Abstract:
The objectives of this research were: 1) to study self-reliance of farmers in Khon Kaen province; 2) to find the ways to promote Buddhist self-reliance of farmers in Khon Kaen province; 3) to analyze the model of Buddhist self-reliance of farmers in Khon Kaen province. This study was carried out by means of the qualitative research methodology through conducting the interviews of the purposive targets: 30 farmers
who were able to perform self-reliance by applying Buddhist principles in their life in three districts (10 each) in Khon Kaen province.
The research results were as follows:
1) Self-reliance of farmers in Khon Kaen province: it was found that the life of farmers in Khon Kaen province was self-sufficient, but relies on a new economic system by relying on the middleman in the trading of agricultural products. Groups or communities that are not fully dependent on each other because the management capital is insufficient to meet the needs of the people.
2) In regards to the Buddhist self-reliance promotion of farmers in Khon Kaen province, it was found that the people had to act in accordance with the sufficiency economy principle according to King Rama IX's speech as a guideline for people to follow as the complete way of living and peace with Dhamma as physical and mental controllers. This is the Thai way of life that adheres to the middle path of moderation in self-reliance which are: 1) mental moderation including being strong, self-reliant, good conscious, generous, compromising and taken into account the common interests; 2) social moderation such as supporting each other, strengthening the community, joining forces and more importantly, having a learning process created from a solid and strong foundation; 3) natural resource moderation and the environmental moderation: to know, use and manage wisely and carefully for benefit maximum and sustainability, to use the resources available in the country to develop a stable country forward; 4) technological moderation: to know how to use appropriate technology in accordance with the needs, to develop technology from folk wisdom
consistent and beneficial to environment; 5) economic moderation: to increase income, reduce living expenses, being sufficient to eat according to convention and position.
3) In the aspect of self-reliance by applying Buddhist principles, it was found that 1) 'Chanda (Aspiration)' is a passion and love in one's profession in farming in the form of using organic fertilizers without persecuting other lives and creating safe for consumers; 2) 'Viriya (Energy)' is perseverance, ditigence and patience for one's occupation, such as farmers until being successful; 3) 'Citta (Thoughtfulness)' is to have a bound mind, concentrating on thinking about work, not letting go, not going anywhere; if 'Citta' is fervent in any matter or work, that person will not be interested or not aware of the other; 4) 'VImamsa (Investigation)' is that after farming, there are profit analysis, consideration of environmental impacts, social impacts and self-impacts in order for the betterment of farming; to promote self-reliance of farmers in Khon Kaen province, it has to rely on Buddhist principles applied in living and work and farming will be successful by adhering to Buddhist principles called the Four Iddhipada-dhamma principles (Path of Accomplishment).