Model OF Self Sufficiency of Buddhist Dhamma Medicine’s in Buddhist Integration

Abstract

This research aims to study 1) the concept of self-reliance in Theravāda Buddhism, 2) the model of self-reliance among the Dharma-way practitioners in the Phu Pha Fa Nam community, and 3) to propose a Buddhist-integrated model of self-reliance for Dharma-way practitioners. This is qualitative research using in-depth interviews focus group discussions participatory and non-participatory observation with a total of 25 individuals/images as the study participants.

The findings reveal that self-reliance in Theravāda Buddhism exists at two levels 1. the mundane level (lokiya), which involves having sufficient basic necessities (the four requisites), and 2. the supramundane level (lokuttara), which involves self-development through the Four Foundations of Mental Cultivation: body, morality, mind, and wisdom, with Nirvana as the ultimate goal, and an emphasis on sharing and helping others. The self-reliance model of the Dharma-way practitioners in the Phu Pha Fa Nam community encompasses both physical and mental dimensions, with a total of nine areas: 1. health balancing the elements of heat and coolness in body and mind, 2. economy chemical-free farming resource-sharing and the Ariya market, 3. energy solar energy firewood, 4. society observance of the Five Precepts abstaining from vice, 5. natural resources and environment transforming waste into useful materials, 6. mental well-being a simple and sufficient life, 7. communication spreading the Dhamma for self-reliance and to help others overcome suffering, 8. education promoting knowledge with morality, and 9. technology using simple and appropriate technology. The Buddhist-integrated model of self-reliance is categorized into four aspects based on the Fourfold Development 1. cultivated body health, economy, energy, 2. cultivated moralities society, natural resources and environment, 3. cultivated mind mental well-being, communication, and 4. cultivated wisdom education, technology, which reflects a holistic and balanced approach to self-development both external and internal in alignment with the principles of Buddhism and mutual support.