Buddhist Values Research Articles

Is honesty valued today?: New evidence from Thailand

AbstractObjectivesAs a fundamental ethical principle, honesty plays a pivotal role in trust‐building, social cohesion, and effective governance. This study examined how honesty was valued in Thailand, an upper middle‐income Asian economy steeped in Buddhist values. It also explored the relationship between honesty and socioeconomic characteristics.MethodsUsing primary data from 1230 Bangkok residents aged 18–75, collected through stratified multi‐stage sampling, an instrument to measure honesty was developed and validated. Honesty was operationalized with three components: truthfulness, respect for ownership, and accountability. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Tobit regression analyses were performed.ResultsHonesty was valued highly in Thai society. The average scores for accountability and respect for ownership were notably higher than for truthfulness. Socioeconomic characteristics, including gender, age, birth cohort, place of birth, religiosity, and self‐rated economic status, were statistically associated with overall honesty and influenced the three components of honesty differently. The effects of age and birth cohorts were distinct. Younger birth cohorts were associated with a higher level of honesty. However, within each cohort, honesty increased with age.ConclusionsThis study proposes recommendations aimed at promoting honesty in Thai society and provides ideas for future studies.

The locus of Buddhist pedagogy and decolonising the ‘Thai university’

ABSTRACT The conjoint processes of nation-building and the construction of a homogenous national culture in Thailand have often leveraged Buddhism as a unifying force and cultural heritage of the Thai people. Owing to this, Buddhist pedagogy has been integrated into the Thai national curriculum, and accordingly, the modern Thai education system is steeped in Buddhist values. This is at odds with the modern-secular registers of pedagogy modelled after the Enlightenment project. Departing from here, this paper seeks to understand: how is the Buddhist religious order integrated into the “modern” Thai higher educational system? How, and how far, does it coexist with(in) the so-called modern universities, and what are its implications? Conversely, how do the “modern” curricula sit with Buddhism, both as an epistemology and a religious faith? Further, how does this then bear upon the line between the traditional-religious and the secular-modern as imagined from within the framework of the modern-secular episteme?.

Religion, culture, and identity: the generational evolution of identification with Buddhism from the perspective of young Chinese Indonesians

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the generational shifts in identification with Buddhism from the perspective of young Chinese Indonesians. The study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to collect data from 257 respondents spanning three generations (grandparents, parents, and children) across 10 provinces in Indonesia. The findings indicate a general trend of generational decline in Identification with Buddhism among Chinese Indonesians. Identification with Buddhist symbols declines most rapidly, while recognition of Buddhist behavioural patterns shows the least decline. The alignment with Buddhist values and perceptions initially changes slowly but accelerates in decline over time. Additionally, there is a negative correlation between Buddhist identity and emotional engagement, reflecting complex intergenerational dynamics. The analysis also reveals significant effects of regional differences, community relationships, and familial occupational backgrounds on the decline in levels of Identification with Buddhism.

Financial Decisions: A Phenomenological Study on Small-Scale Buddhist Entrepreneurs

ABSTRACT Religious values are contexts in social science used to explain the irrational behaviour of psychological factors in financial decision-making . The aim of the study is to explore how religious values drive financial decisions through an interpretive paradigm to capture the role of the cognitive dimension of religion and its values. The setting of this study was conducted in Bekasi, West Java. This study reveals that Buddhist entrepreneurs are individuals who intrinsically build a cultural system, one of which is religion and its values, which play a role in shaping entrepreneurial behaviour and entrepreneurial financial decisions. This study reveals that the entrepreneurial activities carried out by Buddhist entrepreneurs play a role in the dynamics of the structure of the social life of Buddhist entrepreneurs, which focuses on creating alignment of entrepreneurial goals with the fulfillment of socio-religious factors. Keywords: Financial Decision, Buddhist Values, Buddhist Entrepreneurship

Mengintegrasikan Nilai-Nilai Buddhis dalam Penggunaan Media Sosial

This research aims to explore communication ethics in the use of social media, with a focus on Buddhist values ​​that can provide guidance for individuals in using social media. Ethics, as part of the moral values ​​implemented by religion, should be a guide for wise behavior, including when using social media. However, in reality, there is negligence in the use of social media in society, which involves practices such as smear campaigns, hate speech, online bullying (cyberbullying), and the spread of fake news (hoaxes). Therefore, this research is interesting to dig deeper through analysis of Buddhist values, so that Buddhist teachings can become a filter and guide for people to communicate wisely on social media. The research method used in this research is library research. Data analysis in this study highlights that social media use should reflect kindness, teachings of truth, joy, and consistency with facts. These four values ​​must be supported by other aspects, such as subtlety of language and expression, the basis of love in speaking, as well as consideration of the purpose and appropriate time in conveying the message. Manifestations can be found in content, writing or posts that have an educational, inspiring and useful character. In addition, when receiving information on social media, it is important to be selective and critical, but remain open to constructive criticism, while upholding healthy discussions on social media.

