Sustainable Development of the Grassroots Urban Economy Through Buddhist Peaceful Means: A Case Study of Wat Sarod Community, Bangkok

Abstract

This study was conducted using the Ariyasacca Model, in alignment with Participatory Action Research (PAR), following a nine-step research process. The aims were to achieve the following objectives: 1) to explore and analyze the context, problems, and basic economic conditions of Wat Sarod community, alongside modern development theories; 2) to investigate the sustainable development of grassroots urban economy in Wat Sarod community, Bangkok, through the application of Buddhist peaceful means; and 3) to present the results of the outcomes of sustainable development of grassroots urban economy in Wat Sarod community, Bangkok, through the application of Buddhist peaceful means. The study employed various data collection tools, including in-depth interviews, academic seminars, focus group discussions, as well as both participant and non-participant observation. The primary data sources included 16 key informants: 6 monks actively engaged in community development at Wat Sarod and 10 local residents. Data were gathered through purposive in-depth interviews and analyzed using descriptive methods.

From the study, the following results were found: 1) Wat Sarod functions as both a spiritual anchor and a hub for community cohesion, fostering local unity by providing a space where residents can conduct business and earn a livelihood. It also encourages the growth of existing enterprises, addressing issues related to limited household income. Drawing on the community’s strong devotion to the revered monk, Luang Pho Rod, the temple initiated the “Suea Rod Market” as a practical economic outlet. This initiative has helped generate employment, boost local income, revitalize the grassroots economy, and welcoming participants from all sectors of the community. 2) A range of approaches, including participatory engagement, public-mindedness, the sharing economy, communities of practice, and strategies aimed at strengthening the grassroots economy through knowledge dissemination, capacity building, and income generation, were integrated with the “Vuḍḍhi Sutta” principle, a Buddhist framework rooted in peaceful development. This framework encompasses three core elements: Saddhā-vuddhi, which emphasizes cultivating faith as a foundation for community well-being and nurturing constructive social relationships; Sīla-vuddhi, which highlights the importance of moral discipline and adherence to social norms to foster unity and reconciliation; and Paññā-vuddhi, which promotes the use of wisdom and critical reflection to guide the community toward sustainable development. 3) The SUEROD Model was utilized to guide the development of Suea Rod Market, a downstream initiative designed to promote community collaboration, generate sustainable income, and cultivate lasting peace. This model is structured around six essential stages: “S” represents Search, involving the identification of fundamental needs and development priorities; “U” signifies Unique, focusing on recognizing and cultivating the community’s distinct qualities; “E” stands for Educate, referring to the provision of training and knowledge enhancement to support development efforts; “O” stands for Obvious, emphasizing the importance of clear, well-defined procedures and guidelines for community development; and “D” refers to Development, highlighting the importance of inclusive and sustainable growth practices.