INTEGRATING BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES TO DEVELOP A SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY COMMUNITY BAN TONPHO, BANG KHAYANG, MUEANG DISTRICT, PATHUM THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research are threefold: 1) To study the ploblems situation of community and integration of Buddhist principles to develop a self-sufficient economy community Ban Ton Pho, Bang Kha Yaeng Subdistrict, Mueang District, Pathum Thani Province; 2) To study the level of success in developing a self-sufficient economy community Ban Ton Pho, Bang Kha Yaeng Subdistrict, Mueang District, Pathum Thani Province, and 3) To study the suggestions for integrating Buddhist principles to develop a self-sufficient economy community Ban Ton Pho, Bang Kha Yaeng Subdistrict, Mueang District, Pathum Thani Province.

Research results 1) Community problems found that the community has economic problems, social and cultural problems, environmental problems, management and leadership problems, and technological infrastructure problems. And Integrating the principles of the 7 Sappurisadhammas, the philosophy of the sufficiency economy, and local cultural practices found that the integration of the principles of Dhamma, the philosophy of the sufficiency economy, and local cultural practices to develop agriculture and local products, conservation and continuation of Mon culture, surveillance and warning, which are integrated to the highest level (average score of 4.63 out of 5)  2) The level of success in developing a self-sufficient economy community Ban Ton Pho, Bang Khae Yaeng sub-district, Mueang district, Pathum Thani province, found that the overall achievement was at the highest level, with an average score of 4.75 out of a full score of 5. When considering each aspect, it was found that it was at the highest level in every aspect, ranked from highest to lowest as follows: environmental conservation (Mean=4.90), economic security (Mean=4.80), learning and passing on of wisdom (Mean=4.78), ability to be self-reliant (Mean=4.72), and unity and cooperation (Mean=4.53) 3) The proposed guidelines for integrating Buddhist principles into the development of a sufficiency economy community reveal that the application of the Seven Qualities of a True Person (Sappurisa-dhamma 7) strengthens Baan Ton Pho community as follows: (1)Dhammannuta – villagers understand the causes and choose appropriate agricultural methods according to available resources. (2) Atthannuta – they are aware of the long-term outcomes of preserving Mon culture and practicing sufficiency agriculture. (3) Attannuta – they know their own capabilities and avoid exceeding their potential. (4)Mattannuta – they produce primarily for household consumption, selling only the surplus, emphasizing moderation. (5) Kalanuta – they carry out activities at the right time, such as planting crops in proper seasons. (6) Parisannuta – they understand the strengths and needs of the community to enhance self-reliance. (7) Puggalannuta – they allocate roles according to individual skills, fostering effective cooperation.