Buddhist Tree: From the Narrative in Tipitaka to the Practical Use in Landscape Design

Abstract

Tree is a type of plant frequently used in landscape design. The Bodhi tree is recognized as symbolic of Buddhism and has been planted in many Buddhist places. However, there are more trees related to Buddhism and also various usages of trees in the landscape of Buddhist places. This research seeks to explore the relation between trees mentioned in Tipitaka and their usage in the landscape, aiming to identify more options for tree usage in Buddhist places. Through the document research focusing on trees related to Buddha, especially the ones providing space underneath for sitting meditation, thirty-three trees have been found, e.g. Bodhi tree, Sal tree, Banyan tree, Indian oak, Milky tree, and Mango tree. This finding implies the benefit of trees for meditation. Following the observation of trees in temples in Bangkok, Thailand, along with the analysis applying the landscape approach, the use of Buddhist trees can be applied in three aspects: spiritual, functional, and environmental aspect. For the spiritual aspect, trees can be sacred and used as a symbol referring to Buddha or his dharma. In terms of physical function, trees can create outdoor space for various activities, provide shade space for sitting, and serve as a visual element. For the environmental aspect, trees can absorb pollution, support site irrigation, enhance microclimate conditions, etc. It is suggested that all the thirty-three trees found in Tipitaka are selected to be appropriately planted in Buddhist places to create a more meaningful and functional use of Buddhist trees in landscape design.



Author Information
Onumpai Samkhuntod, Kasetsart University, Thailand
Natsiporn Sangyuan, Kasetsart University, Thailand

Paper Information
Conference: ACCS2024
Stream: Architecture and Urban Studies/Design

This paper is part of the ACCS2024 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Samkhuntod O., & Sangyuan N. (2024) Buddhist Tree: From the Narrative in Tipitaka to the Practical Use in Landscape Design ISSN: 2187-4751 – The Asian Conference on Cultural Studies 2024: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 1-8) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2187-4751.2024.1
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2187-4751.2024.1


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Posted by James Alexander Gordon