ABSTRACT

                        The objectives of this thesis are: to study kinds of diseases as depicted in the Buddhist scripture, to study the Buddhist ways of healing the diseases, and to study Sangha’s Idea of the Administrative Sangha in Pasang Sub-District, Amphoe Chaturaphak Phiman, Roi-et Province on Healing the Diseases as depicted in the Buddhist scripture. However, this thesis is conducted based on qualitative research methodology, documentary research, field work approaches, and critical analysis.

                  The result of the study found that, there were mainly two kinds of diseases, according to the discourses of Buddhism, namely: Bodily-diseases and mental diseases. The first kind referred to the diseases that occurred when the great four elements in the body were imbalance. Moreover, there was a method to heal some kinds of diseases in the Buddhist discourse such as Hemorrhoids and Diarrhea; on the contrary, there was no exposition about some kinds of diseases like Epilepsy and Asthma. The second kinds of diseases referred to the mental-based diseases such as anger, sadness, hopelessness, lamentation…etc.

                  Nevertheless, there were two methods of healing illness in Buddhism: applying herbal medicines and mental cultivation. Herbal medicines, here, included leaf, fruit, root of tree, tree resin including fragmented urine. The second type of medication was not only a medicine, but it was the heart of Buddhist practice- the way to the end of suffering. It was applied in this context for eliminating negative mental formation and mental corruption. For monastic members, going for arm-gathering was recommended as the great exercise to keep the body balance.

                  Last but not least, the administrative Sangha in the region of Pasang Sub-district viewed that the most effective methods in healing illnesses in Buddhism was walking meditation, following with applying herbal medicine. This idea of the administrative Sangha drew attention of the people living in the area to realize that Buddhist medication also could be considered as effective-alternative medicine. With very little amount of money together with no hinder dangerous effect, Buddhist medication was very suitable for current situation of economic crisis society.