The purposes of this study consisted of 3 objectives: 1) to study the concepts of His Majesty the King’s theory of Sufficiency Economy and the Thai attitude of a thinker; 2) to study the meanings and concepts of the Advantages of the Four States of Existence (Ditthadhammikatthapayojana 4) extracted from the Theravada Buddhism Texts and; 3) to apply the Advantages of the 4 States of Existence to the theory of Sufficiency Economy of the present day society. The data gathering had been done from Tipitaka texts, translation versions, related documents, textbooks as well as related research work. The data analysis was based on Sufficiency Economy concepts and Buddhist doctrines on sufficiency concepts. According to the findings from the study, the following results revealed:
According to the study of meanings, Sufficiency Economy was the economy based on adequacy of survival, self sufficiency and economic sufficiency that did not bring any harm or trouble to the person. It required establishing one’s own economic fundamental strength in moderate way. It should not be led to ambition or fast track to prosperity. It was believed that the theory of Sufficiency Economy will lead one’s life to be progressive and prosperous.
Considering the congruence of Theravada Buddhism and the theory of Sufficiency Economy, both referred to endeavors in working, honesty of performing occupation, and skill practice to well function one’s job. They required training to achieve wisdom from which is used to investigate and find the best and appropriate means in leading life. To be successful in life by applying Buddhist concepts to Sufficiency Economy, one would know well to manage life with the right provision, maintenance, and saving. One would know how to find good friends, avoid the deal with the evil ones, contact only with the experts and specialists who will give good advice to both one’s life and one’s profession. More than anything else, one would know how to manage moderate way of spending and saving, not to be exceedingly operated.
It was concluded that, the Dhamma on the Advantages of the 4 States of Existence from Theravada Buddhist texts and the theory of Sufficiency Economy applied to one’s life together would certainly lead to the true happiness, success and ethics.
Changes in the context of globalization change much faster and more complex. Need to define appropriate strategies for developing countries. The strengthening of the structure of various systems. Potential within the country. Compete in globalization. And create a knowledge base that is immune to the changes. Have a literacy. Along with the development of a fair distribution. And to strengthen equality of people in society. And the strength of the local community. As well as restoration and conservation of natural resources and environmental quality, integrity was the foundation for continuing the development of a solid. And maintain a database of community life and society. And strengthening Governance in the management of national governance at all levels. This will lead to a stable and sustainable development. Can play a role in the international community. With the prestige and dignity. The main development strategy during the 10th Plan contains key concepts, economic sufficiency as a guideline in developing countries.
But how to apply the Buddhism principles in sufficiency economics of Thai society, it can be found in three levels, viz., 1) Thai policy level, found that Thai government's economic policies has use the sufficiency economy philosophy to make The 9th and 10th National Economic and Social Development Plan for support the stability and sustainability of Thailand, 2) organizational level, found that many state agencies has perform their work according to sufficient economy philosophy, such as, the Office of His Majesty the King’s Project and ministries etc., and 3)individual level, found that Thai society has applied for protect themselves, such as, the community of Wat Phra ram 9 etc.
download |
