Abstract:
In preparing this thesis, there are three main objectives: 1) To study the context of WAT Next's influence on the Watmai (Yaipaen) temple, 2) To examine the Buddhadhamma principle that contribute to temple development in fostering peaceful communities, and 3) To analyze the process of WAT Next's involvement in temple and community development, in order formulate a process for fostering peaceful communities at Watmai (Yaipaen) temple. The research methodology employed qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews with 15 key informants. Additionally, observations were also conducted through participation in various projects organized by the WAT Next group to serve as analytical tools. The research findings revealed that: The group of doctoral students in peace studies program at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) identified several issues that need to be addressed by Watmai (Yaipaen) temple and its community. In response to these issues, a project was initiated by Phra Medhivajrapundit, the director of the peace studies program and abbot of Watmai (Yaipaen) temple, held meetings and leading to the establishment of the Wat Next group in 2022 (2565 B.E.) to develop the temple to meet the needs of contemporary urban society. Furthermore, various projects were undertaken, and efforts were made to harness the power of (Bowon): community, temple, and government agencies to effectively drive these projects forward through studying the problems faced by the temple and community, and listening to feedback from both community members and the temple. Additionally, projects were designed to address community needs. These projects included environmental development within the temple and community, enhancing mindfulness and intellectual development among community members through Vipassana meditation retreats, and reducing conflicts within the community.
The projects undertaken by the WAT Next group, which have been consistently implemented, have excellently met the needs of the community. Based on interviews from actual users, WAT Next projects have been responsive to the three core processes that are the moral foundation and goals of temple development as follows:
1) Temple of wisdom (W: Wisdom) through the implementation of various projects such as mindfulness by the water, awakening retreats, Mindful Sanghadana activities, waste separation activities, environmental conservation campaigns, basic legal education workshops, and promoting three aspects of wisdom as follows: 1) Suta-maya-paññā (Learned wisdom) - wisdom acquired through listening, 2) Cinta-maya-paññā (Reflective wisdom) - wisdom acquired from thought or logic and reasoning, and 3) Bhāvanā-maya-paññā (wisdom from spiritual development) - wisdom acquired through direct spiritual experience.
2) Temple of awareness (A: Awareness) with programs such as cultivating mindfulness and happiness, mindfulness by the water, awakening retreats and Vipassana meditation practice activities held daily at Wat Mai (Yaipaen) temple. These activities promote the principles of mindfulness in cultivating awareness, based on the four foundations of mindfulness: 1) Body (Kāyā) - being aware of the existence of the body, 2) Feelings (Vedanā) - being aware of various feelings that arise, 3) Mind (Cittā) - knowing one's own mind, and 4) Dhammā - understanding the true nature of life.
3) Temple of truth (T: Truth) involves establishing a community mediation center at Wat Mai (Yaipaen) temple, organizing projects to develop volunteer mediators to address conflicts within the community, promoting peaceful family relationships, and constructing architectural landmarks at Wat Mai (Yai Pan) temple. These projects all aim to promote the cultivation of peace through the principles of four noble truths: 1) Dukkha - recognizing the problems that arise, 2) Samudaya - understanding the causes of the problems, 3) Nirodha - setting goals for resolving the problems, and 4) Magga - finding the correct solutions to the problems. These projects were designed to align with the goal of transforming the temple into one that seeks the truth of life.
Furthermore, the projects of the WAT Next group continue to evolve and develop to the present day, with several new initiatives being launched to address unresolved issues. As a result, WAT Next projects demonstrate its pivotal role in transforming the temple to genuinely meet the needs of the community amidst the chaotic urban society.