Tibetan Buddhism: artistic, literary, and social legacy

Since the 7th century, Tibetan culture and society have been profoundly influenced by Buddhism. This paper aims to explore how Buddhism has shaped Tibetan aesthetics, music, literature, and social structures and to understand its enduring role in Tibetan identity and history. Employing a qualitative research methodology that includes historical analysis, textual interpretation, and ethnographic studies, the paper investigates the development of a unique Tibetan aesthetic tradition, the establishment of monasteries and the monastic system, and the translation and creation of Buddhist texts. Findings reveal that Buddhism has significantly impacted Tibetan art by fostering the creation of intricate religious art forms like thangkas and mandalas, which are central to Tibetan Buddhist practice and reflect a profound spiritual connection between art and religion. The influence of Buddhism on Tibetan literature is evident in the rich body of original, translated, and adapted texts that have shaped Tibetan literary culture and transmitted Buddhist values and philosophies. Furthermore, Buddhism's centrality in Tibetan society is underscored by the establishment of monasteries and the monastic system, which have been pivotal in preserving Tibetan heritage and culture, providing essential services, and acting as beacons of learning and compassion within the community. The paper recommends further research into the specific ways Buddhist philosophy has influenced Tibetan art and music, the impact of various Buddhist canonical texts on Tibetan literature, and the continuing influence of Buddhism on modern Tibetan society.

Menyelami Wawasan Buddhayana dalam Kehidupan Masyarakat Modern: Transformasi dan Tantangan

This research explores Buddhist values as a Buddhistic heritage that highlights inclusiveism, pluralism, and universalism, as well as beliefs in dharmakaya, in response to the challenges of modern times. The research method used is qualitative by adopting a library study approach, by collecting primary and secondary information from various sources such as books, articles, and the Internet. Analysis suggests that acceptance of Buddhist values can provide significant benefits to individuals and contemporary societies, including improved spiritual and emotional well-being. Practices of compassion, social harmony, and simplicity in everyday life are thought to strengthen human relationships and shape more sustainable societies. The promotion of Buddhist values is seen as becoming increasingly important in building a more powerful, harmonious, and cultural society.

Formation of Social Entrepreneurship Character through Buddhist Entrepreneurship Courses

This research aims to explore the impact of Buddhist entrepreneurship courses in forming the social entrepreneurial character of Samanera at STAB Kertarajasa. The research method used is a qualitative approach with in-depth interview techniques and participatory observation of the novices who took the course. The research results show that Buddhist entrepreneurship courses provide a deep understanding of entrepreneurial principles based on Buddhist values, such as karma, seva, and alignment with the common good. This learning helps Samanera to develop social entrepreneurship characters, such as empathy, social sensitivity, collaboration and creativity in creating solutions to social problems. The implication of this research is the importance of integrating religious or spiritual values ​​in entrepreneurship education to form a more holistic and sustainable character in business practice.

The consciousness of virtue: uncovering the gaps between educational specialists and the general public in their understanding of virtue in Japan.

Virtue is a normative concept that constitutes social and moral codes. The notion of virtue can be identified in both the West and the East. Since this concept was revived in academia in the 20th century after a long sinking into oblivion, contemporary professional researchers, but not the general public, may be familiar with this notion. We conducted a survey on the attitudes of educational specialists and the general public regarding the notion of virtue in Japan. Our study found that, in contrast to educational specialists, the general public were not so familiar with the notion; both had a positive image of virtue and a poor understanding of the Confucian notions of virtue; both retain Buddhist values under the term of virtue, but educational specialists tended to associate ancient Greek and Western elements with the notion of virtue. Educational specialists emphasized active, intellectual virtues, such as practical wisdom, whereas the general public emphasized passive, emotional virtues, such as gratitude. Our study showed that, the notion of virtue was understood in different ways between educational specialists and the general public in Japan. This finding has several social implications, such as academic integrity and educational policy.

