Synergistic effects of Buddhist five precepts and death contemplation on inner strengths and mental health in elderly Thai meditators.

Background: This study investigated pāramīs-based inner strengths and mental health outcomes among elderly Thai Buddhist meditators, with a particular focus on the combined effects of strict ethical adherence to the Five Precepts (abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants) and varying level of death contemplation practice because this combination is a hallmark of serious meditation practice among those aspiring to attain nirvana, the ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism.

Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 332 participants aged 60 and above was recruited from temples and meditation centers in Northern Thailand. Using validated self-report measures, we assessed the frequency of observance of the Five Precepts, engagement in maranasati meditation, the ten pāramī virtues including generosity, morality, mindfulness/meditation, wisdom, perseverance, patience, truthfulness, determination, loving-kindness, and equanimity, and a range of mental health indicators, including depression, anxiety, aggression, well-being, gratitude, life satisfaction, and self-esteem.

Results: Dedicated practitioners, who had perfect adherence to the Five precepts and engagement in death contemplation practice, demonstrated significantly higher levels of pāramī-based inner strengths, as well as greater well-being, gratitude, and life satisfaction. They also showed lower levels of anxiety, depression, and aggression than less dedicated peers. However, no significant differences in gratitude were observed between groups, suggesting that gratitude may not primarily depend on the combination of ethical and contemplative practices.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the unique and synergistic benefits of combining rigorous ethical conduct with contemplation of impermanence in fostering resilience and psychological flourishing among older adults. The results underscore the enduring significance of Buddhist principles for mental health and spiritual well-being in contemporary aging populations, while also clarifying that some positive psychological traits, such as gratitude, may be influenced by factors beyond formal Buddhist practice. Future longitudinal and cross-cultural studies are warranted to clarify causality and generalizability.