Adaptation Guideline of the Four Requisites Consumption of Monks in MueangMahasarakham District, Mahasarakham Province

Abstract

        The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the consumption of the four requisites of the monks according to Theravada Buddhism; 2) to study the problems of the four requisites consumption of monks in MueangMahasarakham District, Mahasarakham Province; 3) to analyze and present the adaptation guideline of the four requisites consumption of monks in MueangMahasarakham District, Mahasarakham Province. This study was carried out by means of the qualitative research methodology through conducting the field work and interviews of the targets. The obtained information was presented by the descriptive analysis. The research results were as follows:
        In regards to the consumption of the four requisites, the Buddha told the monks to consider consumption that meets the real goals, for example, cloth is used to cover the body, not to decorate as an ornament, food consumption is known to be consumed in order to maintain the body or to alleviate old hunger and prevent new hunger in order to have the power to create virtue. Residential consumption is also used to treat cold, heat and to protect dangers from animal and seasonal hazards. As for the medicine, it is only used to treat the illness. This consideration is correct in accordance with the objectives in creating true benefits.
        The problem of consumption of the four requisites is consumption according to the value trend in order to meet one own excessive need, causing the behavior of imitation which causes consequences such as health problems, excessive addiction, loss of property and intelligence, affecting oneself and others.           
        The four requisites consumption adaptation approach of the monks is a process of changing the old behavior into a new behavior consistent with the situation of consumption, eating, drinking and using. The four requisites refer to robes, alms receiving, residential places, pharmaceuticals or cloths, food, houses, medicine and practice according to the way that should not consume the four requisites to show social symbols and consumerism according to the advertising. The main purpose of the consumption is the Buddhist routines, consisting of knowing the cause, knowing the effect, being economical, knowing the times in changing behavior, self-adaptation and the four requisites consumption.