Journal of Thammawat

The Crisis of Faith in Buddhism Resulting from the Monks' Misconduct, as Revealed in Social Media

PhramahaPanotpol Kantawanno Thongsri — 2025-12-31

This academic article aimed to analyze the phenomenon of news coverage regarding monks’ misconduct through social media. This had become a major factor reflecting the crisis of declining faith in contemporary society. Currently, television and digital platforms such as Facebook and YouTube continuously report on scandalous incidents. Television and digital platforms such as Facebook and YouTube had continuously reported on scandalous incidents. In particular, cases that severely impacted public sentiment, such as news of inappropriate relationships between laypeople and high-ranking Buddhist monks, were serious concerns. These phenomena not only damaged the beautiful image of the monastic institution but also shook overall faith in the Triple Gem. The ripple effect of news coverage had created a rift in faith, dividing Buddhists into two groups: 1) those with profound spiritual understanding who could distinguish between the "essence of Buddhism" and "individual misconduct," and
2) those lacking this knowledge and immunity, who might become disillusioned and ultimately abandon the religion. Therefore, the problems that had arisen served as a warning sign for the monks’ community to reconsider reforming their practices, adhering to the principle of "Supatipanno," or being a person who practices well and righteously, in order to maintain themselves as a true example and spiritual refuge. Therefore, upholding Buddhism in this era was not merely about protecting its reputation, but about strengthening the "spiritual immunity" of the people, so that Buddhists could have a correct understanding of the Dharma and Vinaya, and used their wisdom to distinguish between what was external and what was pure, leading to the steadfastness and prosperity of Buddhism for generations to come.

The Crisis of Faith in the Era of Globalization: Challenges and Opportunities for Thai Buddhism

พระสุพศิน วรเตโช Traiworadetcha — 2025-12-31

Buddhism had been a fundamental spiritual foundation for the Thai people since the Sukhothai era to the present day. Religion was not only a source of ethical teachings, but also the center of Thai culture and society. In the rapidly changing era of globalization, Thai Buddhism faced a “crisis of faith” stemming from various factors, including consumerism, rapid access to information, and problems within the Sangha itself. Thai Buddhism was facing a major challenge from the crisis of faith in the era of globalization. However, within that crisis lay an opportunity for development, adaptation of the Sangha, the adjustment of the method of disseminating Dhamma, and the role of the people. These were all contributing factors in maintaining and extending the power of religion so that it would remain a spiritual refuge for Thai people in the future. This academic article emphasized analysis and explanation of the challenges and opportunities facing Thai Buddhism in the era of globalization. It utilized concepts and theories from religion and social sciences to present perspectives and explanations. It examined both external factors posed by the modern world and internal factors within religious organizational structures. It also proposed guidelines for the adaptation of Buddhism to ensure its continued value in contemporary Thai society. Furthermore, it recognized opportunities for revitalizing faith through the propagation of Dhamma that addressed modern lifestyles, a religion that connected with real life, and a transformation of the Sangha's role from mere teachers to "companions" in modern society.

Model of Buddhist Community Development of Ban Nanoi, Nanoi District, Nan Province

Phra Chaichana Aggapañño Narasri — 2025-12-31

The purpose of this research article was: 1) to study the history and development of Ban Nanoi, Nanoi District, Nan Province; 2) to study the development concept in line with Buddhism of Ban Nanoi, Nanoi District, Nan Province; and 3) to propose a development model of Ban Nanoi, Nanoi District, Nan Province. This research employed a qualitative approach, using in-depth interviews with 11 key informants. The data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

The research revealed that: 1) history and development, Ban Na Noi was an old village. It used to be the location of the Na Noi District Office. Most of the population worked in agriculture. They lived a self-sufficient lifestyle. They lived peacefully, harmoniously, and help each other. 2) development concept in line with Buddhism, Ban Na Noi promoted people in terms of self-sufficiency, mindfulness and meditation, living according to the middle path according to the teachings of the Lord Buddha, having love and compassion, and observed the Five Precepts. 3) model of Buddhist community development of Ban Nanoi, Nanoi District, Nan Province, there were 4 aspects: 1) Technology aspect: Ban Na Noi Community should be technological advancements to meet the basic human factors, such as production technology, information literacy, and public utilities. 2) Economic aspect: Ban Na Noi Community should have economic stability, allowing people in the community to sustain their own lives and families, and have self-sufficiency in consumption. 3) Ethics aspect: People in Ban Na Noi community must have faith in self-reliance, have a spirit of development, aim to build a strong community, and have basic ethics and morality. 4) Social aspect: Ban Na Noi community had community leaders and village committees who coordinate for community development based on the principle of community participation as the main factor.

