The Model of Buddhist Agriculture of Gardeners in Muang District, Mahasarakham Province

Abstract

          The objectives of this research were: 1) to study Buddhist agriculture in Theravada Buddhism; 2) to study the agricultural problems of gardeners in Muang District. Mahasarakham Province; 3) to propose a Buddhist agriculture model for gardeners in Muang District, Mahasarakham Province. The study was carried out by means qualitative. The data collection was conducted from studying documents and in-depth interviews. The obtained data were interpreted by descriptive analysis according to the inductive method.
          The results of the research were as follows:
          1) Buddhist agriculture in Theravada Buddhism is agriculture that stands in the rightness, goodness and self-reliance which can help society by adhering to the principles of the Right Means of Livelihood, the Four Paths of Accomplishment, the Four Bases of Social Solidarity, the Sublime States of Mind and Five Precepts.
          2) The problems of farming of gardeners in Muang District, Mahasarakham Province were as follows: 1) gardeners lack knowledge on the use of chemicals and government support; 2) the agricultural environment is lacking in fertility; 3) the water in agriculture contains chemicals causing pollution to the environment and also is not enough in the dry season; 4) the soil is deficient in minerals, deteriorated affecting the growth of plants; 5) high cost and low yield; 6) there are many pests.
          3) The Buddhist agriculture model for gardeners in Muang District, Mahasarakham Province is a form of organic agriculture, bio-agriculture and microbial agriculture, herbs from ‘Teacher Nam Muak’ formula which is the innovation to address the problem and reduce the use of chemicals, to not destroy living things and be environmentally friendly, to reduce pests, costs, to increase productivity, and be safe for producers and consumers. It is according to the principle of Livelihood, the Four Paths of Accomplishment, the Four Bases of Social Solidarity, the Sublime States of Mind and Five Precepts in line with the sufficiency economy of King Rama IX.