APPLICATION OF THE FOUR PATHS OF ACCOMPLISHMENT (IDDHIPADA IV) FOR TEMPLE DEVLOPMENT UNDER THE WAT PRACHA RAT SANG SUK PROJECT IN WANG SAPHUNG DISTRICT, LOEI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative research were: 1) to investigate the state of public participation in temple development under the Wat Pracha Rat Sang Suk Project in Wang Saphung District, Loei Province; 2) to study the working principles and development strategies of the project based on the Iddhipada IV; and 3) to propose the working principles and development strategies for project development according to the Iddhipada IV. Data were collected from 17 key informants selected via purposive sampling, utilizing open-ended in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using content analysis and methodological triangulation, then presented through descriptive synthesis. The research findings revealed as follows: 1. Regarding the state of public participation, community leaders and residents in Wang Saphung District demonstrated strong engagement in physical and landscape developments. They effectively managed 9 core designated zones within temples to be clean, tranquil, and aesthetically pleasing under the "Beautiful Temples through Happiness" concept. This enhanced unity and stimulated the local grassroots economy through Buddhist tourism. However, weaknesses persisted regarding disorganized asset registrations, decaying religious structures, and a lack of proactive administrative skills among certain ecclesiastical administrators. 2. The working principles and strategies applied through the Iddhipada IV framework consisted of: Chanda (aspiration), generating shared faith and motivation for development; Viriya (effort), persistent physical upkeep and environmental management; Citta (thoughtfulness), maintaining spiritual focus and intellectual space creation; and Vimamsa (investigation), evaluating and adjusting procedures through the "Bovorn" (Home, Temple, Government) network model. 3. The proposed strategic framework for sustainable development should anchor on "Beautiful Temples Create Happiness" by operationalizing the 5S methodology (Seiri: Sort, Seiton: Set in order/Straighten, Seiso: Shine/Sweep, Seiketsu: Standardize, Shitsuke: Sustain/Self-Discipline) as daily routines. This operationalization must sync with the six domains of ecclesiastical affairs and utilize Sappaya VII as an evaluative benchmark to upgrade temples into ideal environments conducive to Dhamma practice and community welfare.