LINKAGES BETWEEN BUDDHA DHAMMA AND SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY

Abstract

Sufficiency economy is a philosophy that could be appropriately applied with all groups of people to be used as the principle of their livings. It is also a guideline for self-practice in all sufficiency activities or to be held as a middle way that could be appropriately used through mindfulness and wisdom in living life and business. It should be based on the principle of “Loving kindness and Unity” that uses mindfulness and wisdom for self-protection from falling into the trap of globalization. The people should understand the causes and effects according to environmental phenomena and are able to identify good and evil. It should be based on the authentic condition of the country with loving kindness that helps the society to be secured from all disasters. The society should be based on unity, conflicts resolution, compromise and common interest. Sufficiency economy following the thought of His Majesty the King indicates guidelines for the Thai people to sustainably and safely living their lives. It is a guideline for self-practice of the Thai people in all levels through people-centered development. This leads to sustainable development and makes the people hold the principle of sufficiency and rationality by linking with the Buddha Dhamma principles including: Santosa (contentment) with sufficiency economy; Majjhima-patipada (the middle path) with self-reliance; and Mattannuta (moderation) to be applied in living life.