Buddhist Tradition Research Articles

Kant and Nāgārjuna: A hermeneutic inquiry into transcendental aesthetics

The Madhyamaka tradition of Buddhism, with development of śūnyatā philosophy, was widely considered as founded by Nāgārjuna (ca 150–250 CE) who is best known as one of most important philosophers in the history of Buddhism. Critics do not generally regard Nāgārjuna’s philosophy of emptiness, Madhyamaka, as a theory of nonexistence or nihilism. Its acceptance of absolute non-being leads to recognition of a hyperousiological (hyper-Being that mystically surpasses Being) ontotheological superbeing, which is a priori and that it has similarities with transcendental aesthetics where Kant deals with nature of sensibility. Hyperousiology denotes a "Being beyond being" and predominantly used in negative theology. Negative theology is heavily relied on “denegations” that lead to a hyper-theology affirming God as hyperousious, as defined by Pseudo-Dionysius, knowing God by unknowing or “denominating” God. Such mystical theology is a “theology of absence”, a higher apophasis that overcomes both affirmation and negation to sustain a hyperessence. Kant’s transcendental aesthetics is considered as the investigation of a priori elements which enter into Perception. Kant toiled hard to understand human cognition and human judgment; his focus was on innate human capability of making judgments by a cognitive faculty. Kant claims the matter of all appearance is only given to us a posteriori, but its form must all lie ready for it in the mind a priori and can therefore be considered separately from all sensation. The foundational idea of Madhyamaka school, śūnyatā, the set of ultimately existent things, is an empty set that transcends epistemic foundations in linguistic and conceptual conventions. Accordingly, Madhyamaka school has a two-truth doctrine: ultimate truth (paramārtha-satya) and relative truth (saṃvṛti-satya). Like a priori sensibility, it is argued, ultimate truth (paramārtha-satya) is separate from all sensation as it transcends conceptual conventions. The major research problem investigated in this study is whether the ultimate truth (paramārtha-satya) of Madhyamaka school acts as a priori sensibility and creates a synthesis with relative truth (saṃvṛti-satya) making cognition transcendentally ideal and empirically real? This inquiry delves into investigating interconnections between transcendental ideals and empirical reals. Hermeneutics has been employed as the principal research method to interpret both Kant and Nāgārjuna on aesthetic judgment.

<b>A Case Study of Separatist Movement in Thailand: South Thailand Insurgency</b>

Thailand is a nation deeply steeped in Buddhist traditions and has endured protracted separatist disturbances, predominantly in the southern region, orchestrated by certain Malay Muslim factions. The turmoil is concentrated within the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala. Insurgent elements have perpetrated a significant number of violent incidents, particularly in the year 2004. During this period, the separatist unrest resulted in the loss of nearly 7,000 lives.

The Nalanda Buddhist tradition: enriching social work theory and practice

ABSTRACT The Buddhist-derived practice of mindfulness has been popularized among helping professions, including social work, but often in a secularized fashion that does not acknowledge its roots in the Buddhist tradition. This paper looks to the Nalanda tradition in Buddhism to explore what teachings, principles, and practices might be of value to multilevel social work practice in diverse contexts. Focusing on six celebrated Buddhist Masters, five of whom were part of the Nalanda University before its demise, the following Buddhist concepts, which offer rich possibilities for advancing social work praxis, especially when adopted collectively, are discussed: emptiness, two truths, mind training, radical openness, compassion, altruism, gradual path, and embodied practice. After identifying some key contributions of each Buddhist Master, examples are provided illustrating how these ideas and understandings can be incorporated into contemporary social work practice. The paper concludes with a discussion of how the teachings and principles explored can help address contemporary societal issues as the first quarter of the twenty-first century comes to a close.

