The Cremation Process for Environmental Protection in the Present Thai Society Based on Buddhist Peaceful Means a Case Study of Wat Boriboon, Ban Khilek Yai Community, Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chaiyaphum Provice

Abstract

The research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to study the problems of pollution caused by cremation; 2) to study the participatory process of resolving pollution problems caused by cremation in the community through Buddhist peaceful means; and 3) to study the cremation management for environmental protection in the present Thai society through Buddhist peaceful means of Wat Boriboon, Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chaiyaphum Province. The study used a qualitative research technique, with data collected from a focus group discussion comprising religious leaders, scholars, community leaders, and relevant persons, in a total of 7 persons. The data were presented in a descriptive way. From the study, it is found as follows: 1) The cremation at the temple causes air pollution posting problems that can affect health and the environment of the community. Pollution from cremation has harmful effects on the health of both those who reside inside and outside the temple. Pollution is caused by incomplete combustion, which produces airborne dust and foul-smelling smoke (SO2, CO, and NO2), as well as the burning of coffins with decorative plastic materials that are put inside the crematoriums like wreaths, plastic, and coffin paint, all of which can produce heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury, dioxins, and furans; 2) The cremation process for environmental protection through Buddhist peaceful means of Wat Boriboon can be managed through public processes and community participation, that is, educating people in the areas about the dangers of cremation pollution through public processes and discussions, as well as the use of innovative technology of two-chamber crematorium to address the problem of pollution from cremation in modern crematoriums; and 3) The cremation management for environmental protection in the present Thai society through Buddhist peaceful means of Wat Boriboon applies the new concept and method called “the Process of 5 Sati” which are Saddhindriya (faith faculty), Viriyindriya (energy faculty), Satindriya (mindfulness faculty), Samādhindriya (concentration faculty), and Paññindriya (wisdom faculty). These are related to Bala (the 5 powers) which are the dhammas for eradicating Nīvaraṇa (the 5 hindrances) while Indriya (the 5 faculties) are the dhammas for cultivating Iddhipāda (the 4 bases for success).