Model of Modern Agricultural Development through Integrative Buddhist Agriculture

Abstract

          The dissertation had three objectives: 1) to study Buddhist concepts of agriculture and modern sciences; 2) to study the model of agriculture in recent Thai society; and 3) to present the Buddhist integrated model of agricultural development.It was found that Buddhist agriculture meant agricultural performances adhered to by the teaching of Buddhism based on Sila without exploiting, being generous, portioning out, right livelihood, on the basis of Dharma practices. The new way agriculture contains organic, integrating, and sufficiency agriculture focusing on productive increase, reducing expenses, self-dependence, environmental disturbance, economic, social and wealth upgrade. In addition, other findings showed that current monks teach a variety of Dharma approaching people via agricultural activities efficiently instead of traditional styles, inconsistent with ways of life. There are 4 Dharma schools, namely: 1) Santi Asoke; 2) the Wat Suan Kaew Group; 3) the Sajja Saving Group; and 4) the Economic Buddhist Farmer School. All of the four schools have similar teaching ways of diligence, honesty, economy, harmony, sharing, considering with environmental companionship consisting with Dharma principles; that is- Diṭṭhadhammikattha, Bhoga distribution, Aparihāniyadham,, Brahmavihàra, Sammāājãva. Integrative agriculture incorporated with the “Ways if Life,” developing morals together with profession by Dharma teaching of efficient practices to all of farmers, agriculturists, orchardists, attained, by Dharma teaching with careers, concurrently. This result in leading lives well individually, moral initiatives, realization, societal and self-responsibilities. Hence, this would have strengthening points for communities, and then social development has a systematic upsurge.