Evaluation of Deterioration Characteristics of Hanji Colored with Pigments for Traditional Buddhist Paintings

Evaluation of Deterioration Characteristics of Hanji Colored with Pigments for Traditional Buddhist Paintings

Unknowing: Christian and Buddhist soteriological epistemology

ABSTRACT Buddhists point to the soteriological value not only of the dispelling of ignorance, but the arising of insight or wisdom which constitutes the salvific goal of practice. Madhyamaka’s unique conception of the ultimate nature of reality makes this cognition of what is metaphysically ultimate distinct from other kinds of knowledge, as these soteriologically valuable cognitive states aim at something unlike anything else so known: the lack of ‘own-being’, or emptiness, of all reality. After considering and rejecting some popular interpretations of the Madhyamaka Buddhist tradition regarding this soteriologically valuable epistemological state, I propose that a Thomistic conception of the Gift of Wisdom might provide a model that explains the unique nature of such insight into ultimate reality and its soteriological value. In short, wisdom involves a direct nonjudgemental veridical self-awareness arising from a good moral character, which is therefore also indirectly a direct nonjudgemental awareness of what ultimate reality is like. The final part will address the obvious dissimilarities between Christian and Buddhist metaphysics which might be thought to undermine these epistemological parallels and show, by contrast, that Christians are uniquely placed among theists in sharing many relevant features of Madhyamaka metaphysics that undergird parallels even in soteriological aims.

The Evolution of the Dhamma Wheel: From the Pre-Siamese Era to the Kingdom of Siam

ABSTRACT This article examines the evolution of the Dhamma Wheel, or Dharmacakra, from the Pre-Siamese Era to the Kingdom of Siam, focusing on its archaeological, cultural, and philosophical significance. Through multidisciplinary methodologies, the study explores the transformation of Dharmacakra and its pivotal role in shaping Siamese identity and heritage. Key archaeological evidence, such as Dharmacakra artifacts discovered at significant sites like Nakhon Pathom and U Thong, highlights its prominence during the Dvāravatī period, with these artifacts showcasing intricate craftsmanship and Pallava script that reflect the spiritual devotion and artistic achievements of early Siamese civilization. Furthermore, in the Kingdom of Siam, the Dharmacakra emerged as a central symbol of Buddhist identity, profoundly influencing cultural expressions and reinforcing the philosophical underpinnings of Siamese society. Its integration into temple architecture, inscriptions, and artistic motifs demonstrates its role in preserving and transmitting Buddhist teachings while fostering a shared cultural heritage. These findings collectively illuminate the Dharmacakra's historical, cultural, and spiritual importance, offering a comprehensive understanding of its enduring influence on Siamese civilization and its contribution to the broader Buddhist tradition.

Kaushambi City and Buddhist Tradition in Ancient India: A Review

Kaushambi City and Buddhist Tradition in Ancient India: A Review

Merton’s Unity of Action and Contemplation in Transpersonal Perspective

Adopting a transdisciplinary approach, with specific emphasis on the post-Jungian transpersonal psychological theories on the ‘Spectrum of Human Consciousness’, this paper introduces a transpersonal psychological thread of understanding of ‘Mystical Consciousness’ through an interreligious field of comparative religious approaches to action, contemplation and non-action. This paper draws on Merton’s interreligious contemplative thinking in relation to three major world religious mystical traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism and mystical Islam/Sufism and elucidates comparative insights with the Christian mystical–contemplative tradition, akin to the ‘mystical contemplation’ of Evelyn Underhill. This paper introduces and applies the transpersonal perspective to the scholarly field of mysticism. The reader is invited to consider how Merton may have responded or written about interreligious contemplative depth mysticism in terms of his own writings on ‘pure consciousness’, had he had the benefit of the language of the transpersonal models of consciousness. Finally, the reader is left with a contemplative question at the ‘heart’ of mysticism—does the ancient sculpture of the Sleeping Hermaphrodite helpfully represent an art–theological symbolic analogy for the inner repose of an illumined soul, one with God’s Unity, in whose awakened consciousness through depth mystical contemplation, action occurs as an extended manifestation, a total gestalt of contemplative solitudinous action?

