BRAHMAVIHARADHAMMA APPLICATION FOR ENHANCING LOCAL GOVERNANCE OF VILLAGE CHIEFS AND HEADMEN IN NONG RAWIANG SUBDISTRICT, MUEANG DISTRICT, NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the level of local governance of sub-district heads and village heads in Nong Ra Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province; 2) study the relationship between the Four Sublime States of Mind (Brahma Vihara) and the local governance of sub-district heads and village heads in Nong Ra Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province; and 3) propose the application of the Four Sublime States of Mind to promote the local governance of sub-district heads and village heads in Nong Ra Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The research employs a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative research used a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.896 with a sample of 361 people. Statistical analyses included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and hypothesis testing using Pearson correlation coefficient. Interviews were also conducted with 9 key informants. The research findings revealed that: 1. The level of local governance of sub-district heads and village heads in Nong Ra Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. 1. Overall, the level of the Four Sublime States (Brahma Vihara) is high ( = 3.99). 2. The relationship between the Four Sublime States (Brahma Vihara) and the local governance of village headmen and sub-district chiefs in Nong Ra Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, shows an overall positive correlation at a high level (R=0.748**), thus accepting the research hypothesis. 3. The application of the Four Sublime States (Brahma Vihara) to promote local governance of village headmen and sub-district chiefs in Nong Ra Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, was found to be: 1) Metta (loving-kindness) – wishing well and being open to the opinions of the people; 2) Karuna (compassion) – understanding and helping those suffering; 3) Mudita (sympathetic joy) – rejoicing in and supporting the success of people in the community; and 4) Upekkha (equanimity) – maintaining neutrality, performing duties fairly and transparently.