INTEGRATING BUDDHIST ART, LANDSCAPE AND ARCHITECTURE TO DEVELOP TEMPLES INTO RAMANĪYA – THE PLEASANT PLACES

Authors

  • Orn Sukhaboon Buddhapanya Sri Thawarawadee Buddhist College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University

Keywords:

Keywords: Integration, Buddhist Arts, Temple Landscape, Thai Temple Architecture, Romanee Place

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This article is for study “Integrating art, landscape and architecture to develop temples into pleasant – ramanīya places.” The study was conducted through a framework of Buddhist philosophy and environmental design that promotes mental healing. The results revealed that developing temples into pleasant places should consider three key aesthetic components: 1) Creation of Buddhist art that conveys Buddhist principles and beauty, 2) Layout planning and architecture consistent with Buddhist concepts including cosmology, Tribhumi (Three Worlds), functionality, and local wisdom, and 3) Landscape design that promotes tranquility according to the Sappaya principle. Buddhist concepts serve as both science and art, with the Dhamma Chakra symbolizing dharma in terms of art, while principles of cosmology, Tribhumi, and Sappaya serve as models for Thai temple design in landscape architecture and architecture. Properly integrating these three components helps create an atmosphere that makes temples conducive to study, dharma practice, and mental development. It also promotes temples as sustainable spiritual and cultural centers for communities. Additionally, if community members actively participate in the maintenance and development of temples, this collective engagement will significantly contribute to the sustainability of these sacred spaces as ramanīya environments.

References

Alexander, C. (1964). Notes on the synthesis of form. Harvard University Press.

Ashiwa, Y., & Wank, D. L. (2023). The space of religion: Temple, state, and Buddhist communities in modern China. Columbia University Press.

Altay, B., & Porter, N. (2021). Educating the mindful design practitioner. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 41, Article 100842.

Buddhaghosa. (1976). Visuddhimagga (Bhikkhu Ñāṇamoli, Trans.). Buddhist Publication Society. (Original work published 5th century CE.

Diskul, M. C. S. (1996). Art in Thailand (11th ed.). Amarin Printing and Publishing.

Finck, C., Smith, J., Johnson, M., Brown, A., Davis, K., Wilson, P., & Taylor, R. (2023). A multisensory mindfulness experience: Exploring the promotion of sensory awareness as a mindfulness practice. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1-12.

Horayangkura, W. (2006). Development of architectural concepts and forms: Past, present and future. Chulalongkorn University Press.

Jiratatsanakul, S. (2003). Temple: Thai Buddhist religious architecture. Chulalongkorn University Press.

Jiratatsanakul, S. (2011). Beliefs, symbols and meanings of door and window arches in Thai architecture. Amarin Printing and Publishing.

Kaewkeeree, S., & Humanop, C. (2020). Contemporary Thai lotus painting: Symbols in conveying Buddhist philosophical meanings. Journal of Fine and Applied Arts: Academic, Research and Creative Work, 7(2), 103-142.

Kamthorn Kulachol. (2002). What is urban community design: Tracking answers over 40 years. Silpakorn University Press.

Khadwichai, & Saowanee Samkaew. (2023). The use of new forms of mural painting media to disseminate Buddhist dharma principles in contemporary society. Buddhist Art Journal, 6(2), 1-15.

Kuntathian, W. (2017). Landscape architecture of Thai temples, and Buddhist integrated learning and health promotion. Journal of Graduate Studies Review, 13(2), [page range].)

Leksukhum, S. (2009). A brief history of Thai art: The beginning and continuation of religious craftsmanship. Muang Boran.

Leksukhum, S. (2018). Integration of art and architecture. Muang Boran Publishing House.

Majjhima Commentary. (1976). Papañcasūdanī: Commentary on the Majjhima Nikāya (J. H. Woods, Trans.). Pali Text Society.

Nildej, S. (2002). Lanna art and architecture. Social Research Institute, Chiang Mai University.

Niyada Laosunthorn. (2000). Traiphum Phra Ruang: A study of origins and meanings. Mae Kham Phaeng.

Olszewska-Guizzo, A., Sia, A., Fogel, A., & Ho, R. (2022). Features of urban green spaces associated with positive emotions, mindfulness and relaxation. Scientific Reports, 12, 20695

Phra Adhikarn Surapas Pabhato, & Phra Maha Kritsadtichai Kittidhammo. (2024). Buddhist art: Origins and values in Thai society. Journal of Buddhist Innovation and Management, 7(2).

Phra Brahmagunabhorn (P. A. Payutto). (2011). Dictionary of Buddhism (20th ed.). Sahathamika Publishing.

Phra Dhammapitaka (P. A. Payutto). (2003). Buddhist doctrine (11th ed.). Mahachulalongkorn rajavidyalaya University.

Prawase Wasi. (2004). The nature of all things: Accessing the whole truth. Sodsri-Saritwong Foundation.

Saisingha, S. (2013). Buddhist art of the Rattanakosin period: Development of craftsmanship and changing concepts. Muang Boran.

Snodgrass, A. (1985). The symbolism of the stupa. Cornell University Southeast Asia Program.

Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya (P. A. Payutto). (2025). Appreciating the noble ones: Toward the four foundations of mindfulness: An introduction to Buddhism (4th ed.). Wat Nyanavesakavan.

Sreshthaputra, A., Haberl, J., & Andrews, M. J. (2004). Improving building design and operation of a Thai Buddhist temple. Energy and Buildings, 36(6), 481-494.

Sutthitham, T., & Srisuro, W. (2002). Buddhist temple architecture in Thailand: Temples of the northern and central regions. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre.

Tayhuadong, L. & Inkarojrit, V. (2024). Lighting Design for Lanna Buddhist Architecture: A Case Study of Suan Dok Temple, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Sustainability, 16.

Tolstoy, L. (1897). What is art? (A. Maude, Trans.). Oxford University Press.

Vinaya Commentary. (1975). Samantapāsādikā: Commentary on the Vinaya (N. A. Jayawickrama, Trans.). Pali Text Society.

Wallipodom, S. (2009). Thai socio-cultural development. Amarin.

Wattanasap, W. (2010). Thai people do not abandon each other: A handbook for reconciliation management in healthcare service systems. Siriphan Offset.

Downloads

Published

2025-11-10

How to Cite

Sukhaboon, O. (2025). INTEGRATING BUDDHIST ART, LANDSCAPE AND ARCHITECTURE TO DEVELOP TEMPLES INTO RAMANĪYA – THE PLEASANT PLACES. Journal of Contemporary Buddhist Society = JCBS, 4(2), 103–123. retrieved from https://so11.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JCBS/article/view/2405

Issue

Section

Academic Article