COSMOLOGICAL CONCEPTS IN BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES AND THAI TRADITIONAL MEDICAL WISDOM FOR HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
This article aims to analyze Buddhist cosmological concepts related to the four elements (earth, water, wind, and fire) and their connection to the human body. It compares and identifies consistencies between Thai traditional medicine principles and Buddhist cosmological concepts. The study also proposes approaches for applying holistic health care wisdom by integrating both systems. The study employs a documentary research methodology, collecting and analyzing data from the Tripitaka, Thai traditional medicine texts, and related research. The findings reveal that Buddhist cosmology and Thai traditional medicine are deeply interconnected through the concept of the four elements, holistic health perspectives, and an emphasis on mind-body balance. Both systems are based on the Three Characteristics (Tilakkhana), the Law of Karma, and mind-body relationships, which influence holistic diagnosis and treatment that not only aims to alleviate symptoms but also restores systemic balance for self-healing. The integration of both knowledge systems can lead to the development of holistic and sustainable health care approaches through balancing the elements with herbal medicines and physical treatments alongside mental healing through mindfulness and Dhamma practice. This approach can be applied to promote preventive health care and foster a sustainable quality of life in contemporary Thai society.
Article Details
เนื้อหาและข้อมูลในบทความที่ลงตีพิมพ์ในวารสารวิทยาศาสตร์การกีฬาและนวัตกรรมสุขภาพ กลุ่มมหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏแห่งประเทศไทย ถือเป็นข้อคิดเห็นและความรับผิดชอบของผู้เขียนบทความโดยตรงซึ่งกองบรรณาธิการวารสาร ไม่จำเป็นต้องเห็นด้วย หรือร่วมรับผิดชอบใด ๆ
บทความ ข้อมูล เนื้อหา รูปภาพ ฯลฯ ที่ได้รับการตีพิมพ์ในวารสารวิทยาศาสตร์การกีฬาและนวัตกรรมสุขภาพ กลุ่มมหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏแห่งประเทศไทย ถือเป็นลิขสิทธิ์ของคณะวิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี มหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏศรีสะเกษ หากบุคคลหรือหน่วยงานใดต้องการนำทั้งหมดหรือส่วนหนึ่งส่วนใดไปเผยแพร่ต่อหรือเพื่อกระทำการใด จะต้องได้รับอนุญาตเป็นลายลักษณ์อักษรจากวารสารวิทยาศาสตร์การกีฬาและนวัตกรรมสุขภาพ กลุ่มมหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏแห่งประเทศไทย ก่อนเท่านั้น
References
British Association for Holistic Medicine and Healthcare. (n.d.). Holism in healthcare [Online]. Retrieved October 4, 2025, from: https://bahmh.org/
Chamnangruea, B. (2010). A comparative study of cosmology in Jainism and Theravada Buddhism (Unpublished master’s thesis). Mahamakut Buddhist University. (in Thai)
Charoensuk, S. (2021). Thai traditional medicine and holistic health: A Buddhist perspective. Journal of Thai Integrative Health, 3(2), 45–60. (in Thai)
Cosmos. (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster.com thesaurus [Online]. Retrieved October 4, 2025, from: https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cosmos
Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. (2009). Tamra Kanphaet Phaen Thai, Vol. 1 (Thai traditional medicine textbook, Vol. 1). Nonthaburi: Ministry of Public Health. (in Thai)
Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. (2020). Tamra Kanphaet Phaen Thai: Khamphi That Winitchai (Thai traditional medicine text: Treatise on element diagnosis). Nonthaburi: Ministry of Public Health. (in Thai)
Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. (2023). Thai traditional medicine at a glance. Ministry of Public Health, Thailand [Online]. Retrieved October 5, 2025, from: https://dtam.moph.go.th. (in Thai)
Dhammajitto, P. (1982). Buddhadhamma. Ayutthaya: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. (in Thai)
Dhammajitto, P. (2001). Buddhist cosmology. Bangkok: Buddhadhamma Foundation. (in Thai)
Emory Healthcare. (n.d.). Holistic care and wellness [Online]. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from: https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/
Health Systems Research Institute. (2021). Holistic health care trends in Thailand. Nonthaburi: Health Systems Research Institute. (in Thai)
