Happy Monks: Developing Student Monks' Potential as Leaders in Health and Well-being Promotion in Temples and Communities through University Religious Practice Programs

Abstract

This article aims to present the development and approaches for enhancing Buddhist novice students' potential as leaders in health and well-being promotion in temples and communities through the religious practice program at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. The study examines documents and operational experiences in collaboration with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) from 2013 to 2023. The findings reveal four significant developmental phases of religious practice: 1) the development of the Dhamma Heritage curriculum, 2) the creation of Dhamma Heritage monk prototypes for social development, 3) the implementation of religious practice strategies for creating a healthy society, and 4) the development of intellectual well-being in temple organizations and communities. The lessons learned led to the development of the "Happy Monks" curriculum, comprising three main modules: 1) Buddhist ideology and social health practice, 2) health literacy, healthcare, rights, and health communication, and 3) project management, network synergy, and resource integration for promoting well-being in Buddhist organizations and communities. The curriculum aims to enable Buddhist novice students to become effective and sustainable leaders in promoting well-being in temples and communities.