Abstract:
This study investigates potentials of Buddhist Agriculture for Community Self-Reliance of Pathom Asoke Community relevant to 3 aspects. The first one is to study patterns and production process according to Buddhist Agriculture of Pathom Asoke Community. Secondly, this study attempts to analyze visions and learning process of the people in this community towards self-reliance concept. The last aspect is to evaluate how the extent of effectiveness of the community self-reliance in 5 parts; technology, economy, natural resources, mental, and society and culture. This is a qualitative research in which the researcher collected data by analyzing previous documentary research and participating in the area directly such as participant observation, indepth interview, and group discussion with people in Pathom Asoke Community. The results reveal that Buddhist Agriculture helps all members in Pathom Asoke community sustain their lives by themselves effectively. Especially, they can rely on themselves in producing four necessary elements. By beholding on Buddhism rules, the people use Buddhism precepts, moralism and public wealth to work and live in every day life. As a result, they can rely on themselves in five aspects. The first one is technology which they can apply suitable technology by using biological fertilizer to sustain nature's balance. The second aspect is economy by producing all necesary products for human lives by intending to produce as many as they have to consume within the community the most. In addition, they transform some agricultural products in many preserving ways for consumption and trade by not paying attention on profit. The next aspect is about natural resources by having production plan which recognizing in natural balance by which managing agriculture without using insecticide. The fourth aspect is mental. They use five precepts in Buddhism as the main principle of their lives. They practice Buddhist's mediation and listen to Dharma regularly. All of these help lead them to peaceful way of living. The last one is society and culture which they have their own identity in living according to moralism and public wealth. These are commitment patterns for all members to sacrifice them for usefulness of public, have self-reliance, and never care about money or individual's benefit. In conclusion, self-reliance of Pathom Asoke community in five aspects occurs because the community uses Buddhist Agriculture. There are learning knowledge of all members originating from their faith toward the leader and constructive network of the community.