The Hermeneutics Buddhadhamma on S.E.A Write Poetry

Abstract

In this dissertation, three objectives were purposely made:  1) to study the characteristics of poetry that has received the S.E.A. Write Award; 2) to analyze the Buddhist principles (Buddhadhamma) reflected in such poetry; and 3) to interpret the Buddhist principles embedded within S.E.A. Write Award-winning poetry. This study employs qualitative documentary research, with data collected from S.E.A. Write Award-winning poetry collections and the Tipitaka. The data were analyzed through Buddhist hermeneutic approaches. The findings related to the first objective showed that S.E.A. Write Award-winning poetry demonstrates a wide range of poetic forms while maintaining distinctive linguistic identity and aesthetic value. In terms of content, the poetry addresses lifestyles, social issues, beliefs, morality, and ethics through both realistic and symbolic literary techniques, conveying human experiences within contemporary social contexts. Beyond its literary function, S.E.A. Write poetry serves as an intellectual space for social critique and the transmission of spiritual and intellectual values, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between literature, humanity, and society. The findings for the second objective showed that Buddhadhamma is systematically conveyed through literary structures that reflect dimensions of mind, wisdom, perseverance, merit (kusala), and faith (saddha). These findings highlight that S.E.A. Write poetry functions as a cultural mechanism that connects literature, lived experience, and Buddhist truth within contemporary society. With respect to the third objective, the study showed that key Buddhist principles in Theravada Buddhism appear in S.E.A. Write poetry as “states of nature” (sabhavadhamma) closely linked to lived experiences rather than as abstract doctrinal teachings. Buddhadhamma is presented through poetic imagery, metaphors, and symbols, creating a contemplative space that encourages reader awareness in accordance with the process of mental cultivation (bhavana). The analysis reflects processes of mental development, intellectual cultivation, and the relinquishment of attachment (upadana) as experienced by ordinary beings in contemporary society. Consequently, S.E.A. Write Award-winning poetry functions as a skillful means (upaya) and a cultural–spiritual mechanism that effectively bridges literature, humanity, and Buddhist truth.