Health.com. (n.d.). Holistic health: What it means and how to practice it [Online]. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from: https://www.health.com/
Kalyanadhammo, N. (2023). Medical knowledge in the Vinaya Pitaka. Ayutthaya: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. (in Thai)
Khosako, S. (1997). Wetchasatsongkhro (Compendium of medicine). Nakhon Pathom: Mahamakut Buddhist University. (in Thai)
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. (1996). The Tipitaka (Thai edition), Vol. 10: Suttanta Pitaka, Digha Nikaya, Mahavagga. Ayutthaya: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. (in Thai)
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. (1997). Tipitaka, Volume 35 (Vibhanga), Abhidhamma Pitaka, Volume 2: Dhatu-vibhanga (Analysis of elements). Ayutthaya: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. (in Thai)
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. (2020). Chakkrawan (Universe), in e-Tipitaka: Official Thai Tipitaka [Online]. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from: https://www.84000.org/tipitaka/ (in Thai)
Ministry of Public Health. (2022). Report on the health situation of Thai people 2022. Nonthaburi: Ministry of Public Health. (in Thai)
Nathsupa, C. (2002). Thai village economy and local wisdom. Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University. (in Thai)
National Health Commission Office of Thailand. (2023). National Health Charter, Edition III (B.E. 2566/2023). Nonthaburi: National Health Commission Office. (in Thai)
National Statistical Office, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. (2024). Survey on the use of information and communication technology in families 2024. Bangkok: National Statistical Office. (in Thai)
O’Brien, B. (2024). The five niyamas: Causal factors in Buddhism. Learn Religions. [Online]. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from: https://www.learnreligions.com/the-five-niyamas-449741
Panich, V. (2014). Learning reform for future Thailand. Bangkok: Sodsri–Saritwong Foundation.
Reynolds, C. J. (1976). Buddhist cosmography in Thai history. The Journal of Asian Studies, 35(2), 203–220. https://doi.org/10.2307/2053979
Royal Institute. (2013). The Royal Institute Dictionary [Online]. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from: https://dictionary.orst.go.th (in Thai)
Siriwong, T., & Panyoyai, M. (2019). Cosmology in the Pali Canon and its implication in Thai traditional healing practices. Asian Health Research Journal, 7(1), 12–25.
St. Kate’s University. (2022). What is holistic health? Overview and career outcomes [Online]. Retrieved October 8, 2025, from: https://www.stkate.edu/healthcare-degrees/what-is-holistic-health
Sumetpatumaphon, S. (2021). The study of Dhātu 4 on Kammatthāna practice in Buddhism (Dissertation). Ayutthaya: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. (in Thai)
United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations [Online]. Retrieved October 4, 2025, from: https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
Wannapok, S. (1999). The importance of the Tipitaka. Ayutthaya: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. (in Thai)
Wasi, P. (2008). Medicine, society, and philosophy. Nakhon Pathom: Mahidol University Press. (in Thai)
Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararam (Wat Pho). (n.d.). Epigraphic archives of Wat Pho [Online]. Retrieved October 14, 2025, https://www.watpho.com/en/inscription. (in Thai)
Wongthet, S. (2004). Social and cultural history of Siam–Thailand. Bangkok: Matichon Press. (in Thai)
World Health Organization. (1948). Constitution of the World Health Organization [Online]. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from: https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution.
World Health Organization. (2019). WHO global report on traditional and complementary medicine 2019. World Health Organization [Online]. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://www.who.int
World Health Organization. (2023). Global health report 2023 [Online]. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from: https://www.who.int/
