Abstract:
The study consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate self-reliance through Buddhist way of Pathom Asoke community in Nakhon Pathom Province; 2) to explore self-reliance strategies through Buddhist way of Pathom Asoke community in Nakhon Pathom Province; and 3) to present self-reliance strategies through Buddhist way of Pathom Asoke community in Nakhon Pathom Province. The study used a qualitative research technique, which included document analysis, in-depth interviews, observation, and focus group discussions. The collected data were examined, synthesized, and presented.
From the study, the following results are found:
1) Self-reliance through the Buddhist way of the Pathom Asoke community in Nakhon Pathom Province is discovered to be a simple way of life, eat less, and use less based on Buddhist teachings. Self-reliance in the worldly sense is based on the four requisites and non-toxic agriculture, but self-reliance in the Buddhist sense is based on strict adherence to Buddhist teachings and mind development based on one's potential, with Nibbāna as the highest goal.
2) The strategies for developing self-reliance through Buddhist way of Pathom Asoke community in Nakhon Pathom Province apply the SWOT analysis & TOWS matrix in order to develop the five aspects which include: (1) normal way of life; (2) meditation practice; (3) personnel; (4) technology and machines; and (5) network.
3) The following are the strategies for developing self-reliance via the Buddhist way of the Pathom Asoke community in all five aspects: (1) providing further nutrition information by nutritionists and community members with nutrition understanding so that community members can receive correct, suitable, and sanitary food and nutrients; (2) increasing meeting days so that community members can meet on a regular basis to discuss and solve problems, as well as expanding communication methods, whether face-to-face or via text messaging; (3) raising the number of students enrolled at Samma Sikha Santi Asok School with the goal of propagating and inheriting the community way of life, as well as increasing the number of community members and human laborers; (4) providing modern technology and machines to replace and relieve human laborers for the sake of convenience, as well as manufacturing standard and quality products; and (5) expanding the number of meetings, seminars, and trainings for network members to discuss and collaborate with government and private sectors, as well as educational institutes, to conduct research and develop products such as standard seeds and seedlings.