Journal of Dhammaduta

When traveling to the Shan, the ethnicity is similar

2026-05-06T15:59:54+07:00

This article aims to present a journey to areas inhabited by the Tai Yai people, which reveals the close relationship between the Tai Yai ethnic group and Thai society. A notable feature observed from the outset is their ability to communicate, as the Tai Yai language belongs to the Tai language family and is closely related to the Northern Thai dialect (Kam Mueang). The Tai Yai often establish their communities near temples, as temples serve as spiritual and cultural centers. Buddhism plays a vital role in shaping social structures and values, with monastic ordination regarded as a significant tradition. This practice enables Tai Yai youth to gain both secular and religious education, fostering intellectual development while preserving and transmitting traditional values into the present. The cultural identity of the Tai Yai is not static but dynamic, adapting to external factors such as state policies, tourism, and economic conditions. Such processes have led to the revival of traditions, the reproduction of cultural practices, and the creation of new forms of expression. These cultural manifestations are not merely acts of preservation but also function as negotiations within society and as claims for the right to coexist equally with other ethnic groups. Ultimately, this journey illustrates that the Tai Yai share cultural similarities with the Thai in terms of language, religion, and way of life, while also demonstrating their capacity to adapt flexibly to social and cultural transformations in contemporary contexts.

Buddhist Anthropology: The Dynamics of Adaptation and Roles of Thai Temple Communities Abroad under the Currents of Globalization

2026-04-12T10:05:22+07:00

This academic article explores and analyzes the existence of Thai Buddhism in distant lands through the lens of Buddhist Anthropology, amidst the complex cultural and demographic shifts driven by globalization. The study finds that Thai temples abroad function not merely as traditional meditation centers but have evolved into Hybrid Cultural Spaces. These spaces serve to heal the alienation and spiritual longing of the Thai diaspora, who must navigate differences in language, law, and lifestyle in foreign environments.

The analysis reveals that the dynamics of adaptation within Thai temples abroad comprise three key dimensions: 1) Spatial and architectural adaptation to align with Western urban planning and climates, 2) The flexible redefinition of merit-making and rituals to accommodate the time constraints of modern workers, and 3) The role of Dhammaduta Bhikkhus as Cultural Ambassadors and Spiritual Social Workers. This article suggests that the sustainability of Buddhist institutions abroad depends on the ability to balance the preservation of the Dhamma Essence with the embrace of Inclusivity. This ensures that temples remain spaces of wisdom for all ethnicities rather than exclusive ethnic enclaves. The conclusion emphasizes the necessity of enhancing Dhammaduta training with cultural anthropology, ensuring that the global propagation of Buddhism remains profoundly contemporary and impactful in the 21st century.

Learning Management in Social Studies According to Buddhist Principles

2026-01-15T14:07:22+07:00

Social studies learning management, which is one of the most important subjects in developing student competencies to be able to learn how to live in society Knowing the changes in society and living happily with others And there are teaching methods in the form of transferring, training, exchanging the process of adjusting teaching and learning or transferring knowledge of teachers to students. which is a concept that adjusts the way of thinking, changes the way of teaching The teacher designs learning from asking questions to make learners think and search for information. learn from a variety of activities Train learners to have lifelong learning skills. Management of social studies learning is therefore important in the development of learners' characteristics to be good citizens. Reasonable with charitable thinking, confident in morality and ethics. By integrating three principles of Buddhism: ๑) Learning must begin with oneself (Self Learning), that is, to instill desire, that is, a feeling of love for what is learned; Knowing born chitta means attentiveness without neglecting learning. ๒) Learning must go hand in hand with practice (Learning by Doing), that is, want learners to gain wisdom. and ๓) learning must be coupled with fun (Enjoy Learning), learners are happy to be freed from ignorance, such as using Play Way: Playing is Learning Storytelling or case study (Case Study) or real practice

A Comparative Study of Anatta in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism: Implications for Liberation Paradigms in the Modern World

2026-04-09T09:25:50+07:00

This academic article primarily aims to provide a comparative analysis of the concept of Anatta in Theravada Buddhism and the concept of Sunyata in the Mahayana Madhyamaka school. The research seeks to identify intellectual unity and the implications of these concepts for application in the contemporary global context, which is currently grappling with an ego crisis and hyper-individualism. Utilizing a qualitative methodology based on primary scriptures and contemporary Buddhist research, the study reveals that both Buddhist traditions converge on a singular essential goal: the dissolution of ego-attachment (Ego-transcendence) to achieve spiritual liberation.

However, they diverge significantly in their communicative methodologies and linguistic expressions due to varying historical and cultural contexts. Theravada emphasizes analytical reductionism through the Five Aggregates to demonstrate the insubstantiality and lack of control over the illusion of compactness (Ghana). In contrast, Mahayana expands into relational holism through the doctrine of Sunyata, highlighting the emptiness of intrinsic existence (Sva-bhava), which subsequently gives rise to boundless Great Compassion (Mahakaruna). This paper proposes that the synthesis of cross-tradition Buddhist wisdom is not merely an ontological debate but a vital strategic tool for Dhammaduta monks in international missions. It provides a necessary paradigm shift to address modern mental health crises and global conflicts by transitioning from ego-driven alienation to compassion grounded in the realization of "Inter-being." The findings suggest that harmonizing the wisdom of both traditions will empower the global dissemination of Buddhism, making it a cohesive and potent force for sustainably healing humanity.

The Buddha’s Compassionate Outreach to Beings

2026-02-28T09:01:21+07:00

Abstract

One of the significant undertakings in the dissemination of Buddhism by the Śākyamuni Buddha was His employment of the indriyaparopariyattiñāṇa (the knowledge of others’ spiritual faculties) and the āsayānusayañāṇa (the knowledge of latent tendencies), through which He discerned the spiritual capacities and inclinations of individuals. When a person appeared within the scope of His enlightened knowledge, the Buddha would approach them with compassion, guiding them toward moral integrity through the observance of the Five Precepts, the Three Refuges, or even the attainment of stages of noble sainthood (ariyapuggala). His enactment of lokatthacariya—working for the benefit of the world—was carried out indiscriminately across all castes and social classes.

However, a question arises : why did King Ajātasattu, the son of King Bimbisāra — a devoted lay supporter of the Buddha — not receive such compassionate guidance, while Aṅgulimāla, the son of the court Brahmin of King Pasenadi of Kosala, was personally sought out by the Buddha and saved from committing ānantarika-kamma (heinous offenses with immediate retribution)? This study suggests that several contextual factors—such as the Buddha's age, the individual’s faith and merit accumulation, karmic retribution, and even the political climate of the time —may have influenced, to some extent, the Buddha’s discernment in approaching particular individuals under specific circumstances.

Keywords : Buddha's activities, Aṅgulimāla, Ajātasattu, Ānantarika-Karma