A Study of the Principles of Three Major Sects for Creating Buddhist Sacred Places

Abstract

This article aims to establish the principles for the creation of Buddhist sacred places based on primary sources of the three major sects, namely, Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna, and studied architecture based on promising secondary sources through case studies. The stated research question is to understand the interaction among Buddhist principles, human activities, and Buddhist architecture in order to develop the criteria for creating Buddhist sacred places in the context of the modern world. The results indicate that criteria should be considered in two aspects.  First, a method is required to characterize the context and environment that promotes the practice of virtues such as concentration and wisdom, resulting in mental development.  Second, and a method is needed for characterization of the context and activities performed that are appropriate for spiritual cultivation. The proposed criteria offer appropriate methods for developing sacred places in various societies, and contexts comprising any circumstances.