Buddhism in Mekong Region Journal

Development of Life Skills and Cognitive Competencies among Private University Educators through Buddhist Practice in Thailand, India, and Nepal

2025-05-29T09:00:14+07:00

This study examines the development of life skills and cognitive competencies among private university educators through Buddhist practice in the Land of Buddhism, including Thailand, India, and Nepal. The research objectives are threefold: (1) to assess the level of life skills and cognitive competencies acquired by educators participating in the Buddhist practice program, (2) to compare cognitive competencies among educators based on work experience, job position, and field of work, and (3) to collect recommendations for enhancing life skills and cognitive competencies through Buddhist practice. A mixed-methods approach is employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Qualitative content analysis is used to interpret open-ended responses, identifying key themes and insights. For the comparative analysis, an F-test (One-Way Analysis of Variance: ANOVA) is conducted to examine mean differences among groups based on work experience, job position, and field of work. If significant differences are identified, Scheffé’s post hoc test is applied for pairwise comparisons. The findings contribute to understanding how Buddhist practice can enhance life skills and cognitive competencies among educators, offering valuable implications for educational institutions seeking to integrate mindfulness-based approaches into professional development.

A Peaceful Way of Living According to the Buddha’s Teachings

2025-12-27T21:27:52+07:00

This article presents a comprehensive and textually grounded exposition of a peaceful way of living based on the original teachings of the Buddha as preserved in the Pāḷi Canon. Drawing on key discourses such as the Dīghajānu Sutta, Andha Sutta, Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta, Sakuṇagghi Sutta, Kummopama Sutta, the Cūḷakammavibhaṅga Sutta, and some commentaries, the study integrates ethical livelihood, mindfulness practice, and moral causation into a unified framework for both mundane well-being and supramundane liberation. Central to this framework is the cultivation of two complementary “Dhamma eyes”: vipassanā-sammādiṭṭhi, which discerns the true nature of present phenomena, and kammassakatā-sammādiṭṭhi, which understands the long-range operation of kamma across past, present, and future lives. Through doctrinal analysis, narrative exposition of canonical similes, and systematic synthesis, the article demonstrates that the Buddha’s teachings offer a complete and practical guide for living peacefully in the world while progressing toward the ultimate freedom of Nibbāna. The paper is structured to meet journal standards, including an introduction, literature review, methodology, analytical sections, and an overall conclusion, and is written in academic yet accessible English.

Siam (Thailand) - Sri Lanka Religious Relations and the Malwatta Viharaya (Chapter)

2025-12-30T20:08:41+07:00

Sri Lanka and Thailand are considered two of the most unique and important countries in the Theravada Buddhist world. These two countries are known as canters for the preservation and maintenance of Theravada Buddhism throughout the world. Sri Lanka and Thailand can be identified as two countries that have a long-standing relationship based on Theravada Buddhism, connected by mutual trust, respect, and strong friendship. The foundation of this long-standing friendship between Sri Lanka and Thailand is Theravada Buddhism. After the Third Dhamma Council in the 3^rd Century BC, both countries received Buddhism under the Dhammavijaya Project, which was undertaken by Arahant Moggaliputtatissa thera with King Dharmashoka to spread Theravada Buddhism to nine countries. However, due to certain political crises in Thailand, Theravada Buddhism does not appear to have developed in Thailand until the 10^th century AD. Thus The Buddhist higher ordination ceremony, which was taken from Sri Lanka, was re-established in Thailand in the 10^th century AD. Also, from the 15^th century until the 17^th century, Sri Lanka was subjected to Western colonial rule by the Portuguese and the Dutch, and by the 17^th century, pure Theravada Buddhism had disappeared from Sri Lanka. At that time Theravada Buddhism was re-established in Sri Lanka in the 18^th century AD due to the higher ordination brought from Siam. It was happen Malwatta Viharaya (Chapter) in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Examine the latest religious relationship between Sri Lanka and Thailand based on Ven. Saranankara Sangharaja Thero, with the support of the royal patronage of King Sri Rajasinaghe, based on the two Malwatta and Asgiri Viharayas, and under the leadership of the Venerable Prawana Upali of Thailand, are object of this article.

Wise attention (Yonisomanasikāra)

2025-12-27T21:42:35+07:00

Wise attention (yonisomanasikāra) is fundamental to the achievement of meritorious actions, morality, concentration, and wisdom, spanning from the lowest level to the highest. The term yonisomanasikāra is often defined as the adverting consciousness (āvajjana citta). Furthermore, yonisomanasikāra is explained as extending from the fundamental level to the advanced Conformity Knowledge (Anuloma-ñāṇa)—the insight knowledge which understands impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anattā). This raises the critical question of which specific consciousness or mental factor (cetasika) constitutes yonisomanasikāra. Regarding this matter, different versions of the relevant sources will be explored.

