A STUDY OF GUIDELINES FOR TEMPLE DEVELOPMENT BASED ON THE FOURFOLD BUDDHIST CULTIVATION BHĀVANĀ 4 OF THE SANGHA IN PHON PHISAI DISTRICT, NONG KHAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research entitled “A Study of Guidelines for Temple Development Based on the Fourfold Buddhist Cultivation (Bhāvanā 4) of the Sangha in Phon Phisai District, Nong Khai Province” aimed to: (1) study the models of temple development and the principles of Bhāvanā 4 in Buddhism; (2) investigate the current conditions of temple development based on Bhāvanā 4 of the Sangha in Phon Phisai District, Nong Khai Province; and (3) propose guidelines for temple development based on Bhāvanā 4 for the Sangha in the study area. This study employed qualitative research methodology through documentary research and in-depth interviews with 22 key informants selected by purposive sampling. The collected data were analyzed descriptively.

The findings revealed that temple development in the context of Thai Buddhism consists of three major dimensions: physical development, social development, and spiritual-moral development, all of which should be integrated in a balanced and holistic manner. The Fourfold Buddhist Cultivation (Bhāvanā 4) comprises physical cultivation (Kāya-bhāvanā), moral cultivation (Sīla-bhāvanā), mental cultivation (Citta-bhāvanā), and wisdom cultivation (Paññā-bhāvanā). These principles represent a systematic process of human development progressing from external behavior toward mental and intellectual development and can be effectively applied as a conceptual framework for temple and Sangha development.

The current conditions of temple development based on Bhāvanā 4 indicated that most temples implemented activities corresponding to the principles, particularly in mental and moral cultivation through meditation practices, adherence to monastic discipline, Buddhist education, moral training for youth, community-centered activities, and environmental management within temple areas. However, the integration of Bhāvanā 4 into a unified strategic framework at the district Sangha level remained insufficient.

The proposed guidelines suggest applying Bhāvanā 4 as a strategic framework for temple development in the areas of religious practice, education, social engagement, and environmental management. The approach emphasizes discipline, morality, mental cultivation, rational thinking, community cooperation, and sustainable environmental management in order to strengthen unity, institutional stability, and long-term sustainability of temples and the Sangha.