ABSTRACT

The main objectives of this thesis are: to study the principle of economy in Buddhist perspective as depicted in the Theravada Buddhist literature, to study the principle of self-sufficiency activities based on Buddhist teachings of Nongbuapae Village, Sang-Saeng Sub-district, Yang Sisurat District, Mahasarakham Province, and to study the result of self-sufficiency’s implement activities based on Buddhist teachings of the farmers in Nongbuapae Village, Sang-Saeng Sub-district, Yang Sisurat District, Mahasarakham Province.

The result of the study found that the principle of Buddhist economic even thought did not cover the areas of modern economics: manufacturing, consumption, and distribution. But it was characterized basing on temporal welfare (ditthadhammikattha), moderation (mattabbuta), contentment (santosa); therefore, the total aim of Buddhist economic was to fully utilize natural resources for the benefit of all- just to maintain the living not for enjoyment and indulgence.

There were five groups of farmers in Nongbuapae Village: paddy farming, organic vegetable, organic fertilizer, weaving products, and planting mulberry and silk. All of them worked in team groups with rational understanding toward their members. Thus, they shared what their have with each other. Such kinds of practices helped them to reduce the cost of production and enhance the sound community. 

Moreover, thefarmers in Nongbuapae Village also implemented the principle of right live hood (Samma-ajiva), virtues which make protections (Nathakaranadhamma), virtues making for group integration and leadership (Savgahavatthu), moderation, and contentment as their principles of living. Consequently, they lived happily with the good of themselves. However, there were some village members who did not concern much about the activities of self-sufficiency in earning living. For instance, they still preferred chemistcal fertilizer for agriculture without considering about the harmful effects to environment. Nevertheless, silk products were the most attractive products that drew attention of the visitors.

Last but not least, with such practices, the farmers in Nongbuapae Village could save their income and in the same time increase their income. And, with stable condition of the families, there were not many social problems in the village. Furthermore, such actions reduced crimes, unwholesome atmosphere of the society, quarrel among the family, and social crisis. Collectively, this example was a model of living that strengthened the society in sound and peaceful.