Exploring Perceived Sources of Happiness, Psychological Well-being and Coping among Institutionalized Buddhist Monks of Sikkim State of India

Page: 34 – 41

Kinnari Kashyap    Kakoli Das    Satyananda Panda

Sikkim University, Department of Psychology, Gangtok (Sikkim)

The present study was done to understand the factors contributing to the enhancement of happiness, well-being, and coping mechanism. For this purpose, 30 Buddhist monks (Age Mean = 39.9 and SD= 4.97) were randomly selected for in-depth interview from eight different monasteries of East Sikkim. Qualitative analysis of the data revealed that there is huge psychological pleasure and contentment among the monks. For a majority of the monks, practicing meditation, understanding the truth of life and practicing the Buddhist principles were found to be the major contributing factors for a positive and healthier life elevating self-concept, happiness, purpose of life, being compassionate and grateful, thus improving overall well-being among the monks. This result of the present study can be fruitful for developing a constructive life and mind of contemporary society that is constantly changing all over the world. Limitations of the study and suggestions for the further researches have been discussed.

Keywords: Happiness, Well-being, Monks, Meditation, Buddhist

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