The Development of Nibbānasathan-dhamma for Strengthening Urban Communities through Buddhist Peaceful Means

Abstract

The study consisted of the following three objectives: 1) to examine the context, current problems, and needs for developing the Nibbānasathan-Dhamma at Wat Mai (Yai Paen), including conceptual approaches for its development to promote peace and the Buddhist principles that support the establishment of a model Nibbānasathan-Dhamma within Theravāda tradition; 2) to develop Nibbānasathan-Dhamma as a means to foster peaceful urban communities through Buddhist peaceful means; and 3) to evaluate the outcomes of developing the Nibbānasathan-Dhamma for promoting peace using Buddhist peaceful means. The research employed a qualitative, field-based method. Data were collected from 21 key informants selected as the target group and through 6 focused group discussions with experts in relevant fields. Data collection instruments included interviews, the data were analyzed using descriptive analysis.

From the study, the following results were found: 1) The context, current problems, and needs for developing Nibbānasathan-Dhamma at Wat Mai (Yai Paen), along with conceptual approaches for its development to promote peace and the Buddhist principles that support establishing a model Nibbānasathan-Dhamma within Theravāda tradition, were examined. The community context of Wat Mai (Yai Paen) reveals that its general problems are similar to those found in typical urban communities, including overcrowded housing, substandard and unhygienic construction, physical and environmental issues, socio-economic challenges, safety concerns, health and hygiene problems, and psychological issues. Community members expressed a strong need for the development of a Nibbānasathan-Dhamma as a space for meditation practice, cultivating wisdom and peace, and strengthening the relationship between the temple and the community to promote social cohesion. The ultimate goal is to establish a legally recognized meditation center in the province, in accordance with the Buddhist Act of 1962 (B.E. 2505) and relevant monastic regulations under the Supreme Sangha Council and the Department of Buddhism, where effective mindfulness training can be conducted and applied meaningfully in daily life. By applying the Seven Factors of Suitable Conditions (Sappāya) and the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhāna), the vision becomes clear and provides essential components to guide the development process toward success. 2) The development of Nibbānasathan-Dhamma to promote peaceful urban communities through Buddhist peaceful means has led to the establishment of a provincial meditation center in accordance with the law, recognized as a temple under the Buddhist Act 1962 (B.E. 2505) and the Sangha Act 1992 (No. 2) B.E. 2535. The establishment has also received approval from the district, provincial, and regional ecclesiastical authorities, as well as the central Sangha authority, and the application was submitted to the Supreme Sangha Council on 16 May 2025. The proposal is scheduled for review in August 2025, after which it is expected to be officially approved as a provincial meditation center. 3) The results of developing and presenting the process for establishing Nibbānasathan-Dhamma to foster peaceful urban communities through Buddhist peaceful means facilitated a clear understanding of Nibbānasathan-Dhamma and its alignment with the Seven Factors of Suitable Conditions (Sappāya), providing a clear vision and essential components to guide the development process toward success. The development of the site resulted in clean and convenient accommodations, including 10 male dormitory rooms with 2 en-suite bathrooms and 8 female dormitory rooms with 2 en-suite bathrooms. Additional facilities include 8 external restrooms, a convenient parking area, signage indicating various locations within the temple, water storage tanks, and fire extinguishers. Community members from Wat Mai (Yai Paen) and local Buddhists actively participated in religious activities and important ceremonies organized by the temple.