The Model of Meditation Center Development Based on Seven Sappaya Principle of Wat Huaicharoen, Sriprachan District, Suphanburi Province

Abstract

This dissertation investigated on 3 objectives: 1) to study the 7 Sappāya principles in Theravada Buddhist scriptures, 2) to study the conditions of Wat Huaicharoen Meditation Center, Sriprachan district, Suphanburi province, and 3) to the Model of Meditation Center Development Based on Seven Sappaya Principle of Wat Huaicharoen, Sriprachan District, Suphanburi Province. It was qualitative research with fieldwork and in-depth interviews conducted with 17 key informants.

              Its findings indicated that the Sappāya refers to the conducive conditions that foster progress in meditation practice, consisting of seven aspects: (1) suitable residence, (2) suitable resort, (3) suitable conversation, (4) suitable person, (5) suitable food, (6) suitable climate, and (7) suitable posture. These conditions are comfortable and fit for meditation practice, including both Samatha and Vipassana. Wat Huaicharoen Meditation Center has developed both the accommodations and the surrounding area. It is shaded by trees and forests, clean, and suitable for moral training and mental development according to the teachings and meditation practice as laid down by the Buddha, following the Seven Sappāya principle. The development of Wat Huaicharoen Meditation Center, Sriprachan district, Suphanburi province based on 7 Sappāya principle, involves solving problems and obstacles using these principles and reviewing previous development work under the PDCA process for planning, operations and promotion of Vipassana meditation practice applying 7 Sappāya principles for its effective duties and works of each person and authority, by identifying the responsible person, duties and schedule time for process, documents which are proper with environment, and the needs of the Wat’s committees, it also supports, prevents, solves, renovates rightly, which can resolve conflicts and issues regarding works among the staffs within the temple. When applying these principles, it will create benefits and foster supportive conditions for insight meditators. The knowledge gained was 7SMC model: 7S = Seven Sappāya, M = Meditation (Vipassana meditation practice based on Mahasatipatthana), C = Center (Meditation Center developed according to 7 Sappāya principle).