The purposes of this thesis were 1) to study the suitable principles in Theravada Buddhist scriptures, 2) to study the Dharma practice retreat in Surin province, and 3) to analyze the suitable Things for supporting Dhamma practice of the Dhamma practice retreat in Surin province. The findings were as follows:
The word ‘Sappãya’ in Theravada Buddhist scriptures means things that are suitable or favorable to mental development and concentration without decline, classified into seven suitable things: Avãsa Sappãya or suitable abode, Gocara Sappãya or suitable resort, Bhassa Sappãya or suitable speech, Puggala Sappãya or suitable person, Bhojana Sappãya, Utu Sappãya or suitable climate, and Ariyãpatha Sappãya or suitable posture. All of them are connected, which have the effect of reaching Dhamma practitioners’ ultimate goal of Buddhism, called Nirvãna.
Five Dhamma practice retreats consisting of 1) Wat Pa YathaPrasit (Dhammayut), 2) Wat Pa Ban Truat, 3) Wat Pa ThepPratan, 4) WatSutthiwongsa, and 5) WatBhodhiwannaram were found that there were different histories of these Dhamma practice retreats. Some were located near the community and others were separated from the community. These were developed respectively. Currently, their landscapes have changed and there were many buildings constructed increasingly. The areas of the retreats were divided into Buddha’s zone, Sangha’zone, layman and laywoman’s zone, and crematorium’s zone. So, some suitable principles were different from ones in Theravada Buddhist scriptures, which were inconsistent. The Dhamma practice retreats focused on the suitable principles that were consistent with the regulations of Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand, National Office of Buddhism and Surin Provincial Monastery Order in order to be selected as Provincial Dhamma practice retreats according to the provided objectives.
The major component parts of Dhamma practice retreats are the forests that are suitable for the Dhamma practice. The abbots and trainers are experts on Dhamma and Practical studies with clear practical approach. These Dhamma practice retreats applied modern media of technology to Dhamma practice and training as appropriate to individuals and places, found that the most suitable principles that supported the Dhamma practice were Bhassa Sappãya (Dhamma Suppãya), Puggala Sappãya, Bhojana Sappãya, Avasa Sappãya, Gocara Sappãya, Utu Sappãya, and Ariyãpatha Sappãya respectively. When the practitioners have faith, rejoice in the Dhamma, believe in the person teaching the Dhamma or the leader of the practice, have enough food, have temples or dwelling places, have walking spaces to and fro with good weather and bodily movement, depending on the practitioners’ readiness and convenience, and they have the appropriate practice retreats that are consistent with the suitable principles respectively, Dhammapractitioners will get facilitated and can develop their body and mind to progress as it should be practical. The Dhamma practice retreats are very useful for Buddhist people. They are also very important for Surin Provincial Monastery Order, which are the succession of Buddhism to the next community and society.
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