The Area-Based Development of Phra Budit Asa and Phra Dhammajarik Based on Buddhist Local Innovation for Solve Poverty Problems of the Highland People

Abstract

The research article consisted of two objectives: 1) to develop the area-based development model based on Buddhist local innovations to solve poverty problems of the highland people; and 2) to develop Buddhist local innovations for Phra Bundit Asa and Phra Dhammajarik to solve poverty problems of the highland people. The study employed mixed-methods research, including qualitative and quantitative methods, in three communities: 1) Ban Dok Daeng; 2) Ban Huai Bong; and 3) Ban Chan. The sample group consisted of 21 persons, divided into 4 groups: 1) three Phra Bundit Asa/ Phra Dhammajarik; 2) three community leaders/ local scholars; 3) twelve villagers; and 4) three experts on Buddhist local innovations. The data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory action research activities, pre-and post-evaluation. The obtained data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation (S.D.). The data were interpreted and summarized.

The results of the study revealed as follows: 1) The development of the area-based development model based on Buddhist local innovations includes the promotion of education, the propagation of the Dhamma and the development of public facilities. There are five processes, namely (1) self-reliance, (2) conservation of natural resources, (3) development of the temple as a learning center, (4) cooperation among villages, temples and schools, and (5) cultural commodification; 2) The development of Buddhist local innovations involves the involvement of monks in promoting the temple as a learning center (sikkhā) in order to develop people's efforts to make a right livelihood. In this regards, the research team has been involved in the development of a product level (logo) “Kai-dee Kong-doi” and three community products as prototype products, namely (1) Khaodoi Dokdang, (2) Huaybong coffee, (3) Watchan fabric, to promote channels for the sale of community products of the highland people.