Abstract
In modern
Myanmar, grassroots-level families, especially young married couples, face
significant challenges in maintaining marital harmony due to economic hardship.
Many couples are forced to separate, with one partner working abroad to provide
financial support for family. After the military coup in 2021, many families
struggled with financial and social problems due to the ongoing civil war in
the country. This study investigates these marital challenges and explores
solutions through the lens of Buddhist teachings, offering practical guidance
rooted in Myanmar's cultural and religious context.
The research employs a
qualitative approach, conducting in-depth interviews with five grassroots-level
married couples in Myanmar. The interviews focus on the couples’ experiences
with economic migration, emotional strain, and family dynamics. Through this
exploration, the study identifies the most common and pressing issues affecting
marital life among grassroots families in Myanmar, such as long-term
separation, financial stress, and the emotional burden on both partners and
their children.
Financial instability further
exacerbates these emotional challenges, weakening marital bonds and creating
communication barriers. However, the study also finds that Buddhist teachings
offer effective solutions to these problems. Key principles cultivating love in
the family such as loving-kindness (Metta) and patience (Khanti), provide
practical tools for couples to cope with separation, improve emotional
connection, and foster family harmony. Financial knowledge and the idea of
caring for relatives in Sutta Tripitaka are still useful for solving family
problems.
The study concludes that grassroots
families can strengthen their relationships despite the pressures of modern
life by integrating Buddhist practices such as regular meditation,
compassionate communication, and emotional awareness. These teachings promote
resilience and understanding and offer culturally resonant solutions for
improving family well-being.
Keywords: Buddhist teachings, Economic migration, Family harmony, Grassroots families, Marital challenges.
Nandiya Bhikkhu Pekhon
Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
nandiya.ncc@gmail.com
