An Analytical Study on the Approaches to Developing Temples during the Buddha’s Era in Centers for Meditation Practice

Abstract

This academic article aims to study and analyze the approaches to developing temples during the Buddha’s time into centers for Dhamma practice. The study is based on evidence from the Tipitaka, the Vinaya Pitaka, canonical Buddhist scriptures, as well as modern academic research and scholarly literature. In the Buddha’s era, temples were not merely places for monastic rituals; rather, they served as vital centers for education, Dhamma practice, and the cultivation of the Noble Eightfold Path for the four groups of Buddhist followers—monks (bhikkhus), nuns (bhikkhunis), laymen (upāsakas), and laywomen (upāsikās). The physical layout, environment, and daily routines of these temples were intentionally designed in alignment with the seven principles of Sappāya—namely, suitable climate (Utu-sappāya), suitable dwelling (Āvāsa-sappāya), suitable locality (Gocara-sappāya), suitable food (Bhojana-sappāya), suitable companions (Puggala-sappāya), suitable speech (Phassa-sappāya), and suitable posture or activity (Iriyāpatha-sappāya). These principles played a vital role in supporting the cultivation of morality (sīla), concentration (samādhi), and wisdom (paññā). The analysis reveals that these Sappāya-based approaches to temple management are not merely ancient practices but remain applicable to modern temple administration. Their integration can revitalize temples as spaces for mental development, stress relief, and the promotion of purposeful living. Applying the Sappāya principles to the development of monastic facilities, activities, and surroundings can effectively transform temples into genuine centers of both worldly and spiritual learning. This approach serves as a crucial foundation for preserving and strengthening Buddhism in today’s changing social context.