Desirable Characteristics of Teachers in the Digital Age According to the Buddhist Ways

Abstract

The objectives of this research paper were 1) to study the characteristics of teachers in accordance with the Buddhist guidelines; 2) to study the desirable characteristics of teachers in the digital age; and 3) to propose guidelines for applying Buddhadhamma to enhance the desirable characteristics of teachers in the digital age. This was a qualitative research by studying the information from Tipitaka, Buddhist academic papers and related research. The results of the research found that 1) desirable characteristics of teachers according to the Buddhist principles must have five principles of Dhammadesaka-dhamma, namely (1) Anupubbikatha: his instruction or exposition is regulated and gradually advanced; (2) Pariyayadassavi: it has reasoning or refers to causality; (3) Anudayata: it is inspired by kindness; teaching out of kindliness; (4) Anamisandara: it is not for worldly gain; and (5) Anupahacca: it does not hurt oneself or others; 2) in terms of desirable characteristics of teachers in the digital age, Code of Ethics of Teaching Profession is an important aspect of classifying occupations as professions. “Professional” occupations require organizations to support and set standards of behavior for those in the professional circle which is called "ethics"; and 3) guidelines for applying Buddhadhamma to enhance teachers' desirable characteristics in the digital age were encouraging teachers to adopt the principle of Metta: love, goodwill, Karuna: compassion, and desire to help them out of suffering and obstacles Mudita: congratulations on supporting and promoting, giving appreciation and reward on the occasion of doing good or being successful, Upekkha is used to make judgments when students or followers had problems and to judge them with integrity.