SUFFiciENcy EcONOMy ANd GRASSROOtS DEvElOPMENt
SUFFiciENcy EcONOMy ANd GRASSROOtS DEvElOPMENt
SUFFiciENcy EcONOMy ANd GRASSROOtS DEvElOPMENt
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242<br />
The Meaning of Sufficiency Economy <br />
International Conference<br />
Buddhist teachings of the group are still regarded as controversial in many points.<br />
Their insistence on vegetarianism has been totally rejected by the mainstream Thai<br />
Buddhists.<br />
Asoke Buddhism emphasis the Noble Eightfold Path and particularly the<br />
‘Right Livelihood’ or ‘Right Occupation’ (samma ajiva). Asoke temples do not<br />
solicit money as donations, but encourage the practitioners to show devotion<br />
(siasala) by working for the temple. Asoke Buddhism has freed the laity from<br />
extensive cash donations. Asoke emphasis on modesty and diligence may further<br />
encourages the people to improve their economic situation. The Asoke slogan ‘Dare<br />
to be Poor’, however, seems to reject Weberian ideas of religion as a fuel for<br />
capitalism. The training courses for the indebted farmers introduced organic farming<br />
methods to them and may have contributed to reduction of debts and in an increase<br />
in profits, which the farmers may invest for the future of their children.
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