The aims of this research were: 1) to study the process in using herbs of Khok-sa-gna village; 2) to study the Buddhist wisdoms in using the herbs of the aforesaid village. This qualitative research selected 25 samples by the purposive sampling. The research tool was an in-depth interview and the obtained data were interpreted by the descriptive analysis.
The research results revealed that in Khok sa-nga village, there are many kinds of naturally grown herbs. The area of Khok sa-nga is clay or sandy loam which is suitable for growing herbs. The herbs in the village can be classified into 2 types of herbs, which are herbaceous plants that are used as cuttings as for the use of tubers or rhizomes in particular, in the process of planting Alocasia sp., the villagers must put the iron scrap or sharp objects into the bottom of the hole before planting. In this the traditional way, it allows the herb to absorb iron elements because of its internal coldness property, enable to extinguish all hot toxins, thus resulting in more toxic elimination. Some types of herbs are watered with a spell of "Namo Buddhaya" 3 times, which is the recollection of the Buddha, before its application according to the belief of the miracle to make the important substances and properties to be more effective. Some herbs are harvested immediately. Some species have been processed to be used for a period of 1 year. The transfer of wisdom and knowledge in the cultivation of herbs is divided into 2 types, namely 1) the transfer of knowledge within the household to inherit the spirit of the ancestors as a transmission between kinship groups; 2) succession of knowledge to those interested in studying how to use herbs for occupation; the learners must learn the process of planting each type of herbs in order to get good products with great properties along with the process of extracting important substances from different parts of the herb to use in the treatment of various illnesses. At present, there are herbal processing products (OTOP) by the government to promote as a community enterprise as well.
The Buddhist wisdom of the villagers on the herb usage shows that it is the use of herbal remedies and methods to prevent illness. The production of herbs and their use relies on Buddhist principles: Element IV (dhātu), Five Aspects of Natural Law (niyāma), Four Noble Truths (ariyasaccaya), Four Paths of Accomplishment (iddhipāda,), Buddha Recollection (buddhanussati), Sublime States of Mind (brahmavihāra), Bases of Social Solidarity (saṅgahavatthu-dhamma) and Two Kinds of Happiness. This is the wisdom in the invention and treatment of the patients’ symptoms.
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