Journal of Dhammaduta

Thai Local Administration Based on the Principles of Itthipatha

Kongkiat Sealim — 2025-02-03

This article aims to present approaches for local administration by integrating the principles of the Four Paths of Accomplishment (Itthipatha) to enhance public participation in governance and to set the direction for future local administration. Currently, local administrative organizations are the primary agencies responsible for public welfare and providing public services. Therefore, the government must promote and support the strengthening of these organizations' management capabilities, while also creating opportunities for public participation in the administration and oversight of local executives. Emphasis is placed on having clear guidelines to enhance management efficiency. The principles of the Four Paths of Accomplishment, or Iddhipada, consist of: Chanda (satisfaction), Viriya (effort), Citta (attentiveness), and Vimamsa (investigation and review), which can effectively promote national development. Thus, moving towards democracy involves integrating these principles into administration to ensure the stability of local administrative organizations and the well-being of the populace in the future.

An Anāgāmi : One who does not patisandhi in another bhūmi

Peeraphun Worachatdejchai — 2025-02-03

Suddhāvāsa is a place where it is generally believed that the patisandhi-citta (rebirth- consciousness) of an anāgāmi will be born in various levels of conception according to the faculties, such as avihā, atappā etc. if they have not yet achieved special qualities, arahattamagga-citta and arahattaphala-citta can occur in pavattikāla (between birth to death period). However, it was found that there are different interpretations of the place where anãgãmi will be born, such as those who can be born in suddhãvãsa must be anãgãmi who has achieved the fifth jhāna, other than that, they will be born according to the jhāna they have achieved. If they are sukkhavipassaka anāgāmi, after they die, they will be born in vehapphalā realm, etc.

Therefore, the author aims to study the place where anāgāmi will be born after the cuti-citta has occurred by searching for information from evidence appearing in The Pali Canon, atthakathā, scriptures related to Buddhism, as well as information from various places to find a conclusion on this matter.

MOOCs: A New Opportunity for Thai Dhammaduta Bhikkhus

Aphichat Rodniyom — 2025-02-03

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are online courses that are open to learners from all over the world and are offered free of charge. MOOCs can be an effective tool for Buddhist missionaries to spread Buddhism to a wide audience. MOOCs can help missionaries reach learners who cannot be reached through other methods, such as face-to-face teaching or distance learning. Additionally, MOOCs can help missionaries spread Buddhism effectively and can help missionaries develop their teaching skills. This academic article presents new opportunities for Thai Buddhist missionaries to spread Buddhism through MOOCs. The article begins by reviewing the concept of MOOCs and the role of MOOCs in religious propagation. Then, the article discusses the potential of MOOCs for spreading Buddhism in Thailand. The article discusses the advantages and limitations of using MOOCs to spread Buddhism and proposes guidelines for leveraging MOOCs to spread Buddhism.

The Translation Problems of English into Mon: A Case Study of Mon Students at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya in Thailand

Ravinda Ravinda — 2025-02-03

The objectives of this research were 1) to study the translation problems of English into Mon, 2) to analyze the translation problems of English into Mon, and 3) to find out the solutions to translating problems from English into Mon.

The research methodology consists of a mixed methods approach, namely qualitative and quantitative study. The research tools are questionnaires, survey statements, open-ended questions, translation tests, and in-depth interviews. For the population, there are 45 Mon students from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya in Thailand. Data analysis using both statistical methods for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data.

The findings show that there are four main problems in translating English into Mon: 1) Linguistic problems, including lack of direct equivalents for many English words, phrases, and expressions in Mon language; 2) Structural problems, due to grammatical and sentence structure differences between English and Mon; 3) Cultural problems, arising from cultural differences and lack of corresponding cultural references in Mon; and 4) Limited resources problems, due to the lack of comprehensive dictionaries, grammar reference books, and other types of reference materials in Mon.

The suggestions were that students should 1) prioritize conveying intended meaning over word-for-word translation, using strategies such as paraphrasing and finding closest expressions; 2) attempt for mastery in both English and Mon languages, including linguistic nuances and cultural contexts; 3) collaborate with native speakers, subject matter experts, and experienced translators to improve translation accuracy; and 4) expand linguistic resources for Mon, including comprehensive dictionaries and grammars, while implementing training programs to improve translation skills.

Development Process of Legislation: A Case Study on the Council of Thai Buddhist Monks of the United Kingdom and Ireland

Phrakhruthammathon Tevaprapas Makklay — 2025-02-03

This study aims to 1) examine guidelines and proposals for development, 2) develop procedures and processes for drafting regulations for the Council of Thai Buddhist Monks of the United Kingdom and Ireland, and 3) present the outcomes of developing regulations for Thai Dhammaduta organizations abroad. The research was conducted in the United Kingdom and Ireland using a mixed-methods approach, collecting data from relevant documents, participatory observations, interviews, and workshops. Key informants included abbots, Dhammaduta monks, chairpersons, and members of Thai temple charitable organizations across four regions in two countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, involving a total of 20 monks. The appropriateness of findings was validated through quantitative research using 60 questionnaires distributed in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and the data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and focused group discussions involving 10 participants.

The findings revealed that:

(1) The promulgation of monastic administrative regulations by Dhammaduta monks abroad should be adapted from the Thai Sangha Supreme Council’s regulations, ensuring consistency and non-contradiction with local laws while addressing the six administrative areas of the Thai monastic system. The drafting process should align with the common law system and the British parliamentary tradition.

(2) The drafting process for the regulations of the Council of Thai Buddhist Monks of the United Kingdom and Ireland utilized a clearly defined legislative process, including approval by the President of the Council of Thai Buddhist Monks of the United Kingdom and Ireland, the establishment of a subcommittee for drafting, and section-by-section deliberations. The content adhered to Thai Sangha laws and local foreign laws, facilitating public services, governance, and dissemination, with an emphasis on decentralization, transparency, participation, and accountability in line with international norms and local customs. Flexibility and adaptability to contemporary circumstances were emphasized to promote organizational unity.

(3) The researchers and Dhammaduta monks collaboratively developed and proposed the regulations, which were unanimously approved during an extraordinary session of the Council of Thai Buddhist Monks of the United Kingdom and Ireland in March 2024. The regulations, comprising six chapters and 56 sections, were promulgated as the Regulations of the Council of Thai Buddhist Monks of the United Kingdom and Ireland B.E. 2567 (2024). An evaluation conducted in August 2024 revealed highest overall satisfaction among Dhammaduta monks with the new regulations (X=3.616, S.D. = 0.244).