Abstract

This qualitative research has three objectives, namely:- 1.To study the problems of family life and the theory in balancing family life based on Bowen’s theory, 2.To study the Buddhist doctrines for the balance of family life in Theravāda Buddhism, 3. To propose the integrated way for the balance of family life based on Buddhist doctrines and Bowen’s theory. The findings show how family problems significantly caused the undesirable results and lead to divorce. Bowenean theory points that the balance of a two-person relationship concerns with the individuality and the togetherness. In Buddhism, the doctrine of balanced livelihood (samajīvidhamma) thus plays a crucial role in perpetuating good living of a couple. Whilst the other doctrines are also very important for a couple. They are the ennobling virtues (pañca-dhamma), the virtues for lay people (gharāvāsa-dhamma), and the instructions for both wife and husband based on the six directions (disā). Finally, the threefold integrated way for the balance of family life suggests three underlined key elements to equilibrium a family life, namely: (1) Basic Qualifications, (2) Unity in Coexistence, (3) Diversity in Coexistence.

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