Abstract
The study aims at analyzing Buddhist teachings, way of thinking and attitudes to supporting human dignity and self development in the disabled. The research also focuses on the disabled’s attitudes and expectations towards religious communities.
The study methodology included documentary research and field work by participating, non participating observations and in depth interviews of 20 disabled persons and others living in Bangkok and suburbs. The results of this study are as follows. The “Etemal Principle” of Buddhist teaching never considers disability as a limitation for spiritual development in order to attain the highest goal, nirvana. However, some teaching and some monastic rules exclude religious participation, space and rights to the disabled e.g. ordination may be related to social and culture context. These problematic context may be the teachings in the level of cultural expression’. The disabled and society should be aware of there two levels of teachings. The disabled and society should also understand Buddhist teachings, such as the law of Kamma and Paticcisamuppade, holistically in order that a may empower human dignity and security of the disable and may support the both disable and society. It may also be good to reconsider the issues of ordinary in order to find a solution without offering monastic rules. Furthermore, dialogue between the disabled society and network should be held with the cooperation of the religious community. New technology for learning Buddhist teaching should also be produced it order to empower disabled to lead a perfect, happy and fruitful life. These factors may lead to higher level of self development.
The result of the in-dept interviews indicated that the disabled negative perspectives towards themselves. Society does not offer good opportunity for them. The religious community (Sangha) is not yet able respond to the disabled as the source of Dhamman therapy, natural therapy and community therapy.
The suggestions are: religious personnel and human resources in the religious community should change and develop positive attitudes, ways of thinking and the proper ability to empower.
