追尋生命意義與轉化之探究－三位法鼓山義工的生命故事

Abstract

本研究宗旨是探討在法鼓山奉獻多年即將步入老年的獨居女性義工，參與志願服務前後生命歷程的轉變。根據研究者的自我敘說及對兩位參與者的深度訪談，整理、歸納、撰寫成研究參與者的生命故事。 本研究由生命歷程探究法鼓山義工生命的意義與轉化，藉由每一位研究參與者的生命故事，發現每個人的獨特生命經驗；隨著父母、配偶死亡及子女成長，獨居的生命階段逐漸形成，研究參與者自中年即參與志願服務，對於個人的行為、態度及思想產生不同程度的改變，他們在生命歷程中不同階段的學習與預備，也為自己累績朝向活躍老年生活的資源。 本研究有三項希望探討的文題：1.義工參與志願服務的動機，2.在法鼓山從事志願服務，對於個人的生命的影響，3.女性高齡義工終身學習與奉獻如何適應老年，以達到活躍老年。 本研究結果發現： ㄧ、義工參與志願服務的動機 1.尋找心靈依歸，2.跳脫困境，3.追尋人生方向4.利益他人 二、在法鼓山從事志願服務，對於個人的生命的影響 1.提升生命價值，2.自我成長，3.自我肯定與歸屬感4.改善家庭關係 三、女性高齡義工終身學習與奉獻如何適應老年，以達到活躍老年 1.行動中學習與分享，2.終身服務，3.「心」的安住 針對上述研究結果進行綜合討論，於末章提出結論及研究者的反思。

The purpose of this research is to understand the changes in the life course of female volunteers who live alone, have been with Dharma Drum Mountain for many years, and are about to enter their senior years. The research is based on the investigator’s self-narrative and in-depth interviews of two other participants, and the life stories of the three research subjects are organized, summarized, and written. This research explores the meaning and transformation of the lives of these volunteers through their life courses. By reviewing the life stories of the participants, we discover the uniqueness of life experience in each one of them. From parents passing, spouse passing to children growing up and leaving home, gradually, these participants were entering a stage in life which they live alone. The three research participants have been engaged in volunteering services since middle age, and the act of volunteering had changed their personal behaviors, attitudes and thoughts to varying degrees. Their learning and preparation at different stages in life are also contributing factors for them to stay active in their senior years. There are three main topics that I hope to explore in this research: 1. Volunteers' motivation to participate in volunteering services, 2. How does volunteering in Dharma Drum Mountain impact one’s life, 3. How do female seniors learn to adapt old age and achieve the goal of being active in old age through the course of volunteering and giving oneself. The results of this study included the following: A. The motivation of volunteers to participate in volunteering service (The motivations for volunteering) (1) Find belonging in spirituality, (2) Find a way out of a difficult position, (3) Explore the meaning of life, (4) Benefit others B. How does volunteering in Dharma Drum Mountain impact one’s life (1) Improve life value, (2) Self-growth, (3) Self-affirmation and sense of belonging, (4) Improve family relationships C. How do female seniors learn to adapt old age and achieve the goal of being active in old age through the course of volunteering and giving oneself (1) Being able to learn and share in the course of volunteering, (2) Lifelong service, (3) Settling the mind A comprehensive discussion of the above research results is carried out. Conclusions and the researcher’s reflections are presented in the last chapter.