THE MODEL OF TEMPLE DEVELOPMENT ACCORDING TO THE SAPPAYA 4 PRINCIPLE IN SURIN PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aimed to: (1) examine the Four Sappāya principles in Buddhism; (2) analyze their application to temple development; and (3) propose a temple development model based on the Four Sappāya principles appropriate to the context of Surin Province. A qualitative research design was employed, combining documentary research on the Tipiṭaka, commentaries, books, documents, and related studies with in-depth interviews. The 25 key informants comprised seven monastic administrators, four academics, seven community leaders, and seven local residents from seven selected temples in Surin Province. The research instruments consisted of a document analysis form and a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed through content analysis, categorization, comparison, and descriptive synthesis.

The findings revealed that:

1) Sappāya refers to appropriate and supportive conditions for living, learning, and Dhamma practice. For this study, these conditions were synthesized into four dimensions: Āvāsa-sappāya (suitable dwelling), Āhāra-sappāya (suitable food), Puggala-sappāya (suitable persons), and Dhamma-sappāya (suitable Dhamma). These interconnected dimensions promote physical, social, and mental readiness for the cultivation of morality, concentration, and wisdom. (2) Temples in Surin Province applied the Four Sappāya principles by organizing their premises into orderly and tranquil zones, improving sanitation and nutrition, adopting transparent and participatory administration, and communicating the Dhamma in ways appropriate for people of different age groups. Nevertheless, limitations remained concerning restricted space and noise disturbance, monks’ nutritional conditions, communication between temples and communities, and engagement with young people. (3) The proposed model was the S4C Model: Sappāya 4 for Contextual Temple Development, comprising Spatial Management, Sanitation and Nutrition, Collaborative Governance, and Contextual Dhamma Communication. Its implementation involves four stages: contextual analysis, participatory planning, implementation, and continuous monitoring and improvement.

The integration of these four dimensions through collaboration among temples, communities, and relevant agencies, together with adaptation to the Thai–Khmer–Kuy–Lao multicultural context, enables temples to function in a balanced manner as spaces for Dhamma practice, centers of learning, and platforms for community collaboration.