Synergistic effects of Buddhist five precepts and death contemplation on inner strengths and mental health in elderly Thai meditators.
Alla Glushich, Justin DeMaranville, Tinakon Wongpakaran, Danny Wedding, Nahathai Wongpakaran
BMC psychology December 8, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1186/s40359-025-03679-9 via PubMed
Summary
Elderly Thai Buddhist meditators who strictly adhered to the Five Precepts and practiced death contemplation reported higher levels of inner strengths, well-being, and life satisfaction, along with lower anxiety, depression, and aggression. Specifically, 332 participants aged 60 and above were studied, revealing that dedicated practitioners had significantly better mental health outcomes compared to their less committed peers. However, no significant differences in gratitude were found between groups, indicating other factors may influence this trait.
Study at a glance
| Design | cross-sectional study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 332 |
| Population | elderly Thai Buddhist meditators aged 60 and above |
| Key finding | Practitioners with perfect adherence to the Five Precepts and engagement in death contemplation exhibited significantly higher mental health outcomes compared to less dedicated peers. |
Abstract
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.