THE WAY TO RELEASE THE SUFFERING OF THE BOONNIYOM PEOPLE IN A POST-MODERN CAPITALIST WORLD

Abstract

This research aimed to study the way to release the suffering of the Boonniyom people in a post-modern capitalist world in the context of Thai society. The researcher used a qualitative research method of document research combined with in-depth interviews. The researcher selected 12 key informants, consisting of 6 Boonniyom people living in an Asoke community and 6 members of the Buddhist Dhamma Medicine Organization. All data were analyzed using content analysis to explain the cause-and-effect relationships of the data that were classified into themes and categories, as well as the main findings, using the research objectives and conceptual framework as a framework for explanation.

The results of the research were found that the way to release the suffering of the Boonniyom people in a post-modern capitalist world was called “Boonniyom,” which was not simply a rejection of capitalist ideas but a “negotiation” with capitalism by inserting spiritual values to create a new balance in life and society. This attempt was to reduce human alienation from their products, their own labor, and their surrounding communities by creating a social and economic model in which people genuinely participated in production and consumption. For example, “Boonniyom trade”, which did not seek maximum profit but emphasized self-reliance and sharing, allowed workers and consumers to feel connected to their products, markets, and communities through mutual compassion. “Boonniyom” was therefore not only a moral choice but also a challenge to the structure of capitalist domination that systematically reproduces inequality. It also acted as a “guidance,” attempting to awaken public consciousness and demonstrated the potentials for creating a society that prioritized value-based reasoning over purely instrumental reasoning. “The Boonniyom people” have proven for over 50 years that this “boon” mindset can truly and gradually lead themselves and their society to release the suffering in a post-modern capitalist world.