Heritage and Language Values Hidden in Khmer Palm Leaf Manuscripts in An Giang Province, Vietnam

The manuscripts on Khmer palm leaves in An Giang province are a distinctive element of the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Khmer community in southern Vietnam. These manuscripts, made from processed palm leaves, serve as a repository of Buddhist scriptures, sacred texts, and traditional knowledge, reflecting the spiritual and cultural values of the Khmer people within the Theravada Buddhist tradition. This study examines the origins, the techniques of manuscript creation, and their cultural significance, highlighting their role in preserving the Khmer language and traditional teachings. The study also addresses the challenges posed by environmental degradation and the decline of traditional craftsmanship, which threaten the preservation of these manuscripts. The research employs methods such as ethnographic observation, document analysis, and interviews to clarify how data is collected and how this information will be used in the study. Along with providing criteria for selecting research subjects and locations, including pagodas in Tri Tôn and Tịnh Biên districts, the study is more systematic and verifiable, enhancing the scientific rigor and reliability of the results. The study proposes solutions such as raising community awareness, applying digital preservation methods, and encouraging community participation in preservation efforts. Through this, the research emphasizes the importance of Khmer palm leaf manuscripts as a cultural treasure and their relevance in preserving Khmer heritage and identity in the modern era.

Intersections with Indigeneity in Psychedelic Buddhism

Approaches to Psychedelic Buddhism are at times extractive, at times collaborative; they at times respect roots and lineages, and at times innovate, eschewing traditional practices. By analyzing them through the Indigenous logics of authority found in Indigenous plant medicine communities and the Buddhist tradition, we can better understand novel syncretic psychedelic traditions and work towards more ethical engagements with Indigeneity in psychedelic religion.

The dawn of division: For an anthropological theory of consciousness through contemplative ethnography

AbstractThe article delves into the need for an anthropological exploration of consciousness in the modern context. While anthropology's core focus has always been the study of the human subject, this study argues that consciousness has emerged as a fundamental aspect that underpins all human phenomena. The historical trajectory of anthropology, from its positivist leanings to contemporary shifts like the phenomenological and ontological turns, is examined to highlight the evolving perspective on subjectivity and alterity. The author's ethnographic studies, particularly within the realm of contemplative practices like traditional Buddhist meditation and mindfulness, reveal a crucial connection between consciousness and anthropological inquiry, challenging the inherent bias and dualistic thinking within anthropology, particularly concerning the dichotomy of self and other, evident even in studies of meditation. The proposal of “mindful ethnography” is introduced as a means to transcend this dualism, drawing inspiration from Buddhist philosophy. The study presents consciousness as a central concern for anthropology, calling for a reevaluation of traditional frameworks and the adoption of a more mindful and non‐dualistic approach to anthropological research. Through a thorough investigation of consciousness, the article seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of human experience and reshape the trajectory of anthropological inquiry in a modern context.

Living Theravada: Demystifying the People, Places, and Practices of a Buddhist Tradition

Living Theravada: Demystifying the People, Places, and Practices of a Buddhist Tradition

A Rereading of Manimekalai

Shathanar’s Buddhist propaganda purpose is embodied in Manimekalai epic’s excessive natural events and supernatural legends. The effort of religions to suppress the human senses that wash the human body has been emphasized in the Buddhist tradition. In the face of increasing inequality among people, Manimekali narrative has tried to subtly do the work of justifying existence. The emphasis on morals and ethics on religious grounds shows that the power of the rulers of the day was strengthened. The Manimekala epic was created to justify all kinds of oppression when Buddhism merged with state power.

Music of Mountain: Spiritual and Religious Influences on Music

Abstract The profound interplay between spirituality, religion, and music has shaped the course of human expression, transcending cultural and temporal boundaries. This study explores the multifaceted influences of spirituality and religion on music, examining the historical, cultural, and psychological intersections that have defined the sacred soundscape. Drawing from the works of influential musicians and composers from the mountain regions, such as Rabindranath Tagore’s (India) devotional songs, Amber Gurung’s (Nepal) folk-inspired compositions, and Jigme Drukpa’s (Bhutan) traditional Buddhist chants, this research highlights the role of spirituality in shaping artistic vision. In the majestic landscapes of the mountains, spiritual and religious beliefs have inspired iconic and enduring musical works. From ancient chant traditions to contemporary folk music, this study investigates how religious texts, myths, and rituals have informed musical themes, structures, and instrumentation. The research also considers the psychological impact of spiritual music on individuals and communities, highlighting its capacity to evoke emotions, foster identity, and facilitate spiritual experiences. The investigation delves into the symbolic language of music, uncovering the ways in which spiritual and religious influences have profoundly impacted the development of various musical genres and styles in the mountain regions. This study contributes to our understanding of music’s transformative power, demonstrating how spiritual and religious influences continue to inspire and influence musical creativity. By examining the dynamic interplay between spirituality, religion, and music, this research offers insights into the universal language of sound, revealing the profound ways in which music reflects, shapes, and transcends human experience. The findings underscore the significance of spirituality and religion in shaping musical expression and highlight the enduring relevance of sacred music in contemporary society. Keywords: spirituality, religion, music, culture, psychology, identity, community, artistic expression.

