Developing Sīla Character through Mindfulness and Kalyāṇamittā: Evidence from Buddhist Students in a Multicultural School

Abstract

Formation of sīla character among adolescents represents an aspect of Buddhist education, particularly within multicultural school environments that present social influences. This study aims to analyse the effects of mindfulness and kalyāṇamittā on sīla character among Buddhist students at Xin Zhong Junior High School Surabaya. The research employed a quantitative approach with a correlational design involving 72 students through total sampling. Data were collected using a Likert scale questionnaire that fulfilled validity and reliability tests, then analysed through descriptive statistics, classical assumption tests, and multiple linear regression. The results indicate that mindfulness has a significant effect on sīla character (β=0.396; p=0.009), while kalyāṇamittā also has a significant effect (β=0.501; p=0.001). Simultaneously, both variables significantly contribute 77.2% (R²=0.772). These findings show that sīla character development is influenced by self-awareness and social support. Integration of mindfulness and kalyāṇamittā becomes a strategy for strengthening Buddhist character education in multicultural environments.