Journal of Dhammaduta

Aesthetic Education Management and Its Impact on Students’ Personality Development in Private Higher Education Colleges in Thailand

Ntapat Worapongpat — 2026-09-20

Background and Aim: Aesthetic education has become an important dimension of holistic education in the twenty-first century. However, aesthetic education management in private higher education institutions has received limited empirical attention, particularly in relation to students’ personality development. This study aimed to analyze the components of aesthetic education management, examine its influence on students’ personality development, and propose managerial guidelines for private higher education colleges in Thailand. Materials and Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods research design. The research was conducted in three phases. In Phase 1, qualitative data were collected through literature review and semi-structured interviews with 12 key informants to identify the components of aesthetic education management. In Phase 2, quantitative data were collected from 500 students, lecturers, and administrators from five private colleges using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). In Phase 3, a focus group discussion with nine experts was conducted to develop managerial guidelines. Results: The exploration factor analysis revealed five components of aesthetic education management: (1) aesthetic curriculum system, (2) teachers’ roles and competencies, (3) aesthetic-oriented teaching and learning methods, (4) campus aesthetic and cultural environment, and (5) policy support and management mechanisms, with a total variance explained of 68.40%. Students’ personality development also consisted of five dimensions: emotional intelligence, creativity and imagination, social and interpersonal skills, self-confidence and self-identity, and ethical awareness and social responsibility, with a total variance explained of 65.20%. The overall levels of both aesthetic education management and students’ personality development were at a high level. Five managerial guidelines were proposed, focusing on curriculum integration, teacher development, experiential learning, campus environment, and institutional policy support. Conclusion: Aesthetic education management plays a significant role in promoting students’ personality development in private higher education institutions. The identified components and managerial guidelines provide a practical and theoretical foundation for integrating aesthetic education into institutional management and educational practices, contributing to holistic student development.

Artificial Intelligence for Buddhist Propagation: Opportunities, Challenges, and Digital Ethics

Phrakru Sanghakitviriya Phra Prabsuk Udayo — 2026-09-20

This academic article aims to examine the roles, opportunities, challenges, and development approaches of artificial intelligence in the propagation of Buddhism in the digital age. The study employs documentary analysis and synthesizes interdisciplinary perspectives from information technology, Buddhist philosophy, and digital ethics. The findings reveal that artificial intelligence plays a significant role in enhancing Buddhist propagation, particularly in expanding access to knowledge, enabling interactive communication, and supporting personalized learning experiences. Furthermore, AI facilitates the creation and dissemination of Buddhist content in diverse digital formats that align with contemporary user behaviors. However, the application of AI in the context of Buddhism, such as generative AI chatbots, content recommendation systems, and scripture analysis tools, presents several limitations and challenges. These include concerns regarding the accuracy of content, the depth of learning, and the inability of AI to convey spiritual experiences, which are fundamental to Buddhist practice. In addition, ethical issues such as transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI usage must be carefully addressed.
The article argues that the development and implementation of AI for Buddhist propagation should be guided by an integrated conceptual framework that combines artificial intelligence, Buddhist philosophy, and digital ethics. AI should function as a supportive tool for learning rather than replacing human teachers or experiential practice. Establishing clear policy guidelines and appropriate governance mechanisms is essential to ensure that AI is used effectively and in alignment with Buddhist principles. Such an approach will contribute to the sustainable propagation of Buddhism in the digital society.

The Process of Buddhist-Integrated Human Development through the Threefold Training in Contemporary Thai Society

Phramaha Surasuk Khantidhammo — 2026-09-20

This academic article aims to analyze the process of integrated Buddhist human development using the Threefold Training (Trisikha) in contemporary Thai society. The research employs a documentary approach, studying the Tripitaka, academic papers, books, and research by Thai and international scholars. The content focuses on analyzing the key Buddhist principle, the Threefold Training (Trisikha), as an integrated conceptual framework for developing human beings in terms of behavior, mind, and intellect.
The study found that Thai society is facing a moral crisis, such as domestic violence, corruption, and the decline of social values, primarily due to the lack of a holistic ethical development system. Integrated Buddhist development using the Threefold Training as a foundation can systematically develop human beings by linking morality, concentration, and wisdom in a balanced way. Furthermore, applying Buddhist principles in the education system, family, and community can effectively reduce deviant behavior, increase social responsibility, and foster inner peace. This article proposes that moral development should be undertaken in a multi-stakeholder approach, integrating religious institutions, educational institutions, and the government to create a sustainable moral ecosystem.

Ecology of Mind: Integrating Buddhist Psychology and Neuroscience for Cognitive Well-being in the Digital Age

Kongkai Heman — 2026-09-20

In the current decade, human attention has been commodified in the digital economy. Algorithms prevalent in every online system are being exploited for business purposes. This academic paper explores the structural crisis facing the human nervous system and mind, analyzing it through an integration of Buddhist psychology and modern neuroscience. A literature review reveals that these short, rapid digital stimuli not merely disrupt concentration temporarily but are restructuring brain function, leading to a state of digital distraction. Specifically, they continuously stimulate dopamine circuits in the midbrain, resulting in an addiction to expectation and an overload of the default mode network (DMN), impairing prefrontal cortex self-control. This phenomenon leads to abnormal amygdala activation, resulting in low-level chronic stress and identity anxiety stemming from social comparisons in the virtual world.

The authors propose Neuro-Mindfulness Therapy, highlighting that mindfulness practice is a process of self-modification of the nervous system to create space between stimuli and responses, a key aspect of brain resilience. This article also presents a framework for clinical healing using loving-kindness meditation and the creation of modern mental well-being to restore control over the nervous system. And it leads humanity to an awakened evolution amidst the never-ending stream of information.

The Application of the Threefold Training (Tisikkhā) for Buddhist Educational Development in Thai Educational Institutions

Phra Sitthivajrabundit . — 2026-09-20

This academic article aims to study the application of the Threefold Training (Sīla, Samādhi, and Paññā) in the development of Buddhist-based education within Thai educational institutions. The study focuses on a conceptual analysis grounded in Buddhist philosophy and its integration into the contemporary 21st-century educational system, which emphasizes the balanced development of learners in terms of knowledge, skills, and morality. This is particularly important in the context of rapid social transformation driven by digital technology, knowledge-based economies, and globalization.
The findings indicate that Threefold Training constitutes a holistic human development framework that aligns well with modern educational concepts. Sīla serves as the foundation for behavioral development and discipline, enabling learners to live harmoniously in society. Samādhi enhances mental stability, concentration, and learning efficiency while reducing distraction and emotional instability. Paññā develops critical thinking, rational analysis, creative problem-solving, and sound decision-making, all of which are essential competencies for the 21st century. The integration of the Threefold Training into educational processes has been found to significantly enhance educational quality, both in terms of academic achievement and the development of desirable learner characteristics. It also fosters a balance between intellectual growth and mental well-being, which is considered a core principle of authentic Buddhist education. Moreover, the successful application of the Threefold Training requires cooperation among all stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, and students, in creating a learning environment conducive to continuous practice of Sīla, Samādhi, and Paññā. When properly implemented, it contributes to sustainable educational development and the formation of high-quality citizens equipped with knowledge, morality, and life skills for living in society effectively.