A MODEL OF TEMPLE DEVELOPMENT ACCORDING TO BUDDHISTECOLOGY : A CASE STUDY OF TEMPLES PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AT AN EXCELLENT LEVEL

Abstract

This research entitled “A Model of Temple Development According to Buddhist Ecology: A Case Study of Temples Promoting Environmental Management at an Excellent Level” is of three objectives: 1) to study the concept of Buddhist ecology, 2) to study the process of temple development according to Buddhist ecology, and 3) to propose a development model based on Buddhist ecology. This research was qualitative research. Data were collected by in-depth interviews from twenty-one people from five groups : (1) groups related to temple development, (2) Buddhist experts, (3) environmental scholars, 4) cultural scholars, and 5) religious scholars by visiting the study area at three temples: (1) Wat Ram Poeng (Tapotaram), Muang District, Chiang Mai Province, (2) Wat San Pa Yang, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province, and (3) Wat Pa Heo, Mueang District, Lamphun Province.

From the study of Buddhist ecology concepts, it was found that Buddhism was a religion that arose through the enlightenment of the Lord Buddha about 2,600 years ago. The doctrine was a way of life that aimed to develop behavior, mind, and practice intellect to see the world (environment), and real life from the truth, and be able to see the relationship between man and nature in close harmony. It could be seen that human beings were born naturally, both physically composed of the four elements and mentally, which all changed according to the laws of nature, known as the Three Characteristics, and depended on each other in harmony with nature according to the principle of Specific Conditionality.

For the process of temple development according to Buddhist ecology of temples promoting environmental management, it was found that all three temples had planned to implement the environmental development. There was a clear goal of the temple development. Importantly, the leaders were required to have courage to develop and lead people in the temple, including monks, novices, nuns, yogis, and people to participate in the development of the temple. The factors affecting the success of the temple development consisted of three factors: environmental factor within the temple, the leadership factor in having a vision to develop the environment within the temple, and the factor in building a support network, which was the power of “Borvorn” or Home, Temple and School (government sectors). The success of the temple development came from three aspects: physical area (cleanliness and shades), social space where the temple was an important place for Buddhist activities and learning resources in the community, and spiritual space where the temple was a source of spiritual development and a place of worship that was suitable for mental and intellectual development.

For the model of temple development according to Buddhist ecology, it was found that there were four forms: 1) formulating the concept and issues of temple development according to Buddhist ecology, 2) participation of people in the temple and people in the community, 3) formulating a temple development plan for cleanliness, brightness, and peace, and 4) strengthening of a network driven by the Roles of Borvorn (Home, Temple and School)