Building Conscience Through a Forum to Learn Lessons: Condition, luxury Eating - Expensive Living - Laziness - A lot of Debt - A lot of Diseases, Consequences of Unbalanced Development in Thai Society Lamphun Province

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1) study the condition of Luxury Eating - Expensive Living - Laziness - A lot of Debt - A lot of Diseases, and (2) promote building conscience through a forum process to learn lessons. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, combining quantitative research, qualitative research, and action research. Data were collected from a sample group of 375 people, interviews were conducted with 16 individuals, and conscience-building was promoted among 57 participants. The research instruments included questionnaires, interview forms, and satisfaction assessment forms. The statistics used for data analysis were frequency distribution and percentage.

The results of this research found that:

1. The sample group still maintains a lifestyle consistent with the principles of sufficiency, characterized by simplicity, consuming local food, and primarily cooking their own meals. Their debt burden is at a low level, with most debt incurred for living expenses. However, it was found that among the working-age population and youth, there is a growing influence of consumerist values.
2. The promotion of conscience-building involved the systematic application of Buddhist principles. The principle of Bojanhamattannuta (knowing the proper amount in food) was used to adjust food consumption behaviors, the principle of Majjhima Patipada (the Middle Path) was used to create balance in consumption and living, the principle of Gharavasa Dhamma (virtues for householders) was used to strengthen responsibility towards oneself, family and society, the principle of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy was used for rational debt management, and the principle of Bhavana 4 was used to care for physical and mental health. This resulted in the participants having a better quality of life. The application of the Ariya Sacca 4 in building conscience led to a clear improvement in behavioral changes. This research discovered a new body of knowledge: the RIMPING BALANCE Model (RBM), or A Model for a Balanced Life Based on Buddhist Principles.