Integration of Sappāya Conducive to Interior Design for Meditation in Dhamma Practice Centers
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Abstract
Dhamma practice centers with conducive environments (Sappāya) support spiritual practice, allowing the mind to achieve tranquility rapidly and fostering the holistic well-being of practitioners. This serves as the impetus for this research article, which aims to integrate Sappāya principles into the interior design of meditation centers. The study analyzes and connects four aspects of the Sappāya principles, namely Avāsa-sappāya (suitable dwelling), Bhassa-sappāya (suitable acoustics), Utu-sappāya (suitable climate), and Iriyapatha-sappāya (suitable postures), with interior design dimensions such as space, lighting, sound, ventilation, decorative materials, and atmosphere to establish interior design standards recognized by both practitioners and experts. The highlighted characteristics of this design approach emphasize simplicity over luxury, harmony with nature by incorporating natural elements, optimal space utilization, and the minimization of mental distractions to more effectively support meditation practice.
This study synthesizes knowledge from Buddhist design concepts and contemporary human needs theories, specifically Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. The design addresses the five sequential levels of basic needs within Maslow's hierarchy: 1) physiological needs, 2) safety needs, 3) love and belonging needs, 4) esteem needs, and 5) self-actualization needs. This synthesis establishes an integrated analytical framework reflecting both spiritual and aesthetic dimensions to achieve a balanced, harmonious, and cost-effective design that utilizes natural materials.
The primary conclusion indicates that integrating these four Sappaya principles elevates the quality of physical interior design and unlocks pathways for new design innovations. This integration will cultivate broader acceptance and serve as an adaptable prototype for the future design of appropriate meditation centers.
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