The Sustainable Development of Buddhist Agricultural Tourism Through Buddhist Peaceful Means by Ban Nong Tae Community Suphan Buri Province

Abstract

This research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to analyze context, problems, and requirements, as well as concepts and theories of sustainable development for Buddhist agricultural tourism through Buddhist peaceful means; 2) to examine the Buddhist peaceful means that contribute to the sustainable development of Buddhist agricultural tourism; and 3) to develop and present the sustainable development of Buddhist agricultural tourism through Buddhist peaceful means by Ban Nong Tae Community, Suphan Buri Province. The study was based on Ariyasacca (the Four Noble Truths) model in accordance with participatory action research (PAR) under the 9-step research framework. The data were collected by in-depth interview with key informants including 5 scholars, as well as 20 community leaders, religious leaders, and farmers. The obtained data were analyzed using the descriptive method. 

From the study, the following results are found: 1) For a long time, the community area has been plagued by drought. Not only does the community lack agricultural water, but it also has transportation infrastructure issues. Local agricultural products are in short supply and of poor quality. The environment and natural resources are deteriorating. Tourist attractions have not been developed and are suffering from poverty. Buddhist agricultural areas based on the sufficiency economy philosophy are used as the natural attraction model. The goal is to create an identity based on local culture and tradition through raising awareness raising and preserving attractions. The attractions should be developed as a knowledge center for the community to generate income, become self-reliant, and have a good quality of life in a sustainable way; 2) An application of Kasibhāradvājasutta (The Farmer Bhāradvaja) as a Buddhist peaceful means integrated with modern science is used to develop the Buddhist agricultural tourism. The strategies founded on saddhā (faith), perseverance, wisdom, hiri (sense of shame), and soracca (gentleness) are used to build economic foundations for people in the community, leading to stability, self-reliance, and happiness and peace within families; and 3) The development of Buddhist agricultural tourism leads to ‘full stomach, warm bed, free of debt, full of fund.’ The model called ‘NONGTAE’ comprises seven components as follows: ‘N’ stands for No poverty; ‘O’ stands for mutual Ownership; ‘N’ stands for Network building; ‘G’ stands for Good service; ‘T’ stands for Tradition; ‘A’ stands for Aspiration; ‘E’ stands for Education. The model helps to enhance community bond, promote volunteerism, and build sustainable economy.