Buddhist Teachings Research Articles

The Role of Tawḥīd Values in Shaping Islamic Character among Malay Communities of the Archipelago

Before the arrival of Islam, the Malay community was known to adhere to animism and dynamism and was influenced by Hindu and Buddhist teachings. Religious transformation began when Islam entered through trade routes, with Arab traders as the bearers of the teachings of monotheism. The values of the monotheistic creed that were gradually instilled not only changed the belief system of the Malay community but also shaped the identity and character of Islam. This study aims to examine the role of the values of the monotheistic creed in shaping the character of Islam within the Malay community, which is integrated with local culture. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach, utilizing a library research method that involves examining academic literature, historical documents, and local cultural sources. The results of the study indicate that the monotheistic creed makes a significant contribution to shaping the character of a faithful, sincere, responsible, disciplined person who upholds the values of divinity. The monotheistic creed also strengthens the identity of Malay Islam and serves as a moral foundation in community life. The implications of this study suggest that understanding and strengthening the values of monotheism rooted in local culture can be utilized as an effective, wisdom-based character education strategy in responding to moral challenges in the modern era.

In the Presence of the Guru: Listening to Danzanravjaa’s Teaching Through His Poetic Voice

Vajrayāna teaching places the guru outside space and time, while simultaneously manifest in the teacher’s physical body. Those who regard Danzanravjaa primarily as a Buddhist teacher even today have his poems as a potent source of his teaching and consequently as a catalyst for their own spiritual development. But what can we hear across two centuries, and how can we actively listen to his religious teaching through his singular, aphoristic, and complex poetics? And to what extent can we understand today his nomadic perspective on Buddhist teaching in order better to understand the particular nature of Mongolian Buddhism? This paper will examine Danzanravjaa’s poetry in both Mongolian and Tibetan through the intertwining outer, inner, and secret levels of Tibeto-Mongolian Vajrayāna Buddhism, listening to how his poetic language and down-to-earth themes might have spoken to his contemporaries, as well as how they might speak to us today. In doing so, it presents Danzanravjaa’s poetry in a different light—not in terms of nineteenth century literature but as actionable spiritual wisdom from a teacher who, like any other, presents his own direct apprehension of Buddha nature in a challenging, personal style.

The Buddhist Components of Caodaism and Their Reorientation

Emerging through séances in Southern Vietnam in 1926, the Đại Đạo Tam Kỳ Phổ Độ, commonly known as the Cao Đài Religion, illustrates a unique form of religious syncretism. As part of the three major syncretized religious elements, Buddhism shows the most prominent influence, playing a key role in shaping its theological doctrines and its ritual practices. By conducting a comprehensive, comparative textual analysis focusing on syncretism and the efficacy of spiritual healing, this paper explores how the faith has incorporated Buddhist teachings into its belief and practice system through its four core liturgical texts: (1) Kinh Cúng Tứ Thời (the Daily Offering Sutras), (2) Di lạc Chơn Kinh (the True Sutra of Maitreya), (3) Kinh Cầu Siêu (the Deliverance Sutra), and (4) Kinh Tuần Cửu (the Sutra of Nine Periodic Mourning Rites). This exploration reveals that core Buddhist concepts, such as karma, reincarnation, wisdom, and liberation, have significantly contributed to the spiritual landscape of Cao Đài. However, what is most interesting is that the movement did not simply incorporate Buddhist doctrines and rituals but it adapted them to answer Vietnamese circumstances. This is a deliberate strategy to tailor its therapeutic mechanisms to the spiritual needs of its Vietnamese adherents.

Peran Pabbajita dalam Pelayanan Dhamma kepada Umat Buddha di Kabupaten Tolitoli, Sulawesi Tengah

This study aims to identify the role of pabbajita in Dhamma services to the Buddhist community in Tolitoli Regency and its implications on social, economic, and psychological aspects. This research uses a qualitative method with data collection techniques through interviews, observations, and documentation involving 13 respondents. The findings indicate that pabbajita plays a very important role in providing advice, support, and spiritual guidance, which positively impacts the knowledge and understanding of the Buddhist teachings among the community. The research results show that pabbajita offers guidance in meditation practice and Dhamma teachings, which are highly beneficial for the community. Additionally, Pabbajita enhances the community's faith in Buddhist teachings and increases their enthusiasm and participation in religious activities. In conclusion, Pabbajita has a crucial role as a spiritual guide, helping the community improve their mental quality and wisely address daily life challenges. Dhamma services by pabbajita not only strengthen inter-community relationships but also promote tranquility and patience in facing life's challenges, creating a tolerant and harmonious environment in Tolitoli Regency.

