Abstract

                  The purposes of the study are (1) to study the Buddhist Teachings related to volunteer spirit, (2) to study the volunteer spirit theories and approaches, and the volunteer spirit of SOS Youth, Sathira-Dhammasathan (8^th camp – Eight Amazing Media), and (3) to study the application of Buddhist Teachings towards the working of SOS Youth, Sathira-Dhammasathan (8^th camp – Eight Amazing Media).

                  Descriptive method and in-depth interview were used in this research. The researcher conducted in-depth interview with ten youths (from 8^th camp – Eight Amazing Media) who have joined the volunteer spirit program either with SOS youth camp or Sathira-Dhammasathan for at least one year.

              The result shows in the same direction that both in general and in Buddhist theories and approaches in volunteer spirit term is originated from willing to help others without expecting anything in return and there is no obligation in doing so.  As for volunteer spirit of SOS Youth, Sathira-Dhammasathan (8^th camp – Eight Amazing Media), they recognize the volunteer spirit from activities conducted in the youth camp, working as a team and also the Buddhist Teachings are involved in all activities.  The SOS youths have gained the skills in being volunteers, working with others and self development. 

                  The SOS youths have applied the Buddhist Teachings towards the volunteer spirit.  They are as follows: (1) Base of Social Solidarity, Sangahavatthu – giving and rendering services, (2) Path of Accomplishment, Iddhipada – aspiration, (3) Holy Abiding, Brahmavihara – loving-kindness, compassion, sympathy, equanimity, (4) Virtues for Lay People, Gharavasa Dhamma – generosity (5) Virtues for Fraternal Living, Saraniyadhamma – to be amiable indeed, to be amiable in word, to be amiable in thought and to share any lawful gains with virtuous fellows.  Moreover, the SOS youths have applied the Buddhist Teachings towards working with others.  They are as follows: (1) Base of Social Solidarity, Sangahavatthu – kindly speech, (2) Holy Abiding, Brahmavihara – equanimity, (3) Virtues for Lay People, Gharavasa Dhamma – truth (4) Virtues for Fraternal Living, Saraniyadhamma – to be endowed with right views along with one’s fellows.  Lastly, the SOS youths have applied the Buddhist Teachings towards self development.  They are as follows: (1) Base of Social Solidarity, Sangahavatthu – participation and behaving oneself properly in all circumstances, (2) Path of Accomplishment, Iddhipada – effort, thoughtfulness and investigation, (3) Holy Abiding, Brahmavihara – equanimity, (4) Virtues for lay people, Gharavasa Dhamma – taming, training oneself and tolerance (5) Virtues for Fraternal Living, Saraniyadhamma – to keep without blemish the rules of conduct along with one’s fellows.