Landscape Architectural Approach to Analytical Study of Plants in Tipitaka

Abstract

This research article contains two objectives: 1) to study and research information on plants that occur in Tipitaka and 2) to analyse plants in terms of landscape architecture. This research article is a documentary research with Thai Tripitakas by Mahachulalongkorn rajavidyalaya University as a main resource. The data analysis is conducted using content analysis.

The results of the research show that in Tipitaka there is information on different types of plants in various context and could be categorised into 5 groups which are plants regarding to Buddha’s biography and the places where Buddha dwelled, plants related to places, plants occur in Jātaka tales related to the environment of vimāna and ashram, plants that have been used as utensils, food, drink, medicine, or else, and plants associated with teachings and comparisons. This category based mainly on physical characteristics or environment. The analysis of plants in terms of landscape architecture focuses on classification of plants according to their physical characteristics for the purpose of application in landscape architectural design such as site design and planning, space building, visual effect, etc. The classification consists of tree, shrub, groundcover, vine, and aquatic plant. The highest amount of plants is tree. As it occurs in Tipitaka, there is the often use of space beneath the tree such as Buddha’s Enlightenment under the tree. Plant analysis concerns the relation to open space and usage consisting of area around tree base, forest area, park or forest park, and area with pleasant atmosphere. This findings indicate the use of plants for functional purpose and atmosphere creation for the environment. The research results can be applied for landscape design and planning of temples or other Buddhist places.