Mindfulness Meditation: Building Interreligious Understanding and Harmony in Indonesia

Abstract Mindfulness meditation is a meditation technique that involves observing the mind and body to increase awareness. This meditation practice has become a new trend in society, with the emergence of various meditation centers and an increasing number of enthusiasts. One popular mindfulness meditation center in Indonesia is the Dhammadīpa Meditation Center (dmc). Interestingly, the meditation participants at this center are not only Buddhists but include many participants from various other religious beliefs. Although this meditation practice uses Buddhist teachings based on the Tipiṭakapāḷi, there have never been any issues with the provided guidelines or conflicts among participants despite their diverse religious identities. This article uses qualitative methods, particularly an intrinsic case study approach, to deeply understand how mindfulness meditation can foster good understanding and harmonious living among people of different religions. The research results show that meditation participants can mutually understand that mindfulness meditation is a universal practice that anyone can practice regardless of their religious background. This understanding also fosters harmony among participants from different religious backgrounds.

Visiting Buddha's Relics at Quan The Am Pagoda: A Spiritual Journey of Central Vietnamese People with Buddha

Buddha relics are sacred symbols, showing respect for Buddha. Quan The Am Pagoda is an important spiritual destination in Central Vietnam, attracting a large number of followers and tourists every year. The display of relics is not only a religious event but also a spiritual journey, helping people connect deeply with Buddhist teachings. The article evaluates the significance of Buddha relics in spiritual life. Analyzes the preparation and organization of the display event at Quan The Am Pagoda. At the same time, collects feelings from followers, local residents, volunteers, etc. through interviews. Thereby presenting the impact of the event on Buddhism and spiritual culture of the Central region.

Pre Modern Interfaith Dialogue Muslim Engagements With Buddhist Thought Before Colonialism

This paper explores the nature and dynamics of pre-modern interfaith dialogue between Muslims and Buddhists, focusing on the intellectual and cultural exchanges that occurred prior to the advent of colonialism. This research looks at how early Muslim scholars, travelers, and historians engaged with Buddhist thought not merely through polemical critique, but often with genuine curiosity and attempts at understanding. Through travel accounts, translations, and theological discussions particularly in regions such as India, Central Asia, and parts of the Islamic Caliphate where the two communities coexisted muslim thinkers encountered and reflected on Buddhist teachings, practices, and institutions. These engagements were shaped by the socio-political and religious contexts of their time, yet they reveal moments of intellectual openness and cross-cultural learning. This research paper challenges by examining these early interactions the perception that meaningful Muslim-Buddhist dialogue is a modern phenomenon. It argues that interfaith engagement has deeper historical roots, and that pre-modern encounters offer valuable insights into how religious communities negotiated difference, sought common ground, and contributed to a shared human heritage before the disruptions of colonialism and modernity reframed their relationships.

Exploring Fears of Death and Dying Using Network Analysis

Abstract Objective Fear of death is often pathologised, yet little research has examined its unique links to different aspects of an individual’s life. This study investigated the unique associations among fear of death, psychological distress, mindfulness, compassion, life limiting illness, spirituality, meaning in life, and self-esteem using network analysis. It also explored the potential influence of meditation and psychedelics. Method A total of 486 community-based participants including university students completed a series of online surveys, which comprised a sociodemographic questionnaire and eight self-report rating scales. A Bayesian Gaussian Graphical Model was used to estimate nondirectional associations between variables, while a Directed Acyclic Graph depicted probabilities of directional links. Results The directed network revealed the central role of fear of another's death and its direct influence on other facets of death anxiety, life limiting illness, mindfulness, meaning in life, and subsequently spirituality and other variables in the network. The remaining facets of death anxiety had no significant influence on any wellbeing-related variables. This study empirically expanded upon the Terror Management Theory and found that self-esteem may not buffer death anxiety as previously proposed. Secondary analyses found that psychedelic use and meditation experience correlated with lower death anxiety, but these findings require replication due to small samples between groups. Conclusions These findings reframe assumptions about death anxiety by revealing its specific effects and avenues for promoting wellness surrounding mortality. In addition, they provide empirical support for Buddhist teachings, which emphasise the awakening effect of directly realising mortality. These results suggest that death anxiety could facilitate existential growth, contributing to the body of literature that highlights its potential positive effects. Preregistration This study was not preregistered.