Exploring Buddhism Values at Sari Temple: An Investigation in a Buddhist Tourism Destination

Religious tourism has now become one of the favorite destinations for tourists. However, there are still many temples that are not widely known by tourists. Even though many temples, such as Sari Temple, have a certain charm, such as the shape of the temple which is like a house complete with doors and windows. However, there is still minimal information regarding the history and meaning of the temple reliefs. This research was carried out at the Sari temple which is located in Uang Istimewa Yogyakarta. This research aims to analyze the Buddhist values at Sari Temple based on the history of this temple. This research uses a qualitative research design where the research object is Sari Temple itself. There are three techniques used to collect data, namely interviews, literature study, and documentation. The data collected was then analyzed qualitatively through four stages, namely data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and verification or drawing conclusions. The results of the research show that there are three Buddhist values that can be found based on the history of Sari temple, namely samma sankappa (right thoughts) , samma kamanta (right action) and samma vaca (right speech). Each of these Buddhist values has moral values in it.

Modern Chinese Oil Painting on “Tibetan Themes”

Chinese fine art has undergone a long and painstaking history of the formation of classical writing techniques. However, the globalization processes, which also affected the spheres of artistic activity, influenced the themes of works, techniques and techniques of oil painting in China. Meanwhile, the existential and religious flavor of Tibetan painting, untouched by world trends, has preserved many unique traditional principles of existentialism and worldview concepts that have absorbed the virginity of the spiritual and semantic identity of the people. This phenomenon has attracted a lot of attention from professional artists and collectors of fine art. At the same time, the storehouse of unique Buddhist values and the foundations of the existence of the people of historical Tibet began to attract researchers and artists relatively recently. Namely, since the middle of the last century, eminent masters of the brush have only discovered this “art residence”, instantly capturing the market of connoisseurs of high culture and lovers of painting with their works, gaining their love for Tibetan chronography reflected in modern Chinese oil paintings. The canvases represent the value potential for the historiography of the ancient people, conglomerating the foundations of ontological, ethnic, regional, national and religious traditions of the original style, which determine the semantic value-forming core of Chinese culture. This phenomenon contributes to its continuity and self-identity, despite the influence of Western artists. The development of Chinese oil painting has undergone many collisions, ranging from Westernization, Russification and the consequences of the war with Japan, ending with the discovery of the value potential of the worldview system of the Tibetan people. The recognition of Chinese sovereignty over Tibet allowed China to integrate into its “art workshop” the spiritual and social perspectives of the national identical Tibetan culture, which conquered the art world with its identity. In the process of the formation of oil painting, artists subjected it to nationalization and Sinification, which, through the prism of depicting the realities of Tibetan life, allowed to form an original style of creating works.

Interpreting Buddhism’s Core Values in the Sri Lankan Ethnic Conflict: An Analysis of Arudpragasam’s The Story of a Brief Marriage

The prolonged Sri Lankan conflict in Sri Lanka occurred between the majority Sinhala govt. and the minority Sri Lankan Tamils on the island. The discrimination of identity and ethnicity led to major ruins on the land. This paper emphasizes the role of Buddhist values in Sri Lanka during the ethnic conflict. The principles of Buddhism help people rehabilitate and restore peace in the war-torn nation. In particular, the paper attempts to examine the Buddhist values practiced by the people irrespective of their religious denominations during the Civil War, through the literary landscape of Anuk Arudpragasam’s The Story of a Brief Marriage. The noble precepts of Buddhism are four noble truths and the eightfold path, which teaches non-violence, selflessness, and tolerance. The doctrines of Buddhism restored humanitarian values at the height of the ethnic conflict in society. The current research paper helps to identify the influence of Buddhism on the people of the island nation in maintaining self-control, self-discipline, and morally upright behaviors. However, it proves the absence and ignorance of the Buddhist precepts which incited many ethnic clashes among the people. Further, it focuses on the causes of the major devastation and the collapse of the Sri Lankan socio-political system and the role of Buddhism in restoring peace in the war-torn nation.

