MAINTAINING MONASTIC WELL-BEING THROUGH THE SEVENFOLD PRINCIPLES OF SAPPAYA

Abstract

Monastic health care is a crucial issue encompassing physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions, which are closely connected to the monastic lifestyle and Buddhist practice. The Seven Principles of Sappaya namely dwelling, food, association with people, climate, posture and activities, mindfulness and clear comprehension, and Dhamma serve as a Buddhist conceptual framework that can be systematically applied to promote the holistic well-being of monks. This article aims to analyze monastic health care in accordance with the Seven Principles of Sappaya through a review of Buddhist literature and relevant scholarly research, with the goal of elucidating approaches for creating conducive environments and supportive factors for monastic living, as well as for fostering sustainable well-being.

The findings reveal that the application of the Seven Principles of Sappaya helps maintain a balance between the physical and mental conditions of monks, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of Buddhist practice. Moreover, it contributes to the reduction of health risks arising from modern lifestyles, such as non-communicable diseases, stress, and lack of physical activity. Monastic health care is therefore not only a means of preserving the ascetic way of life but also a vital mechanism for sustaining Buddhism and improving the quality of life of monks in Thai society. Consequently, the Seven Principles of Sappaya may be regarded as a holistic conceptual framework that can be developed into practical guidelines for monastic health care in both contemporary and future contexts, leading to the creation of monastic communities with comprehensive well-being in body and mind.