Sufficiency Economy as Practiced in the Boon Niyom Way of the Din Nong Dan Nua Community

Abstract

     This article presents research on Sufficiency Economy following the way of living of Boon Niyom, in the Din Nong Dan Nua community of Udon Thani. The main points of Sufficiency Economy are moderation, reasonableness, and the possession of good self-immunity including the conditions of knowledge and virtue. This is demonstrated here by using qualitative research composed of the study of documents, interviews, and observation with participation. The research shows that villagers in the Din Nong Dan Nua community have 12 outstanding activities in their community, which are: 1) organic agriculture; 2) artificial rain by sprinklers; 3) belief in the doctrine of being liberated; 4) development centered on people and the life of the community; 5) fair community allocation of assets; 6) healthy food; 7) an old-style rice mill; 8) development of microorganisms in agriculture; 9) alternative medicine; 10) environmental conservation; 11) songs for strengthening the community; and 12) trade in the way of Boon Niyom. These activities are indicators showing that villagers have a lifestyle according to the form of Sufficiency Economy because everyone practices moderation with a simple form of living especially in the four requisites which are the basis leading to moderation in other aspects. Regarding the aspect of reasonableness in the community, villagers use a collective process which in the first stage is an exchange of opinions and this then develops into collective decision-making. Regarding the aspect of possessing good self-immunity to outside forces, villagers have self-reliance in production and sales of commodities including health care. Regarding the aspect of knowledge with virtue, there is study both inside and outside the community by learning through other media and holding to the Buddhist principles and the culture of working to practice individually to be moral.