ชุมชนจิตวิญญาณในโลกสมัยใหม่: กรณีศึกษากลุ่มวิปัสสนาโกเอ็นก้าในประเทศไทย

Abstract

This research aims to examine the proliferation of alternative beliefs and practices groups in the context of Modernity in Thailand, through case studies of Goenka’s Vipassana group in Thailand. I argue that Goenka’s group is a modern world Buddhist-based spiritual practices group which intended to transform individual’s inner-self. This research contains 3 research question (1) How does the modernization affected Thai’s religious landscape (2) How is Goenka’s meditation practice different from another group (3) How does Goenka Vipassana practice fulfilled spiritual needs of individual. The study found that, modernization of Thailand has led to the change of Thai’s religious landscape in three main features: First, modernization causes State-Buddhism to decline. Second, modernization has altered individual’s religious worldview. Third, modernization of Thailand facilitating the widespread of alternative beliefs and practices groups especially Goenka Vipassana group. In addition, both Goenka’s teachings and organization not only reflect the characteristics of group’s Buddhist-based spirituality practice, but also able to fulfill the spiritual needs of individuals who are searching for tools or a way to achieve inner-self transformation. The process of self-transformation within the Goenka’s Vipassana technique relies on two mechanisms; firstly, transformation of habitual webs of association. Secondly, transformation of habitual Automatism. This mechanism allows self to be transform through the process of self-learning to alter the way which self is react to the world. In other words, Goenka’s Vipassana practice is a form of spiritual practice that empowers the individuals from within, enabling them to becoming new and better self.