Revisiting the Buddhist View of Environmental Ethics: A Plausible Enquiry

Buddhist ethical tradition derives its inspiration from the Buddha, the savior of beings. His love of solitude and silence was matched only by his universal compassion towards the suffering of creatures. The core of the Buddha's teachings is a moral code of conduct for everyone. The purpose of this research paper is to explain current ecological concepts, ecological balance, and the preservation of our environment as they relate to Buddhism. The earth is the only planet in our solar system to have been endowed with life. However, the planet's climate is the only reason life has been able to exist here. The study of the relationships between humans, animals, plants, and trees is referred to as ecology. In actuality, the study was started long before the Buddha was born. Ancient Indians had a great deal of interest in plants and saw them as an integral component of their existence. The fact that the first signs of life were discovered in plants is evidence of the Indians' superior mental capacity. They valued the unwavering belief that plants and trees are the first children of Mother Earth. Then the animal showed up. Fauna and flora complement one another. For their existence and sustenance, they are inextricably linked to other people. It is indisputable that plants are essential to the survival of both human and animal existence. As everyone knows, it is almost difficult to list all the advantages that plants provide for us. This paper aims to examine how Buddhism approaches the environmental attitudes.

Jalan Menembus Realitas: Dialektika Etis dalam Teks Bubuksah-Gagangaking

So far, both in studies and through readings of the Bubuksah-Gagangaking texts, there has been a determination that the characters of Bubuksah and Gagangaking are representatives of Siwa and Buddhism. The observant reader will certainly not find such a statement of association explicitly in the text. However, the voice of tradition and later interpretations give rise to such an association; Bubuksah becomes associated as a symbol representing the practice of realization of Buddhism, and Gagangaking becomes associated as a symbol representing the practice of realization of Siwa's teachings. No previous research on this text has focused on exploring this issue, either through an examination of the text itself or a search of textual sources related to Siwaism and Buddhism. Even though it's not directly mentioned in the text, this study tries to uncover the truth behind the connection by looking at how each character behaves while practicing their asceticism, which shows the different ways of understanding their practices in the text. Using critical heuristic and hermeneutic methods, this study finds two things that become the keywords of the association of the Bubuksah-Gagangaking text with Siwa and Buddhist practices; they are Ambherawa and Ambherawi. Ambherawa is the text's typical designation for the practice of Buddhism, and Ambherawi is the designation for the practice of Siwaism. Both Ambherawa and Ambherawi practices are kawi receptions in understanding the ethical elements of each teaching, which the text describes in a dialectical way between the conversations of the two characters. This discovery reveals how the kawi literary tradition of thought understands the teachings of Siwa-Buddha not merely as a doctrine but also abstracts it in the depiction of ascetic practices and elaborates the teachings of Siwa-Buddha through the depiction of the characters Bubuksah and Gagangaking. This discovery will help find out how the kawi mind comprehensively understands the teachings of Siwa and Buddha.