The motif of fate in the folklore of the Mongolian peoples

The article discusses topical issues of reflection and development of the motif of fate in the folklore of the Mongolian peoples in the light of their traditional ideas. The views of fate are the most essential part in the people's vision of the world and understanding of the destiny of man. Despite the fact that the topic of fate has long worried people and completely occupied their minds, there are still few works devoted to this issue. This is related to the relevance and novelty of our research. The purpose of this work is to analyze the reflection in folklore of mythological ideas about the fate of man and the world order, to determine the connection of these views with the Buddhist tradition, which is an integral part of the spiritual life of the Mongolian peoples. To achieve this goal, methods of interpretative and contextual analysis of myths, ritual texts, epics and oral narratives are used. The main provisions of the article have a promising continuation in the study of the ritual folklore of the Buryat people, followed by the publication of samples of cult poetry, which reflected the theme of fate and the predestination of human life. As a result of studying the folklore material, it was revealed that the concept of the ‘fate’ of zayaan differs in the pre-Shamanic, shamanic and Buddhist traditions, receiving different interpretations. In Buddhism, the word ‘fate’ of zayaan has many meanings, but it is more important to understand that a person's fate depends on his good or bad deeds in previous rebirths. In the broad popular understanding, which is reflected in folklore, a certain fate is given to a person from above, but a person can control it himself. In the ritual texts, epics and oral narratives of the Mongolian peoples, a multifunctional deity of fate stands out from the pantheon of the highest celestials, playing a dominant role in the human life cycle. The fate of man is predetermined by the supreme deities, as well as the deity of fire and the spirits who own the area. In the epic texts of the Buryats, the image of the book of fate is inextricably linked with the concept of ‘fate’, in which particularly significant events in the lives of the characters are painted, and instructions are given on how to act in a specific situation.

Russian Buddhism, Traditional Values, and the Public Media Sphere

This article is a continuation of the previously published study of the strategies of the Russian-speaking Buddhist community in relation to the Internet and new media and is devoted to the analysis of the public contribution of Buddhist civil initiatives. The complexity of this topic lies in its novelty and extremely weak study through the prism of sociological methodologies. Meanwhile, the transformations of Russian society in the spheres of politics, law, education and religion urgently require from sociologists both new theoretical reflections on the relevance of established research methodologies and new applied studies of the changed reality. The analytical framework of the study was a combination of the concepts of postsecular society by Jürgen Habermas and the "organisational substrate" by Julia Berger. The applied part of the study included expert interviews on the topic of civil Buddhist initiatives in the period of the 1990s-220s. and a case study of two Buddhist non-governmental organisations – the Foundation for the Preservation of Cultural and Philosophical Traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and the Foundation for the Promotion of Buddhist Education and Research. The conducted analysis allowed us to identify the ideational and particular components of the organisational substrate of Buddhist non-governmental organisations. The ideational component of the organisational substrate of both funds is based on the Buddhist regulation of social action as aimed at gaining good merit and bringing benefit to living beings, purification of consciousness. The key vectors of civic activity of Russian lay Buddhists are determined by the particularism of the Buddhist model of dissemination of the teaching (prohibition of missionary work, the Teaching as the Gift of preaching), doctrinal regulation of social activity of lay people and religious professionals, and a civilian model of reproduction of traditional values through Buddhist education. The organisational substrate identified by the authors allowed them to study the main areas of civic initiatives of Russian Buddhists. These, in accordance with the substrate, were the creation of a media niche of traditional Buddhism in the public sphere of Russian society; mediation of relations between traditional Buddhism and the political-legal and scientific-educational subsystems of Russian society. An analysis of the stages of institutionalisation of Buddhist non-governmental organisations showed that the first stage included the formation of a public initiative from below, the second stage covered the construction of a long-term dialogue with the authorities on the problem of reproduction of Buddhist education, and the current, third stage - the consolidation of the Buddhist sangha in the socio-cultural and political-legal context of the Russian Federation.