The Value of Naga Buddhist Art that Appears in the Royal Monasteries of Nan Province

Chusak Phuangphaka — 2025-12-31

The purpose of this research article was: 1) to study the history of Naga Buddhist art in Thailand; 2) to study Naga Buddhist art that appears in the Royal Monasteries of Nan Province; and 3) to analyze the value of Naga Buddhist art that appears in the Royal Monasteries of Nan Province. This research employed a qualitative approach, using documentary study. The data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

The research revealed that: 1) Naga Buddhist art had its roots in the culture and beliefs of Buddhism since ancient times, influenced by the religion and art of India. Naga art appeared in various forms, such as sculptures, architectural art, and decorative patterns in temples.
2) Naga Buddhist art in royal monasteries in Nan Province, such as Wat Phra That Chae Haeng, Wat Chang Kham Worawihan, Wat Phaya Phu, and Wat Bun Yuen, had used Naga elements in their architecture, such as the construction of Naga stairs, the use of Naga on the pediments of the temple or chapel, and the decoration of Naga on the archways and pillars of the chapel. 3) The value of Naga Buddhist art in royal monasteries in Nan could be categorized into five aspects: (1) moral value, as the Naga symbolized protection of Buddhism and key Dhamma principles; (2) belief value, reflecting faith in the Naga’s sacred power; (3) artistic value in architecture, painting, and sculpture through local wisdom and external influences; (4) Value in cultural traditions: The appearance of the Naga in traditions and rituals, such as the Naga procession in the Hok Peng tradition or in various religious ceremonies; and (5) historical value in expressing local identity, community power, and history.

The Attitude of Tai Lue Buddhists towards the Ceremony of Sacrificing the Royal Spirits of Ban Mang, Yuan Subdistrict, Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province

Phrakhrusunthonwutthisan Arri Worngyai — 2025-12-31

The purpose of this research article was: 1) to study the status of deities (thewada) according to Buddhist principles; 2) to study the ritual of Luang City Mang Deity Worship of the Tai Lue community in Yuan Subdistrict, Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province; and 3) to examine the attitudes of Tai Lue Buddhists in Yuan Subdistrict, Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province toward the ritual of Luang City Mang Deity Worship. This research employed a qualitative approach with 10 key informants. The data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

The research revealed that: 1) Deities held a special status, referring to those who delight in sensual pleasures, attain meditative absorptions (jhana), acquire supernatural powers (Abhiñña), and possess supremacy of mind. 2) The ritual of Luang City Mang Deity Worship was performed on the ⁶th waxing day of the ⁸th lunar month according to the Tai Lue calendar. The major stages of the ritual comprised five steps: (1) The community convened to set the ritual date, led by the Mor Luang (ritual master). (2) Mor Luang led the participants in the ritual. (3) A divination was conducted to determine the ritual’s success. (4) The Mor Luang formally concluded the ritual and reported the results to the community leader. (5) The ritual practitioner resigned from the position and returns to ordinary life. 3) The attitude of Tai Lue Buddhists toward the ritual of Luang City Mang Deity Worship were summarized as follows: (1) The community held firmly to the belief that deceased ancestors had become deities who protected the village. (2) The ritual functioned as a mechanism for strengthening communal unity. (3) The community placed high importance on strictly maintaining traditional procedures. (4) Persons involved in the ritual, such as Mor Luang and Pho Phaya, must be officially appointed by the community.