Application of Buddhist Principles to Develop Leadership in Modern Organizations

Background and Aim: This article explores the role of Buddhist principles in strengthening ethical and effective leadership within modern, complex organizations. Traditional leadership models, which focus primarily on managerial skills, often fail to address the deeper ethical and spiritual dimensions necessary for long-term organizational sustainability. The study aims to integrate Buddhist principles with contemporary leadership theories, proposing that these teachings can help leaders develop morally grounded, adaptable, and effective leadership qualities. Materials and Methods: The study explores the application of Buddhist teachings, particularly the Noble Eightfold Path, Brahmavihara (the Four Sublime States), and Sangahavatthu (the Four Means of Sustenance), in enhancing leadership practices. Using document analysis and over 30 relevant research reports. Key Buddhist principles such as mindfulness, compassion, and ethical conduct provide a strong moral foundation for leaders. Practices like mindfulness (sati) enable leaders to make clear, composed decisions under stress, while qualities like loving-kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), and equanimity (upekkha) help foster positive organizational cultures, trust, and collaboration. These teachings offer practical tools for ethical leadership that prioritize long-term goals, collective well-being, and sustainability. Results: The application of Buddhist principles offers considerable potential for enhancing both ethical and effective leadership in contemporary organizations. By incorporating teachings such as Brahmavihara, Sangahavatthu, and mindfulness practices, leaders can cultivate key qualities like empathy, fairness, and clarity in their decision-making processes. These principles provide a solid moral foundation that supports the dynamic and often challenging demands of modern organizational environments. Adopting Buddhist principles not only strengthens individual leadership abilities but also promotes a culture of ethical behavior and sustainable practices, aligning personal, organizational, and societal goals. Conclusion: The article concludes that integrating Buddhist principles into leadership practices offers a valuable framework for addressing the ethical and practical challenges faced by contemporary organizations. By embracing teachings like mindfulness, compassion, and ethical conduct, leaders can develop a leadership style that is not only effective but also morally grounded. This integration can foster a more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable organizational culture, balancing performance goals with ethical responsibility. The study suggests that adopting Buddhist-informed leadership can provide long-term benefits to both organizations and society, promoting well-being, fairness, and long-term sustainability. A further academic article is needed to explore how these principles can be adapted across diverse cultural and organizational contexts.

Analysis of Buddhist Concepts in the Context of Buddhist Economic Theory

Buddhist economics is an approach to economics that is both philosophical and spiritual. It looks at how emotions affect economic behaviour and how the human mind functions. Numerous political and socioeconomic specialists have expressed conflicting opinions regarding the relationship between Buddhism and economics. Buddhism views economics as a means of achieving the common goals of environmental, personal, and societal well-being. Economics is part of a more significant effort to solve humanity's problems. This work has clarified material on Buddhist economic theory that may be found in the Tripitaka, specifically in the Sutra Pitaka and the Vinaya Pitaka. It examines how the core teachings of Buddhism influence an individual's socioeconomic behaviour. It is investigated using hypotheses put forth by many academics.

Analysis of the Buddhist Concept of Economics in Theravada Buddhism

The study's goal is to describe sociological methods for analyzing the Buddhist concept of Economics in Theravada Buddhism. Buddhist studies have not thoroughly examined Buddhist communities' economic institutions, as well as the strategies and techniques used to meet their needs for resources. Buddhist studies focus primarily on its religious, philosophical, political, and cultic dimensions, with little to no attention paid to its economics. Along with this, Buddhism served crucial economic purposes. They were the focus of several Western scholars' research. They established the framework for the growth of the Buddhist economy's scientific tendencies. In the development of sociology, various theories can be highlighted. Within their framework, issues of the influence of Buddhism on economic development were investigated. The article tries to describe the economic roles of Buddhist teaching institutions and expose key elements of the theoretical analysis of the economy in Buddhist communities. Three theoretical models of the Buddhist economy that had disparate effects on science and competed at times were described as a consequence of the investigation. This study takes into account Weber and Marxist writings as well as their understanding of the economic impact of Buddhism. The role M. Weber played in the advancement of Buddhism.

Incorporating Buddhist Ethics and the Constitution of Nepal: Ensuring Child Rights Protection

This study explores the intersection of Buddhist ethics and the Constitution of Nepal in relation to child rights. Initially, it highlights key Buddhist principles such as compassion (karuṇā), non-harm (ahiṃsā), and moral responsibility (dharmā), all of which are closely linked to the care and dignity of children. Subsequently, the research analyzes the current provisions of the Nepalese Constitution concerning child rights. In essence, it examines the child rights articulated in the Constitution through a Buddhist lens. This research primarily employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing a variety of texts, including Buddhist literature, academic journals, articles, and the Constitution of Nepal, to investigate the application of Buddhist teachings in the formulation of the child rights in the Constitution, which has its roots over 2,500 years ago.