Wacana Islam Geguritan Nurcaya Nursada (Tuan Semeru): Bentuk Moderasi Pemikiran dan Sinkretisme Islam-Hindu

Tuan Semeru is a progressive figure from East Java who is better known as Danghyang Nirartha. The nickname Tuan Semeru is a gift from the Sasak people of Lombok which refers to the figure of a teacher who comes from the Mount Semeru area, East Java. Mr. Semeru himself is the figure who is strongly suspected of creating Geguritan Nurcaya Nursada. His background was a spiritualist and scholar of his time. This article intends to analyze the concepts of Geguritan Nurcaya Nursada in Islamic-Hindu syncretism. Qualitative method with literature review approach is used in this article. The results of the study reveal that the approach of Islamic values to the culture and beliefs of the local community by Sunan Kalijaga by using the wayang kulit media. Similar to Tuan Semeru, the Hindu and Buddhist values approach to Islam is also carried out with the aim of spreading dharma which in Islamic terms is equivalent in meaning to monotheism (God's provisions).

MANAGEMENT STRATEGY: CASE STUDY IN NAVA DHAMMASEKHA, BETING VILLAGE, MERANTI ISLANDS, RIAU PROVINCE

This study aims to describe the management strategy for the development of Dhammasekha as a need for a community in forming human beings who are critical, creative, innovative, and dynamic in Buddhist values, with a case study mix combine research design, respondents selected based on purposive sampling and analysis with interactive model. The results of the study show that from the strategic management model in the development of NDS Maitreya has been carried out well, despite various limitations in terms of infrastructure, human resources, funds and other resources, because schools are basically a community, serving students and the nation's children; The implementation of strategic management both short and long term has been well formulated through the school's vision, mission, goals and objectives, the school is able to make programs, activities and standard procedures and is evaluated periodically.

Identification with Buddhism among young Chinese Indonesians: multicultural dynamics and generational transitions

Amidst the diverse cultural and religious tapestry of Indonesia, Buddhism holds a prominent position as a major faith. Within the context of multiculturalism and generational shifts, this study explores the evolving identification of young Chinese Indonesians with Buddhism. This research addresses the existing knowledge gap by investigating the intricate interplay of historical, cultural, and religious elements that help shape young Chinese Indonesians’ identification with Buddhism. By conducting a thorough analysis of quantitative data gathered from young Chinese Indonesians through a survey, this study investigates six dimensions of identification with Buddhism. This examination considers variables such as age, family background, and regional disparities. Furthermore, to obtain deeper insights and support the quantitative findings, the researchers conducted semistructured interviews to gather qualitative data. The findings reveal the characteristics of young Chinese Indonesians’ identification with Buddhism. First, there are significant variations in identification levels across regions, with relatively lower levels in Java and higher levels in other archipelagos. Personal factors, such as parents’ occupations, also influence individuals’ degree of identification with Buddhism. Second, today’s Chinese Indonesian youth maintain their identification with Buddhism through family ties despite overall intergenerational decline. The participants also show a keen interest in modern religious symbols, dissemination methods, and content. Third, the Buddhist identity of Chinese Indonesian youth transcends traditional values and cultural content, reflecting characteristics of multiculturalism and cultural blending. They not only appreciate various aspects of local culture but also incorporate Buddhist values and symbols into the mainstream of globally shared culture, creating a more extensive and modern collective cultural identity. Unveiling the factors that shape Buddhist identification among Chinese Indonesian youths has implications for fostering intercultural and intergenerational cohesion. The insights derived from this research can contribute to the design of effective strategies aimed at advancing the broader goal of cultural harmony and social unity in Indonesia.

Cultural factors influencing Bhutanese secondary science teachers’ implementation of action research (Factores culturales que influyen en la práctica de la investigación acción del profesorado de ciencias de un centro de secundaria de Bután)

ABSTRACTAs a new reform initiative, science teachers in Bhutan are encouraged to conduct action research to improve their teaching practices. This study explored the influence of Bhutanese culture on secondary science teachers’ implementation of action research. By focusing on the action research conducted by three secondary science teachers in a case study school, data were collected using interviews, teachers’ diaries and classroom observations. The data analysis using the coding procedure of grounded theory showed four cultural factors influencing teachers’ efforts. The hierarchical education culture led to curriculum coverage concerns and time constraints. The culture of respecting seniors without questioning, a part of the Driglam Namzha norm, impeded the teachers from seeking leadership support. Tha Dam Tshig, the Buddhist value of maintaining positive relationships, Lhachoe Gyewa Chu and Zhenphen, the Buddhist principles of benefitting others, amplified teachers’ motivation and team efforts. Recommendations are proposed for the Ministry of Education and school leaders to consider these factors in supporting teacher action research and for future international studies to consider the influence of religious values on action research.

