Journal of International Buddhist Studies

On the Concept of “Lokāntarikā”

Guanxiong Qi — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Lokāntarikā is one of the strangest places in the Buddhist cosmology. Typically understood as a hell, it is not located in any world system (cakravāla) but in the gap of three world systems. This article will discuss the narratives and depictions of lokāntarikā in early Buddhist canonical and Thai literature. The author argues that lokāntarikā mostly serves as a narrative device to highlight the miraculous qualities of the Buddha. The Traiphum Phra Ruang gives the most nuanced depiction of lokāntarikā, and lokāntarikā appears in Thai classical literature as a part of oath-taking.

Clinical Buddhist Chaplaincy Spiritual Care in the US Catholic Healthcare System

Guan Zhen — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study utilized an actual participant qualitative field research paradigm to collect data for examining and analyzing the work of a clinical Buddhist chaplain within a rural, Catholic medical center in the US. Quantitative data collected from patient visits (n=1,329; total visits (tv.)=1,443) provided information for measuring the spiritual care needs of patients and the efficiency and consistency of a clinical Buddhist chaplain’s work. The results demonstrate that prayers and pastoral counseling for Catholic and Protestant patients (n=1,265; 95.17%) comprised the dominant work content of a clinical Buddhist chaplain. This study suggests that traditional Christian chaplaincy is practiced even by Buddhist chaplains in a rural, religious medical institution.

Empowering Community Development Through the Application of Buddhist Principles: A Case Study of Saiyoi Subdistrict, Nernmaprang District, Phitsanulok Province

Wanlapat Suksawas, Parinya Soithong — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research explores the intricate connection between Buddhism and community engagement in the Saiyoi subdistrict, Nernmaprang district, Phitsanulok province. Grounded in compassion, ethical growth, and spiritual values, Buddhism’s ethical framework forms the core of the study. It examines how this framework, combined with communal participation in Buddhist rituals and events, as well as the shared sense of responsibility inspired by Buddhist teachings, fosters community engagement. Using a qualitative research approach, data were collected from 25 local leaders actively involved in community work. These informants, meeting specific criteria, participated in in-depth interviews that provided a profound understanding of their experiences, beliefs, and emotions. The analysis employed a content analysis approach, systematically organizing textual data into concise key findings. The research reveals a compelling narrative of community leadership, proactive development, and the transformative influence of Buddhism. It sheds light on how Buddhism not only promotes community unity but also serves as a catalyst for collective well-being and ethical growth. This study underscores the potential for spiritual and philosophical traditions to drive community engagement, emphasizing the role of cultural and spiritual values in shaping community dynamics. The insights offered valuable lessons for fostering well-being in contexts where Buddhism or similar traditions hold a central place.

A Comparative Study of Mahāsi and Mogok Meditation Techniques in Myanmar

Ven. Vanasari (Wannasiri) — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the popular use of the meditation techniques developed by Mogok and Mahāsi in Myanmar. Despite the fact that these two vipassana centres are well-known in Myanmar, research on a comparative analysis of these two widely used meditation techniques has been ignored in earlier studies. Since both the Mahāsi and Mogok meditation centres are thought to have very effective meditation methods, which is why many participants from both domestic and foreign countries find them to be relatively best destination, the author is especially interested in comparing their approaches. This study uses a qualitative research method consisting of an in-depth interview with a total of fourteen research subjects. Twenty research participants, consisting of laymen and monastic participants, were chosen from each center based on their participation in multiple meditation retreats conducted under the guideline of these two centres in Myanmar. This study aims to investigate and compare the meditation techniques of the Mogok and Mahāsi meditation centres located in Yangon, Myanmar. On the other hand, the outcome presents a relatively unique discovery that resulted from the study based on interviewees throughout the fieldwork. Furthermore, based on the four foundations of Buddhist meditation techniques, the study maintains that the two meditation techniques are almost identical. The only areas where techniques differ are in how they apply their unique methodologies and examples, which are briefly covered in the results section below.

Cultivating Mindfulness Activities to Develop Peaceful Well-being

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Looking for ways to cultivate greater peace and well-being in your life? Consider the ancient Buddhist practice of mindfulness. We present mindfulness as the art of cultivating “awareness of the present.” Our article offers practical tips for incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, with an emphasis on promoting peaceful, positive states of mind. While we discuss the concept of peaceful well-being from a Buddhist perspective, we recognize that mindfulness is a practice that can benefit anyone, regardless of background or belief system. We provide a useful analysis for understanding and easy measurement of peaceful well-being. Research has demonstrated that mindfulness can enhance physical, mental, and cognitive well-being. By integrating mindfulness into activities such as walking, sitting, or eating, you can enjoy the many benefits of this transformative practice. Based on evidence-driven research projects in cultivating mindfulness practices, this paper enables practitioners to create peaceful well-being.

Development of a Network to Mitigate Risk Factors Based on Buddhist Principles in Lampang and Nan Provinces

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of the study to develop a network to mitigate risk factors based on Buddhism principles in Lampang and Nan provinces is to develop and promote a gauging model to evaluate networks to mitigate risk factors according to the “Baworn” principle in Lampang and Nan provinces. It is intended to develop the environment and management guidelines for the novices’ network, mitigate risk factors in the areas of Lampang and Nan provinces, as well as to propose a policy for the provincial-level Sangha Council to build a comprehensive risk factor reduction network mechanism for the related Sangha administrative, public health, and local government organizations. The methodology used in this study utilizes a mixed research method. The result of the study revealed that the 40 participating temples in both provinces had yielded 4 indicators, comprising: the 1^st indicator being the implementation according to the Sangha Supreme Council and in accordance with the country’s laws, the 2^nd indicator being the policy based on evaluations, the 3^rd indicator includes organizing activities that are related to the mitigation of risk factors, and finally, the 4^th indicator being the network partners. All of the 40 indicators were evaluated before and after the activities. The study revealed that most of the networks carried out their activities based on the established indicators for the development of the environment and network management guidelines.

Socially Engaged Buddhism of Theravada Monastic Sanga Community: A Case Study of the Bulang Buddhist Community in Laoman'e Village, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China

Yan Wenen — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the socially engaged Buddhism of the Bulang people in the Laoman’e village in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, People’s Republic of China. The socially engaged Buddhist activism of the Bulang Theravada Buddhist community remains unreported, and scholars have widely ignored this topic. Therefore, this study fills a research gap by examining the socially engaged Buddhism found among the Bulang people in Laoman’e village. This study highlights the influence of the important Bulang Buddhist monastic figure Phra Somdet Aggamuni and how he serves as a role model for a young generation of Bulang Buddhists, particularly regarding social engagement and Buddhism in their unique cultural and ethnic context. According to the research, socially engaged Buddhism is a relatively new form of Buddhist movement in the region that places a strong emphasis on morality, loving-kindness, compassion, and ethical behavior. In Asia, it has played a critical role in settling contemporary political, social, and spiritual conflicts. On the other hand, Phra Somdet Aggamuni, a prominent Theravada Buddhist monk, actively participated in socially engaged Buddhist activism, which had a favorable impact on the community’s growth both religiously and socially. The local Buddhist community continues to acknowledge and value his efforts. The Theravada Buddhist community has experienced a partisan tendency and a shortage of skilled leadership since the passing of Phra Somdet Aggamuni.