Learning and Practice Management Guidelines for Zero Waste Disposal according to Buddhist Administration Principles For Temples in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

This research has the following objectives: 1) To study the waste management practices in temples for measurement in the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. 2) To investigate the learning and operational management for waste management in temples in the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, following Buddhist principles. 3) To propose guidelines for learning and operational management to establish waste management centers based on Buddhist principles for temples in the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. This research is a mixed-method study, employing quantitative research methods. The sample population includes temples in the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province with a staff of 25 or more people, totaling 22 temples. Key informants include abbots, monks, and staff, with a total of 209 individuals. Research tools encompass questionnaires, and data analysis involves percentage and frequency calculations. Additionally, qualitative research explores best practices in waste management from three organizations: Wat Chak Daeng temple in Thailand’s Samut Prakan province, Chulalongkorn University, and the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation in Taiwan. Qualitative analysis employs interviews and content analysis as research tools.

The research findings reveal that:
1. In the state of waste management among temple personnel in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, the majority of waste consists of recyclables and biodegradables. This type of waste is effectively managed through waste sorting for resale. Non-biodegradable waste is transferred to the local administration unit for further disposal. Food waste and biodegradable materials may be repurposed for animal feeding or composted in the production of organic fertilizer, depending on the resources available at each temple.

2. In the learning and implementation of zero-waste management based on the principles of Buddhist administration for temple personnel in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, the majority of participants demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of waste management. They actively incorporate the 3Rs — Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce — as guiding principles in their waste management practices.

3. Guidelines have been proposed for learning and operational management to establish waste management centers based on Buddhist principles for temples in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. Firstly, temple personnel are to be advised to commence the process by applying the Four Noble Truths, specifically focusing on the four valuable factors — Thuk, Samutthai, Nirrodha, and Mak. Thuk encourages recognizing the suffering stemming from awareness of waste problems, unpleasant odors, and cleanliness issues. Samutthai involves a comprehensive examination of the problems and root causes of waste generation within the temple. Nirrodha necessitates defining ultimate goals to be achieved, while Mak entails devising methods to attain these objectives. The temple abbot, in their role, is to adhere to the four Brahmavihara principles — Metta (loving-kindness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (sympathetic joy), and Upekkha (equanimity). Meanwhile, the monks in the temple are to follow the Four Parisuddhi-Sila principles, abstaining from killing, stealing, engaging in sexual misconduct, and false speech. Additionally, they should observe the seven Sappaya principles, which involve refraining from intoxication, gossip, harsh language, slander, frivolous speech, greed, and anger. To foster a harmonious environment, the temple emphasizes the four Sanghawatthu principles generosity, morality, meditation, and wisdom. To influence the behavior of individuals within the temple, the implementation of the four Itthipatha principles is crucial, encompassing control over the senses, moral shame, moral fear, and wisdom. In the context of establishing waste management practices within the temple, emphasis is placed on the application of the 1A3R principle. This involves integrating the Buddhist principles with the 1A3R framework, which comprises the concepts Avoid, Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce.