Following the Precepts (Sila), Having Peace: A Lesson Learned from a Peaceful Community of the Highlands มีศีล จึงมีสันติภาพ: ถอดบทเรียนชุมชนสันติภาพจากยอดดอย

Abstract

This article presents a lesson learned from a peaceful community which expands to be a peaceful community as a model of peaceful Thai society. Huai-Tom is a huge community of Pga K’nyau (Karen) situated in Nasai sub-district, Li district, Lamphun. It is the model of community that follows the five precepts because all people here eat only vegetarian food. They abstain from harming animals and are economically self-sufficient. Whenever there are ceremonies held either at the temples or at the community hall, they cook only vegetarian food with vegetables grown naturally. They also make their own tofu (soybean cake) for cooking. In addition, there are schedules of natural foods that are cooked each month. People in this community grow their own rice. This community follows the teachings of Kruba Chaiyavongsabaddhana who died in 2000 and was called ‘the candle’s light of the highlands’ and he strictly observed the precepts, practiced meditation, and ate only vegetarian food as the model for the community. Consequently, Pga K’nyau (Karen) follow his teaching and observe the five precepts in their daily lives-do not harm others.  This community is an example of a perfect peaceful community.