Therefore, this paper aims to provide knowledge to readers about the significance of wise attention (yonisomanasikāra). The study employs qualitative research methods, drawing on the Pāḷi texts, and its relevant texts, as well as the perspectives of respected scholars. The research shows that the yonisomanasikāra plays a crucial role in acquiring social and spiritual achievements.

Discovering Peace through the Teachings of Great BUDDHA

2025-12-27T21:46:37+07:00

The world is afflicted with the malady of hatred, anxiety and fear. The malady of hatred, anxiety and fear was spread in Maharashtra state in India that created unhappiness in society. Unhappiness in society most of the time is engrained by blind belief and strong attachment to one’s views cause negativity, which in turn produces such atrocities. Such atrocities were opposed by the Buddha who was an extraordinary and great physician of peace and happiness. Peace and happiness in Maharashtra state in India was established by the three fundamental divisions of the Buddha’s teachings - morality, concentration of mind and purification of mind that are the essence of Buddhism and spiritual path. Essence of Buddhism and spiritual path explains that the whole emphasis of Buddha’s teaching is on the practice of these three in order to apply Dhamma in real life to abolish hate and eliminate crises. Therefore, Buddhist teachings include remedies to abolish hate and eliminate crises bringing peace and happiness in Maharashtra state in India.

The Role of Buddhist Education in the Propagation of Buddhism in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

2025-12-28T21:22:50+07:00

The Mekong Delta constitutes a culturally and religiously plural region shaped by long-term interactions among Khmer, Vietnamese, Chinese, and migrant communities, within which Buddhism occupies a central position. This paper examines the role of Buddhist education in the propagationn of Buddhism in the Mekong Delta, with particular attention to Khmer Theravāda Buddhism and its relationship with ethnic identity and cultural continuity. Drawing on archaeological, historical, and contemporary studies, the paper analyzes multiple educational mechanisms, including monastic-based education, formal Buddhist schools, ritual practices, transnational networks, and digital media. The findings suggest that Buddhist education functions not only as a channel for transmitting religious doctrine but also as a key social institution for preserving language, moral values, and collective memory, especially within the Khmer community. At the same time, processes of urbanization, labor migration, and media transformation pose significant challenges to traditional educational models. The paper argues that strengthening Buddhist education through curriculum standardization, human resource development, digital integration, and policy support is essential for sustaining Buddhism’s social role and cultural relevance in the contemporary Mekong Delta.

A Study of Suffering (Dukkha) from Vipassanā Perspective

2025-12-28T21:26:34+07:00

This thesis presents a comprehensive a study of the concept of Dukkha (suffering) from the Vipassanā perspective within Theravāda Buddhism. It systematically investigates the existential and phenomenological nature of Dukkha, moving beyond its conventional understanding as mere pain to its existential characteristic as the intrinsic unsatisfactoriness of all conditioned existence. The study elucidates the classical threefold classification such as dukkha-dukkha (ordinary suffering), vipariṇāma-dukkha (suffering due to change), and saṅkhāra-dukkha (suffering inherent in conditioned phenomena) demonstrating how most beings only recognize the first type. Central to the analysis is the doctrinal exposition of the Second Noble Truth, identifying taṇhā (craving), specifically in the form of nandī (delightful clinging), as the root cause (mūla) of all suffering, encapsulated in the pivotal Pali phrase “Nandī dukkhassa mūlaṃ.” Furthermore, the thesis explicates how the vipassanā method, through the sustained practice of mindfulness (sati) and penetrative insight (paññā) into the impermanent, non-self-nature of the five aggregates (khandhas), serves as the deliverance-related path for eradicating craving and realizing the cessation of dukkha. This work synthesizes scriptural exegesis with the practical framework of insight meditation to argue that dukkha is not merely a philosophical tenet but a reality to be comprehended and transcended through direct experiential insight.

The Cessation of Kamma and the Path to Liberation

2025-12-30T19:48:43+07:00

This study examines the Buddhist teaching on the cessation of kamma and the path leading to liberation, with emphasis on the teaching of ignorance (avijjā), craving (taṇhā), and the Noble Eightfold Path. It explains that kamma arises through intentional actions rooted in greed, hatred, and delusion, and continues to produce as long as these defilements remain. Through an analysis of teachings such as kammassakatā-ñāṇa, Paṭiccasamuppāda, and related suttas, the study clarifies that kamma cannot be erased directly, but becomes ineffective when its supporting conditions are removed. The paper highlights that the true extinguishment of kamma is achieved not by rituals or ascetic practices, but by uprooting the mental defilements that generate volitional action. Moreover, the Noble Eightfold Path gradually purifies moral conduct, concentration, and wisdom, leading to the destruction of ignorance and craving. The practice of meditation such as mindfulness and insight (vipassanā) is shown to be a crucial method in realizing the impermanent, suffering, and non-self of phenomena. Ultimately, the study concludes that the cessation of kamma culminates in Nibbāna, where both wholesome and unwholesome kamma are transcended and the cycle of saṃsāra comes to a final end.

