This principle of self-reliance also underlaid the community’s credit union
project; members were encouraged to borrow money for integrated
family farming rather than for large enterprises in cash crops. Since
Phrakhru Sakorn was convinced that there could be no true development
unless it was based on spirituality, in addition to the projects in
economic development, he taught the villagers Dhamma—the teachings
of the Buddha—and meditation (Phongphit, 1988:51–52).