A Study of Insights of Teachings Method and Educational Practices in Buddhist Literature

This research investigates the educational framework which existed during the Buddha’s Era based on the teaching practices found inside Buddhist monastic institutions. The Buddha alongside his disciples applied different teaching approaches which led to an understanding of their knowledge transfer along with ethical learning and intellectual growth. Buddhist texts from Vinaya Pitaka and Sutta Pitaka and Jataka tales serve as the foundation for the researchers to interpret their study on Buddhist learning. The research explains how the Buddha used sermons and dialogues combined with parables as his teaching methods to develop both conceptual understanding and practical experience in his learners. Buddhism maintains open access to and storage of knowledge through oral traditions for educational benefit of all monks and the general public. This part highlights the open-door nature of Buddhist education which welcomes all social groups such as women and marginalized individuals. Different instructional methods from the Buddhist era are discussed, such as the Shravan method (listening and memorization), the imitation method (learning through observation and repetition), the demonstration and practice method (experiential learning), the interpretation method (understanding via discussion), the lecture method (structured knowledge delivery), the debate and logic method (analytical discourse), the seminar and Shāstrārtha method (formal intellectual debates), the self-study method (autonomous learning through reflection), and the excursion method (learning through travel and observation of nature and society). Describing educational establishments known as Viharas and Mahaviharas showed their status as centers for scripture study which had organized yet flexible structures for teaching scriptures alongside moral and philosophical and meditative student growth. The research establishes that educational practices used during the time of Buddha contribute to enriched ancient civilizations through their ability to generate moral communities which still have value in modern educational settings.

Trailblazers of Modern Therāvāda Buddhism in Nepal: A 20th Century Perspective

The resurgence of Therāvāda Buddhism in Nepal during the 20th century, following a period of marginalization under the Hindu monarchy, was largely driven by a few pioneering monks, lay practitioners, and scholars. These trailblazers played a critical role in reviving Buddhist practices and philosophies in Nepal, which had once been at the core of the country’s spiritual and cultural identity. This article explores the contributions of key figures whose efforts were instrumental in the establishment of Therāvāda Buddhism as a major religious force in modern Nepal. By focusing on their life stories, their academic and social contributions, and the contexts in which they worked, this study highlights their influence on the revitalization of Therāvāda Buddhism, the transformation of Nepali society, and the development of Buddhist institutions. These figures not only revived meditation practices such as Vipassanā but also emphasized the relevance of Buddhist ethics in addressing social issues, particularly caste discrimination and gender inequality. Their work laid the foundation for Buddhist education in Nepal, with the creation of meditation centers, educational institutions, and social justice initiatives. This article underscores the enduring impact of these trailblazers on the spiritual, social, and cultural fabric of Nepal, offering a nuanced perspective on the role of Therāvāda Buddhism in shaping the modern Nepali identity.

The Evolving Relationship Between Buddhist Figures and Animals in Buddhist Artifacts: An Historical Ecology Perspective on the Buddha and the Deer

This paper investigates the evolving relationship between Buddhist figures and animals, focusing on the story of the Buddha and the deer, from an historical ecology perspective. The study explores the historical context of Buddhist artifacts, emphasizing the depiction of animals within these cultural expressions and their significance in Buddhist teachings. By analyzing artifacts across different regions and eras, the research reveals variations in how the relationship between humans and animals is portrayed, reflecting broader ecological and philosophical shifts. Through case studies and reference studies of the Buddha and the deer, this paper analyzes how these depictions vary according to geological and temporal contexts, providing new perspectives on the integration of cultural narratives and ecological concepts. The findings also highlight the impact of geographical factors on religious beliefs, especially in China and India, indicating that ecological environment and religion shape each other. This study introduces an ecohistorical perspective as a method for evaluating artifacts, providing a broader and more complex framework for understanding human relics. However, the study mainly relies on artifacts and documents, lacking firsthand information, and it is recommended that future research adopt qualitative methods such as interviews to explore people's views on the environment and religion in different religious regions.

