Developing Ecological Temples through Buddhist Integration Principles

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the concept of “Eco-Temple Development through Buddhist Integration,” which represents an approach that combines ecological knowledge with Buddhist principles in response to the contemporary environmental crises such as global warming, pollution, and unsustainable resource consumption. As spiritual and communal centers in Thai society, temples possess significant potential to serve as learning spaces for harmonious coexistence with nature. This development is guided by the Buddhist concept of the “Seven Sappaya,” which includes: 1.Avasa-Sappaya – peaceful and suitable dwellings for meditation, 2.Gocara-Sappaya – proper routes and food sources that do not arouse defilements, 3.Phassa-Sappaya – conducive conversations rooted in the Ten Topics of Dhamma, 4.Puggala-Sappaya – association with morally virtuous individuals, 5.Bhojana-Sappaya – food that supports spiritual practice, 6.Utu-Sappaya – suitable climate and atmosphere, 7.Iriyapatha-Sappaya – balanced movement and posture in accordance with one’s temperament.
Eco-temple development is not limited to physical environmental management but also involves restoring the human-nature relationship through cultivating ecological mindfulness, moderation, non-harming (ahimsa), and sustainable living. This integrated approach embodies ecological, ethical, and cultural harmony and provides a viable model for policy development and community-based environmental research.