (1) Physical aspect by applying the principle of Sappāya (beneficial conditions) including hairs, teeth, and skin, as well as residence and environment that are appropriate to the symptom and condition of the patients, together with the application of conventional medicine; (2) Mental aspect by practicing according to the belief of the patients such as Saṅghadāna (offering dedicated to the Sangha), Seub Chata (prolongation chanting ritual), Baisrisukwan (blessing ceremony), hand-tying ritual, the principle of Samatha Bhāvanā (concentration development), and chanting regularly for taking refuge in the Triple Gem; (3) Social aspect by listening, touching, and building a good relationship with the patients’ family and caregivers; (4) Intellectual aspect by listening and touching based on loving-kindness, Dhamma discussion, expounding the Dhamma, and practicing the Vipassanā Bhāvanā (insight development). When all 4 dimensions are consistent with each other, patients will have complete mindfulness and awareness which results in a life of quality and a pure mind at the end of life before passing away, namely, a good and dignified death.

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