An Analytical Study of Buddhist Principles in Tan Khao Mai Tradition in Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province

Phrakhrupisanpiyatham Bunrot Chiangprom — 2025-12-31

The purpose of this research article was: 1) to study the relationship between Buddhism and local traditions and rituals; 2) to study the New Rice Offering Ceremony of Ban Yuan Subdistrict, Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province; and 3) to analyze the Buddhist principles reflected in the New Rice Offering Ceremony of Ban Yuan Subdistrict, Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province. This research employed a qualitative approach with 14 key informants. The data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

The research revealed that: 1) Lanna local traditions served as a cultural heritage that reflected the way of life, beliefs, and values continuously transmitted across generations, with the ceremony playing a crucial role in fostering community unity. 2) The New Rice Offering Ceremony of the Yuan sub-district community has main rituals similar to those elsewhere, including selecting the best rice from the harvest, gathering in the morning, worshipping the Triple Gem, observing the Five Precepts, reciting the Wen Tan invocation, offering alms food, and dedicating merit. 3) The Buddhist principles reflected in the New Rice Offering Ceremony and ritual were the Ten Bases of Merit-making (Boon-kiriya-vatthu), namely: generosity (danamaya), morality (silamaya), meditation (bhavanamaya), humility (apacayanamaya), service (veyyavaccamaya), sharing merit (pattidanamaya), rejoicing in others’ merit (pattanumodana-maya), listening to Dhamma (dhammasavanamaya), teaching Dhamma (dhammadesanamaya), and right view (ditthujukamma).

The Development of Applied Parachute Cord Necklaces from Buddhist Art Elements “Carved wooden Makara spewing floral pendant tassels and Woven pattern” in the Crystal Pavilion of Phra Buddha Chinnarat

PhraSantas Kampeelapunyo Sinsombut — 2025-12-31

The purpose of this research article was: 1) to examine the identity and beliefs embedded in the Buddhist art elements of " Carved wooden Makara spewing floral pendant tassels and woven pattern" in the glass pavilion of Phra Buddha Chinnarat; 2) to design paracord bracelets with applied patterns derived from the Buddhist art elements of " Carved wooden Makara spewing floral pendant tassels and woven pattern"; and 3) to create an innovative paracord bracelet adorned with applied patterns from the Buddhist art elements of " Carved wooden Makara spewing floral pendant tassels and woven pattern". This research employs a research and development approach, utilizing two purposively selected informant groups: three design experts and 36 participants for data triangulation. Two research instruments were employed: interview forms and evaluation forms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and narrative description.

The research revealed that: 1) The identity and beliefs associated with the Buddhist art elements of "Carved wooden Makara spewing floral pendant tassels and woven pattern" may reflect certain beliefs, as the makara is classified as a mythical creature with symbolic identity related to protection from danger and abundance. The ubon garlands—flora emerging from the makara's curving upward tongue—were believed to represent offerings according to Brahmanical-Hindu beliefs. 2) The design a novel paracord bracelet, comprising stages from design methodology, analytical study, conceptual framework development, structural proportion refinement, to innovative design selection. 3) The creation an innovative paracord bracelets adorned with applied patterns derived from the Buddhist art elements of makara disgorging ubon garlands and woven pattern, consisting of two main components: the paracord connector section and the paracord bracelet body.

Guidelines for Applying the Vuddhi-dhamma in working of Personnel at the Mae Hong Son Provincial Cultural Office

Duanwisa Nuhong — 2025-12-31

The purpose of this research article was: 1) to study the Vuddhi-dhamma (the Virtues Conducive to Growth) that support work performance within the organization; 2) to study the performance of personnel in fulfilling their duties; and 3) to propose guidelines for applying the Vuddhi-dhamma in working of Personnel. This research employed a qualitative approach, using in-depth interviews with 11 personnel from the Mae Hong Son Provincial Cultural Office. The data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