Buddhist Inquiry into Knowledge Management: A Comprehensive Literature Review

This literature review explores the integration of Buddhist principles into Knowledge Management (KM), presenting an interdisciplinary examination that challenges traditional Western paradigms. By analyzing the origins and evolution of knowledge management literature, the review highlights the contributions of key theorists such as Karl Wigg, Lawrence Prusak, and Nonaka and Takeuchi. The study emphasizes the importance of balancing human-centric and technology-centric perspectives, incorporating cultural and philosophical dimensions that enrich KM practices. The influence of Buddhist teachings, including the Mahayana approach, Zen Buddhism, and the Noble Eightfold Path, offers valuable insights into creating ethical, self-aware, and continuously evolving KM practices. The review contrasts the symbolic representation of knowledge in Eastern philosophy, where it is seen as a revelation of Truth, with its commodification in Western thought. This comparison reveals profound differences in conceptualization and utilization, inviting a rethinking of traditional KM paradigms. The interdisciplinary study underscores the potential of Buddhist principles to foster continuous learning, ethical decision-making, and holistic well-being, ultimately promoting a more enlightened and interconnected generation with KM practices.

A Study on the Philosophy of Perfect Harmony in the Huayan School: Focusing on the Four Dharmadhātus

The philosophy of the Huayan school is founded on the dharmadhātu (法界) as its fundamental ontology, embodying the boundless truth of the cosmos and human existence. It seamlessly integrates the philosophical doctrine of the “perfect interpenetration and non-obstruction of Buddhist teachings”, while expounding the vast tenets of “principle (理), phenomena (事), wisdom (智), and practice (行),” all of which are encompassed within the comprehensive framework of the “four stages of faith–understanding–practice–realization (信解行证)”. The idea of “four dharmadhātus” (四法界), which was first systematically formulated by Master Chengguan, is considered one of the core doctrines of Huayan thought. However, contemporary scholarship has yet to provide a thorough elucidation of the relationship between the one true dharmadhātu (一真法界) and the four dharmadhātus, nor has it sufficiently addressed the notion that the four dharmadhātus are not merely a theoretical construct but also a genuine realization—a stage in the practice of spiritual cultivation. This study first explicates the conceptual significance of the four dharmadhātus, then analyzes the Huayan patriarchs’ interpretations of the one true dharmadhātu and the four dharmadhātus. It further explores the path to awakening through the interpenetration and non-obstruction of the four dharmadhātus and highlights the integration between the empirical world and the ideal world of Buddhist teachings. Ultimately, it argues that every realm and every stage within the dharmadhātu is perfectly complete and seamlessly interconnected.

Between Tradition and Transformation: Gender Roles and Cultural Identity of Temple Wives in Japanese Buddhism

This paper explores the evolving gender roles and cultural identities of temple wives in Japanese Buddhism, focusing on the transition “between tradition and transformation” in the Jōdu Shinshū Sect. Unlike traditional Buddhist practices that prohibit clerical marriage, Japan allows monks to marry, making the role of temple wives unique. Historically, temple wives were responsible for domestic duties and supporting their husbands’ religious work, often within a patriarchal structure. This study examines how these roles have changed from older to newer generations, emphasizing shifts in gender dynamics and cultural identity. The research highlights temple wives’ increasing visibility and leadership in contemporary Buddhist communities. The older temple wife, who has long been in charge of running the temple, and her daughter-in-law, who took over recently, are the main subjects of this paper. It examines the traditional duties of temple wives and the transformations in their gender and cultural identities within Japanese Buddhism. In recent decades, evolving gender dynamics and societal calls for equality have led to significant changes. Modern temple wives reshape their identities beyond conventional norms by embracing leadership positions, pursuing Buddhist education, and participating in community service. This research argues that the transformations of temple wives reflect a significant cultural shift as they move from passive preservers of religious heritage to active agents of change. Examining the experiences of both older and newer generations highlights the intersection of tradition, gender, and cultural identity in Japanese Buddhism. The study sheds light on how religious institutions navigate changing societal expectations while maintaining core spiritual values.