JIBS New Year Update: Progress, Insights, and Opportunities in Buddhist Studies

Dear Colleagues,

As we welcome the New Year, I am pleased to share some recent developments from the Journal of International Buddhist Studies (JIBS). Our commitment to advancing Buddhist scholarship remains strong, and we have launched several initiatives to further this mission.

Call for Submissions: Buddhism and Contemporary Challenges

We invite submissions for our upcoming issue, which will focus on "Buddhism and Contemporary Challenges." This theme explores how Buddhist teachings and practices address modern societal issues, such as mental health, social engagement, and ethical decision-making. We encourage scholars to contribute original research that connects traditional Buddhist insights with contemporary concerns.

Recent Publications

Our latest issue, Vol. 15 No. 2 (2024), features a diverse range of articles, including:

- "Marvel as Superhuman Power Performance (Iddhi-pāṭihāriya) in Dhammapada Scriptures" by Sanu Mahatthanadull
- "Negotiating the Restoration of a Buddhist Temple in Loei Province: A Focus on Cultural Capital" by Phonphat Permpitayangkura
- "Stories of Remarkable Empowering: Some Reflections on the Therīgāthā" by Pragati Sahni
- "The Transformation of the Manorah Story into Religious Performance: A Study of the Social and Spiritual Roles of the Manorah Master" by Sudthaporn Ratanakul
-"Taixu’s Concept of “Buddhist Minister” in Relation to the Formation and Profession of Buddhist Chaplaincy in the US" by Guan Zhen
- "Dissent and Deviance in Buddhist Monastics: Non-Conformity in the Age of the Buddha" by Anand Singh
- "Buddhist Agriculture and the Young Smart Farmer Concept in Thailand" by Utis Tahom

These contributions showcase the depth and breadth of contemporary Buddhist studies.

Engagement with the Academic Community

In March 2024, JIBS engaged with students from the International Buddhist Studies College (IBSC), fostering dialogue and encouraging emerging scholars in the field. Additionally, in December 2023, we participated in the Scopus Journal Quality Meeting with the Thai Journal Citation Index (TCI), highlighting our commitment to maintaining high academic standards.

System Development and Quality Improvement

We are actively involved in the second phase of the "System Development and Quality Improvement of Thai Journals Indexed in Scopus" project. This initiative aims to enhance the quality and visibility of Thai academic journals globally and ensure that our publications meet international standards of excellence.

As we embark on this New Year, we remain dedicated to promoting rigorous and impactful research in Buddhist studies. We invite scholars and practitioners worldwide to contribute to JIBS and join us in advancing the understanding and application of Buddhist teachings in today's world.

Wishing you all a prosperous and enlightening New Year.

Sincerely,

Ven. Phrakhrusutheekittibundit
Editor-in-Chief
Journal of International Buddhist Studies,
Buddhist Research Institute, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University