Balancing Life Through Buddhist Teachings: A Comparative Study of Suan Mokkh Bangkok and Boonpathom Asoke in Nakhon Pathom

Abstract

This academic article aims to analyze the principles of living from Suan Mokkh Bangkok and Bowon Pathom Asoke, Nakhon Pathom, and to integrate them through the Middle Way principle (Majjhena Dhamma) to create a balanced Buddhist way of living suitable for contemporary Thai society. The study employs qualitative research methodology through document analysis and in-depth interviews. The findings reveal that Suan Mokkh Bangkok focuses on interpreting Buddhist teachings in an accessible way for daily application, following Buddhadasa Bhikkhu's concept of "human language-Dhamma language," while Bowon Pathom Asoke emphasizes strict adherence to moral precepts, self-reliance, and living according to the merit-based economy principle. The integration of both approaches through the Middle Way principle creates a balanced lifestyle in terms of wisdom development, Dhamma practice, consumption, work, and social living, which is suitable for contemporary Thai society.