Bathing Practices as a Religious and Medical Encounter: Water, Climate and Health Across Monsoon Asia

This study explores the intersection between religious and medical bathing practices across Monsoon Asia, with particularly reference to āyurvedic and Buddhist traditions. While previous scholarship has emphasised the ritualistic and social dimensions of bathing in Brahmanical and Buddhist contexts, this article complements it with discussions of its medicinal and healing functions, as outlined in classical texts and displayed in material culture. The research highlights how bathing was considered essential for maintaining bodily balance—a concept analogous to humoral theory in Galenic medicine—across different climatic and environmental conditions, particularly during the monsoon season. The article further examines the transregional circulation and localisation of these practices, considering how diverse Asian cultures adapted Indic bathing traditions to their unique climatic and cultural contexts. Notably, the study addresses the complex interplay between religious doctrines, health and environmental factors, drawing connections between āyurvedic principles and Buddhist medical discourses. The findings suggest that while the notion of balance in bathing practices was widespread, its interpretation and implementation varied significantly across regions, reflecting local environmental and cultural influences. Through a comparative analysis of sources from South Asia, China and Southeast Asia, this article provides a nuanced understanding of how religio-medical bathing practices were shaped by and responded to the diverse climatic realities of Monsoon Asia.

“An Intellectual Pilgrimage to Buddhism”

On 12–14 August, the II International Buddhist Forum “Traditional Buddhism and Challenges of Modernity” was held in Ulan-Ude – a significant and important event for all countries of the Buddhist world. The following goals of the Forum were outlined: to update the understanding of Buddhist culture, philosophy and practice in the conditions of modern society; to strengthen international ties of Buddhists; to give new impetus to scientificeducational and cultural cooperation of Buddhist organizations of different countries. The scientific program of the Forum became a kind of “intellectual pilgrimage to Buddhism”. As part of the forum, the Institute of Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences organized an international scientific conference “Buddhism in a Changing World”. The purpose was to discuss current issues of studying, preserving and using Buddhist heritage in modern conditions, the interaction of science and Buddhism, the significance and role of Buddhism in the socio-political, economic, moral life of humanity, and in resolving problems, conflicts and contradictions of the modern world.

The Advantage in a Dustheap-rag (Paṁsukūlānisaṁsa)

This study begins by providing a brief overview of the Thai Buddhist tradition of bangsukun, in which discarded rag robes (paṁsukūla) are offered to monks as symbols of life’s impermanence (anicca) and to share merit (puñña). We then present a fresh new edition and English translation of the Paṁsukūlānisaṁsa, a rare Pali text composed in Thailand that details the spiritual benefits of offering dustheap-rag robes to buddhas and monks. Rooted in early Buddhist ascetic practices, the text adapts canonical themes to local contexts, highlighting the transformative power of simple offerings and underscoring the central role of merit-making in Buddhist society.

Minimal states of awareness across sleep and wakefulness: A multidimensional framework to guide scientific research

I introduce a novel multidimensional framework tailored to investigate a set of phenomena that might appear intractable and render them amenable to scientific inquiry. In particular, I focus on examining altered states of consciousness that appear to the experiencing subject as “contentless” or “objectless” states in some form, either by having disrupted or reduced content of awareness, or content that appears as missing altogether. By drawing on empirical research, I propose a cluster of phenomenological dimensions aimed at enhancing our understanding of this group of experiences of minimal awareness, including Richness of the Content, Bodily-Awareness, Passage of Time, Attentional Focus, and Self-Revelation. The result is a robust framework that provides precise scientific terminology, facilitating its operationalisation and adaptability for future empirical work. I show the explanatory power of this framework through a case study of the state of clear light sleep—a state widely reported by Indo-Tibetan Buddhist traditions as an instance of pure awareness during sleep, a state of consciousness-as-such. This rare phenomenon has gained increasing attention in contemporary analytic philosophy of mind for the study of the nature of consciousness. However, we still lack consensus on its characterisation and potential identity with other associated states. I end the paper by illustrating how the state of clear light sleep can be situated in relation to other associated states and more ordinary ones as regions of a multidimensional state space.