Abstract:
The study consisted of the following objectives: 1) to examine the context, problems, needs, and factors promoting the development of right livelihoods through jade grinding for the younger generation in Thung Sano Subdistrict, Phanom Thuan District, Kanchanaburi Province; 2) to create an action plan for promoting right livelihoods (Sammājīva) through jade grinding for the younger generation in Thung Sano Subdistrict, Phanom Thuan District, Kanchanaburi Province, based on Buddhist peaceful means; and 3) to present the outcomes of promoting right livelihoods through jade grinding for the younger generation, based on Buddhist peaceful means. The study employed a participatory action research method, collecting qualitative data through in-depth interviews with key informants, including members of the younger generation, local village scholars, community leaders, gemstone business operators, and government agencies supporting local occupations, totaling 18 participants. Workshops utilizing the PAOR (Plan-Act-Observe-Reflect) approach were conducted with 12 participants, including 7 young people and 5 local scholars practicing right livelihoods. The study also utilized participatory observation and the AAR (After Action Review) technique for reflective analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.
From the study, the following results were found:
1.The decline in the jade grinding profession can be attributed to high costs and low prices, prompting operators to shift towards gemstone production. The gemstone market is highly competitive, and the demand for jade has decreased, resulting in fewer employment opportunities. The younger generation is not interested in this occupation as it does not meet their needs and lacks sufficient basic skills. Additional problems include poor-quality raw materials and outdated technology. Proposed solutions involve government support, the establishment of jade grinding groups, and the development of new products that align with market demand. It is also important to organize activities that spark interest in the profession. Promoting jade grinding among the younger generation requires collaboration from the government, private sector, and local communities
2. The development of an action plan to promote right livelihoods through jade grinding for the younger generation using Buddhist peaceful means involves raising awareness and motivating young people to engage in jade grinding. This includes sharing knowledge, showcasing successful examples, and offering hands-on practice opportunities. Furthermore, training programs with local village scholars are organized to build the essential skills and knowledge, alongside the development of networks to support marketing, funding, and modern product development. Collaboration with families, communities, government sectors, and business owners is crucial for establishing a sustainable process that aligns with the community's way of life. This approach is based on the Buddhist principles of Bala (the five powers), which focus on fostering faith, encouraging perseverance, practicing mindfulness and concentration, and applying wisdom to identify opportunities for creating occupations for the younger generation.
3. The development of jade grinding careers for the younger generation includes designing a variety of activities to promote right livelihoods, such as knowledge exchange, teaching jade grinding techniques, promoting occupations, and engaging in collaborative marketing, along with structured project-based training. Field visits are carried out to assess the needs and challenges faced by the younger generation, and workshops are also organized to enhance jade grinding skills through five key activities: 1) Inspirational storytelling by a supportive adult to empower youth, 2) Motivating job creation, 3) Mindfulness ball-passing game, 4) Exploring pathways to create occupations, 5) The Five Powers and Five Stations, and 6) Reflection and sharing. The objective is for the younger generation to acquire jade grinding skills and gain opportunities for future livelihoods, while also fostering hope and inspiration within the community for improved development.
A body of knowledge gained from the study is called 7 R Knowledge Model for Jade Grinding Right Livelihoods for the Younger Generation model is a development approach designed to enhance the potential and quality of life for young people. It includes the following principles: 1) Uniting to build faith, 2) Inspiring career development, 3) Learning in creative ways, 4) Recognizing self-worth, 5) Setting life goals, 6) Embracing progress through action, and 7) Forming groups to make dreams a reality. The aim is to foster a younger generation with honest livelihoods, independence, a love for their hometown, the ability to sustain themselves, and overall happiness.