The research revealed that: 1) the four Vuddhi-dhamma that support systematic work in the organization were: (1) Sappurisa-sangseva: cultivating relationships with experts through a mentoring system to gain insightful information; (2) Saddhammasavana: intentional and mindful listening to reduce errors in work performance; (3) Yonisomanasikara: Systematic analytical thinking to enhance decision-making quality; and (4) Dhammanudhamma-patipatti: Practical application of discipline, legality, honesty, transparency, and consideration of the public interest. 2) the performance of personnel in fulfilling their duties was divided into 5 work groups under diverse missions. The organization faced significant challenges, including limitations in human resources and equipment; The personnel had a high workload, insufficient inter-team communication, and unclear coordination with the private sector. 3) Guidelines for applying the Vuddhi-dhamma in working of Personnel emphasized the development of an organizational culture that supported intelligent work practices and good governance, namely: (1) Sappurisa-sangseva: Organizations should focus on mentoring programs and networking with local wisdom keepers; (2) Saddhammasavana: Organizations should listen attentively to elders and tribal groups to preserve their wisdom; (3) Yonisomanasikara: Organizations should listen attentively to elders and tribal groups to preserve their wisdom; and (4) Dhammanudhamma-patipatti: Organizations should implement practices that are most appropriately aligned with the local cultural context in order to sustainably preserve cultural heritage.

Appellations of Phra Lor in Lilit Phra Lor: A Poetic Analysis through the Yonisomanasikara Principle

Chayanon Chomdee — 2025-12-31

This research aims to investigate the appellations of Phra Lor within the poetic framework of Lilit Phra Lor, with the additional application of the Buddhist principle of yonisomanasikara. The study examines the appellations in three dimensions: 1) the linguistic forms of the appellations of Phra Lor, 2) their contextual functions within the poetic structure of the text, and 3) their literary conventions. The study analyzed 172 lexical items referring to Phra Lor through a qualitative research design, employing descriptive-analytical methods.

The findings are as follows: 1) The linguistic forms of these lexical items can be categorized into three aspects: 1.1) word and phrase structures, which include monosyllabic, disyllabic, and polysyllabic forms (with polysyllabic forms occurring most frequently); and 1.2) functional units, which include personal pronouns as well as substitutive forms such as proper names, kinship terms, positional titles, and epithets. 2) Within the poetic framework, the appellations of Phra Lor were crafted in accordance with prosodic requirements, including 2.1) word count, 2.2) The placement of ek syllables, 2.3) The placement of tho syllables, and 2.4) obligatory rhyme. 3) The literary conventions of these lexical items can be classified into three aspects: 3.1) vowel rhyme (assonance), 3.2) consonantal rhyme (alliteration), 3.3) tonal patterns, 3.4) lexical repetition, 3.5) lexical variation, and 3.6) figurative comparison. These features reflect the poet’s ingenuity in crafting appellations that generate aesthetic resonance in both sound and meaning. Through the application of causal-tracing reasoning grounded in the principle of yonisomanasikara, it becomes evident that these constituent elements give rise to the appellations of Phra lor, which in turn constitute a crucial factor contributing to the esteemed literary value of Lilit Phra Lor.

Empowering Nan's Community Businesses: A CBMC Approach with Community Capital and Buddhist Wisdom

Charatsanone Tachom — 2025-12-31

The purpose of this research article was to present the results of empowering community businesses through the application of the Community Business Model Canvas (CBMC) in Nan Province. The specific objectives were to (1) evaluate the potential of CBMC implementation in the local context, (2) develop the capacity of change agents to transform community business plans into income-generating activities in collaboration with partner networks, and (3) synthesize knowledge and innovative practices in using the CBMC platform as a prototype for self-reliant communities. This study employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach combined with Empowerment Evaluation (EE). The participants consisted of 10 community business plans and networks across three geographical zones of Nan Province. The main research instruments included the CBMC framework, consisting of nine business model components and five operational planning components, reflective learning through the “Four Mirrors” technique, and empowerment assessment using a five-point Likert scale to measure learning outcomes, participation, and perceived impacts.

The research revealed that: the CBMC process significantly enhanced participants’ self-efficacy, learning, and ownership at high to very high levels, with mean scores ranging from 4.10 to 4.40. Participants demonstrated improved abilities to apply CBMC independently, reduce household expenses, increase income, and implement community business plans in real contexts. In addition, the integration of CBMC with three dimensions of community capital—self-reliance, network collaboration, and financial capital—together with applied Buddhist principles, including Atta hi attano natho, the Four Bases of Success (Iddhipada), and the Four Principles of Social Harmony (Sangahavatthu), contributed to the development of an ethically grounded and sustainable community business model. The findings suggest that CBMC functions not only as a business planning tool but also as an empowering learning process that links morality, cultural identity, and the grassroots creative economy in Nan Province.