Buddhist Ethics for Sustainable Development of the Northern Developer Monk Network

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were 1) to study the concepts, principles, and working methods of the northern developer monk network; 2) to study the development and role in the work of the northern developer monk network; and 3) to propose a model of Buddhist ethics for the sustainable development of the northern developer monk network. This was a qualitative research by using in-depth interviews with key informants, namely the northern developer monks from Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Lampang Province, totaling 19 people, and organizing a focus group discussion with a group of the northern developer monks and 5 Buddhist scholars. The results of the research found that 1) the northern developer monk network had a concept and working principle: "Buddhadhamma leads wisdom to develop local areas." The way of working of the network found that the developer monk will work in their own areas rather than working with the network; 2) the development and role in the work of the northern developer monk network was divided into 4 periods: (1) before the network was established (before 1997), (2) during 1998 to 2007, (3) during 2008 to 2017, and (4) during 2018 to the present.  There was a role in conducting studies, research, creating innovations to solve problems and community development. There was development of human resources through education. Training workshops were organized. There was the network creation and development, development of the quality of life and promoting health of the population and vulnerable groups. There was promotion and support of participatory community development based on applied religious principles. There was development of creative public media and dissemination of modern Dhamma. Actions were taken to promote community enterprises. There were activities to solve poverty problems, inequality, environment. And justice and peace were strengthened including sustainable development goals;  and 3) in terms of Buddhist ethics model for sustainable development of the northern developer monk network, the researcher created the TRIPLE GEM MODEL and Integrated the principles of Buddhist teachings with modern science, including the concept of KAP (Knowledge-Attitude-Practice) to lead to sustainable development, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contributing to Gross National Happiness (GNH).