Abstract:
This research project consists of 3 main objectives, namely; to study the development of the Five Precepts conservation activities of the Five Precepts Conservation Villages, to study the movement and reinforcement of the cooperative network of the Five Precepts Conservation Village, and to analyze the results of the implementation of the Five Precepts Conservation Village project and the development of a Buddhist society. This research is a combination of documentary, quantitative, qualitative and action research, through data consolidation from a total of 490 samplings which were gathered from monks, government officials, local leaders, and the general public, at the policy level, monks at the provincial level, and villagers from 10 Five Precepts Conservation Village prototypes in 10 provinces, which includes Chiang Rai, Nan, Phichit, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Buriram, Kanchanaburi, Chonburi, Songkhla, and Satun. Data were then analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics and qualitative data analysis. The results of the study revealed that:
1.Results of the study, perception, and participation, in the implementation of the Five Precepts Conservation Village. From the study of the opinions of 400 monks and people, most of which are female, aged between 20-30 years, with secondary school education level, revealed that, the majority of the sample group, 87%, used to receive information regarding the Five Precepts Conservation Village project, by being directly informed by the temple. It is followed by social media channels, such as Facebook, Line, and websites. On the practice of the Five Precepts, it was found that most of the sample groups displayed interest and determination in the observation of religious precepts on Buddhist holy days or other religious-related days. Only a small number of people say that they intend to observe the precepts on a daily basis, and which the sample group also mentioned that they strictly adhere to the Third Precept, which is being responsible for their own sexual acts. It is followed by the arbitrary possession of other people's possession or the thought of stealing from others (Second Precept), not to indulge in malicious speech or falsehood that may cause harm to others (Fourth Precept), not to indulge in alcohol or drugs (Fifth Precept), and not to exploit, kill, or hurt, one another (First Precept).
2. Results of the study of the development activities of the Five Precepts of the Five Precepts Conservation Village. The study revealed that the Five Precepts Conservation Villages in the 10 provinces has substantially changed in Thai society with regards to The Five Precepts in order to suit the villagers' social moral development, namely: 1) the observation of the First Precept, i.e. holding no ill intent towards one another, teaches the value of humanity and kindness towards all living beings. The village has defined its own rules by which no fishing is allowed during the spawning season, carrying weapons is prohibited, organizing merit-making activities such as releasing birds and fishes, or setting up of a village sanctuary. If anyone is found to have violated these rules, they will be fined. 2) The observation of the Second Precept, where stealing is prohibited. The violator will be fined twice the value of the stolen goods. The village also focuses on setting up village funds and savings groups to support an honest livelihood. 3) The observation of the Third Precept, which is to refrain from committing adultery and infidelity. Violators will be admonished and given thoughts through activities promoting family relations and youth to be responsible for their own sexual behaviors. 4) The observation of the
Fourth Precept, where quarrelling, fighting, and making loud noises and causing a disturbance is forbidden. Violators will be made to provide compensation, as well as, encouraging people to be honest with one another according to the wisdom and traditions of the community. 5) The observation of the Fifth Precept, forbidding drug abuse, of which violators will be warned and handed over to officials according to the offenses observed. Development activities, where merit-making or melancholic ceremonies, should be free from alcohol and vices, are promoted to ensure a peaceful village society.
3. The results of the mobilization and strengthening of the Five Precepts Conservation Village cooperation network. The study revealed that the model performed similarly to the government village projects, such as the Pandhin Tham Pandhin Thong Project, the Sufficiency Economy Village Project, the Baan Si Khao - Chor Sa-ard Project, and the Moral Community, etc. The project is driven by a committee in which members are selected from the clergy, the government, local governing bodies, the private sector, and the local people, based on the principles of "the power of home, temple, and local government agencies (Palang Boworn)", with the monks as the backbone in the development of the village to conserve the Five Precepts, have affection, unity, as well as, the promotion of "honest livelihood", which is the path towards sustainable stability for village development.
4.The results of the analysis of the operation of the Five Precept Conservation Village prototype, and the development of Buddhist way of life. The study revealed that the results of the Five Precept Conservation Village project led to the construction of model villages and moral communities based on Buddhadhamma, which is to improve the quality of life of the people through the work process of the clergy, the government, the private sector, local governing bodies, and civil society. This is in accordance with the Five Precepts and the Four Prayer Principles that are in line with the development of the Buddhist way of life, namely 1) the development of people or human resources to possess morality and ethics according to the principles of Buddhism, as well as, have a good quality of life, each giving help and support to one another, 2) the conservation and promotion of cultural resources and local wisdom, which will lead to new creations that is beneficial to the development of a creative economy, 3) the management and conservation of natural resources and the environment, and 4) the integration of technology for an effective village and community management to promote sustainable learning and development of society.