Spiritual Dimensions of Buddhist Pilgrimage and Their Role in Cultivating a Mindfulness Culture: A Case Study

2025-12-30T19:57:18+07:00

In Pāli Literature from the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta, we come across abundant information on how Cārikā turned into DhammaCārikā, where emphasis on Pilgrimage developed on a larger scale from Kings, Emperors, Noblemen, laity, bhikkhus, and bhikkhunī who travelled to witness the footprints where the Buddha once walked and preached Dhamma to a larger gathering in his lifetime. This research presents case studies of prominent pilgrims who have revived the culture of Buddhist pilgrimage through mindful walking with awareness and developed a mindfulness culture, which has been ignored from a larger perspective, where no study has been conducted in such a manner. This study aims to show how important pilgrimage is for developing a mindfulness culture. Therefore, from this research, the untouched aspects of their ancient and modern pilgrim journeys will be connected through spiritual dimensions, and the role they played in cultivating a mindfulness culture will be examined through their primary resources from literature, epigraphical inscriptions, travelogues, archaeological reports, and revival work in developing these historical pilgrimage sites.

Role of Dhamma in Promoting World Peace

2025-12-30T20:01:22+07:00

The thoughts of the Buddha, is ascending the path of knowledge in any situation, practiced as ‘Buddha’s Dhamma’. Dhamma was further adopted by the philosophical leaders and conveyed to the society. Buddha’s Dhamma teaches non-violence (ahimsa) and compassion, which form the foundation of global harmony. The result of Emperor Aśoka’s third edict was that the Dhamma spread not only to India but also to the surrounding regions. Aśoka’s contribution in bringing the Dhamma to Sri Lanka is unforgettable. The place of the Dhamma among the people of Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, as well as Nepal, Tibet, China, Korea, Japan, etc. is unsurpassed. This influence is clearly visible even today.

Enhancing Cognitive Health Using Buddhist Techniques

2025-12-30T20:04:57+07:00

Cognitive health is a fundamental pillar of successful aging and general well-being, encompassing the ability to think, learn, and adapt. As individuals approach the age of 45, they enter a transitional developmental phase—Menopause in women and Andropause in men—characterized by significant physical, hormonal, and psychological shifts. During this period, risks such as decreased cerebral blood flow, heightened stress, and cognitive decline become prevalent. This article explores the enhancement of cognitive health through the lens of neuroplasticity and Buddhist techniques. Neuroplasticity allows the brain to undergo structural and functional changes in response to learning and stimuli, challenging the traditional view that the brain remains fixed after a certain age.

The study details a combined psychotherapeutic approach utilizing two primary Buddhist techniques: Vipassana meditation and the chanting of the "OM MANI PADME HUM" mantra. Research indicates that these practices can alleviate stress, manage depression, and foster self-compassion. Specifically, Vipassana has been shown to increase grey matter density in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex while reducing activity in the default mode network (DMN), thereby improving focus. The integrated therapy session focuses on the identification, consent, experience, and unconditional acceptance of emotions to prevent physical and mental ailments. Preliminary clinical implementations in 2024 show positive outcomes, suggesting that these ancient techniques offer a viable framework for modern cognitive health maintenance.

The 4 Sublime States of Mind for Educational Administrators

2025-12-30T20:35:46+07:00

A good educational administrator should be well equipped with both knowledge and skills. Principles of management, leadership and morality and ethics these will be indicators of the competence of educational administrators. Creating morality and ethics fours in administration is one of the important things for administrators to be able to operate smoothly and achieve the goals of organization with efficiency and effectiveness This article, the author aims to connect the guidelines for promoting the dominance of people according to the Four Brahma Vihara for educational administrators in the 21st century by applying the Four Brahma Vihara principles. By connecting to see the importance of applying moral principles in management to promote morality and ethics for executives and for the benefit of the organization as a whole. Therefore, educational administrators, who are like ship captains who lead crew towards the goals of educational institutes, should have moral principles to use in managing people. The four Brahma Vihara principles, consisting of Metta, Karuna, Mudita, and Upekkha, are relevant to human dominance and are easy to remember which educational administrators can apply to suit the situation within their own educational institutions in order to keep up with the changing times.