Eco-Dhamma: Buddhist Philosophies for Environmental Stewardship in Sukabumi, Indonesia

Environmental damage is a complicated problem to be resolved in a short time. Environmental pollution in various countries including Indonesia is very alarming. Buddhism as one of the major religions in the world teaches its followers to always maintain, care for and clean the natural environment wholeheartedly. The Buddha has told his disciples the noble words related to ecology. The purpose of this research is to find out how Buddhism views on protecting the environment and its implementation at Vihara Widhi Sakti in Sukabumi City, West Java. This research uses qualitative research method based on data collection through participant observation, interview, and documentation study. The results and discussion of this research can be concluded that ecology in Buddhism, the Buddha often mentioned environmental issues to his students. This ecological issue in Buddhist terms is called Eco-Dhamma and Paticcasamuppada. While the implementation of environmental ecology in Vihara Widhi Sakti is carried out in the activity of cleaning the monastery and reducing waste based on the teachings of Buddhist values. Thus, this research helps illustrate that spirituality, religious values, and ancient teachings such as those found in Buddhism can have a positive impact in addressing the environmental challenges faced by modern society. It provides a basis for further developments in the field of study on the relationship between religion, ethics, and environmental conservation.

Caring for Our Common Home: Christianity, Chinese Religions, and the Challenge of Ecology

Abstract Pope Francis has emphasized that the current ecological crisis challenges practitioners of all religious traditions to cooperate in responding constructively and creatively. The resources of Chinese religious traditions have special importance in shaping the integral ecological culture that Pope Francis calls for. Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist values frequently converge with Christian ideals to respect our common cosmic home.

A culturally relevant action research model for Bhutanese secondary science teachers

ABSTRACT Action research has gained widespread recognition as a tool to improve teaching practices in many countries, and action research based on Kemmis and McTaggart’s model was recently introduced in Bhutan to raise teaching quality. This study explored how Bhutanese secondary science teachers carried out the process of action research and the factors which supported or constrained them. Focusing on one case study school in Bhutan, data were collected progressively, using interviews, teachers’ diaries, and classroom observations, as three science teachers carried out their first action research project over a period of seven weeks. Data were analysed using the coding procedures of grounded theory. The findings showed that the teachers used a messy process of action research which was not consistent with the linear process depicted in Kemmis and McTaggart’s model. The constraints they faced included concerns about science curriculum coverage, lack of time, inadequate knowledge, the hierarchical education system, and the Buddhist value of Driglam Namzha. However, teachers’ collaboration, motivation, and Buddhist values of Tha Dam Tshig and Zhenphen facilitated their progress. In response to the influence of cultural factors on action research in Bhutan, the study proposes a new context-sensitive model called the Sherig Action Research (SAR) model for Bhutanese teachers.

Buddhist Values Impact on Private and Public Behaviors in Thailand: A Mixed Method Research

Purpose: Buddhist values can influence to people perform to make better world commonly, in Thailand, there was a unique development in the national Buddhist history and influences, which already impact on Thai people private or public behaviors, such as Buddhist values prompted to Thai people kept trust and authentic behaviors during covid-19 control. thus, the researcher aimed to explore and explain what and how Buddhist values to impact private and public behaviors for people in Thailand.
 Method: The research conducted mix-method analysis (expert validation by given scores and suggestions).
 Results: there were findings as the follow: (1) eight types of desired Buddhist values can practice daily in life in Thailand: share, love, friendliness, trustworthiness, peace, open mind, confidence, and inclusion; (2) five categories of private behaviors could be influenced by Buddhist values in Thailand: self-reflection, self-observation, self-regulation, self-control, self-knowledge; (3) three types of public behaviors could be influenced by Buddhist values in Thailand: participation in social and public affairs, participation in social and public decisions, participation in social and public administration; (4) four types of ways that can promote private and public behaviors based on Buddhist values in Thailand: school/ university education, family education, Buddhist organization activities and Buddhist affairs in public places.
 Conclusion: according to the findings, the researcher inferred to the eight desired Buddhist values might impact the five types of private behaviors and three types of public behaviors in the four types of ways the research found in Thailand or globally. Then, the researcher wished that the findings could contribute to the academic field and acclaim future researchers' focus on developing a suitable framework based on Buddhist values for social enhancement.