The Journal of International Buddhist Studies College

Mindfulness, Wisdom, and Virtue: A Documentary Analysis of Canonical and Contemporary Sources

Ven. Phra Medhivajarapundit (Hansa Dhammahaso) — 2025-09-01

This documentary study examines the conceptual foundations and applied relevance of mindfulness (sati), wisdom (paññā), and virtue (sīla) by synthesizing canonical Theravāda sources with contemporary scholarly literature. First, it undertakes a systematic textual analysis of foundational discourses, including the Satipaṭṭhāna and Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Suttas, Abhidhamma treatises, and the Sigālovāda Sutta, to reconstruct each principle’s doctrinal architecture and ethical rationale. Second, it develops an integrative theoretical framework that maps canonical formulations of mindfulness, wisdom, and virtue onto modern psychological, educational, and therapeutic models, explicating pathways for methodological adaptation in contemporary settings.

Mindfulness is reframed beyond narrow attentional techniques as an ethically inflected cognitive discipline that cultivates sustained awareness, perceptual clarity, and liberative insight through the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. Wisdom is conceptualized as a multifaceted faculty comprising analytical discernment, reflective judgment, and existential realization; canonical accounts of paññā are aligned with contemporary models of cognitive–ethical development. Virtue is presented as the behavioral synthesis of mindfulness and wisdom, organized into six applied domains: personal, social, economic, civic, environmental, and spiritual, derived from canonical norms and cross-referenced with modern virtue ethics.

The resultant framework posits that mindfulness, wisdom, and virtue operate as an integrated system conducive to individual transformation and social flourishing. Practical implications are delineated for value-based curricula, leadership development, and mindfulness-informed interventions in both secular and religious contexts. The study concludes by advocating further interdisciplinary research to refine assessment instruments, adapt training protocols, and empirically evaluate the model’s effectiveness across diverse applied environments.

The Development of Couples’ Mental Well-Being through Mindfulness, Wisdom, and Loving-Kindness (MWL) Practice in Thailand

Piyarom Bunnag — 2025-09-01

This study examined the development of couples’ mental well-being and relationship dynamics following a culturally adapted Mindfulness, Wisdom, and Loving-Kindness (MWL) course at the Buddhamahametta Foundation, Ayutthaya, Thailand. Objectives were to (1) assess baseline mental-health and relational challenges, (2) track changes in individual and dyadic outcomes across MWL participation, and (3) evaluate the course’s overall impact. Employing a mixed-methods pre–post design, nine couples (N = 18) were grouped by level of shared mindfulness engagement and attended two MWL cycles one month apart. Quantitative data were collected at three time points using the TMHI-15 and RDAS and analyzed with mixed ANOVA; qualitative data from in-depth interviews were subjected to thematic analysis. Findings integrate statistical trends with participants’ experiential accounts to assess MWL’s effectiveness.

Key findings:

Baseline: Couples who practiced mindfulness together reported higher mental-health and relationship scores (not statistically significant), while qualitative data showed greater mindfulness awareness and emotional balance; non-practicing couples described disconnection and unresolved conflict.
Development: Mental health improved across sessions (significant over time, p = 0.009). Relationship quality was generally stable but consistently higher for co-practicing couples; group differences favored co-practicing couples at post-course 1 (p = 0.003) and post-course 2 (p = 0.044). Qualitative themes included improved communication, self-awareness, and emotional regulation, especially when partners engaged jointly.
Intervention impact: The MWL package (mindfulness exercises, loving-kindness, Dhamma talks, reflective practices, Dharma music) was associated with enhanced individual well-being and stronger dyadic functioning.

Implication: Culturally adapted MWL programming shows promise for promoting family mental health and merits broader testing in therapeutic and community settings.

Mindfulness Intervention to Enhance Happiness for Working People

Panizzara Pumkhem — 2025-09-03

This article aimed to study (1) the key factors that enhance happiness for working people, (2) mindfulness practice for promoting those key factors, and (3) the process of mindfulness intervention to enhance happiness for working people. This study employed a qualitative research method. The instrument for collecting data was documentary research and in-depth interviews with 6 key informants. The research results were found as follows;

1. The key factors that enhance happiness for working people included emotional regulation, job satisfaction, work-life balance, supportive leadership, and mindfulness. These factors were identified through extensive documentary research, including scholarly articles and organizational psychology models. The integration of traditional Buddhist teachings and modern psychological theories provided a holistic perspective on workplace happiness.

2. The study found that mindfulness practices significantly contribute to enhancing the key happiness factors. Practices such as mindful breathing, meditation, and awareness of the present moment were shown to improve emotional resilience, focus, and job satisfaction. Documentary research and studies on Buddhist texts, especially the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, confirmed the relevance and applicability of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in the workplace. These interventions not only reduce stress but also promote a positive emotional climate within professional settings.

3. The final phase, qualitative research through interviews, revealed real-world applications of mindfulness in professional environments. Interviews with seven professionals across various industries demonstrated how mindfulness has been successfully integrated into daily routines. Synthesizing these findings, the study proposes a practical and adaptable mindfulness intervention model that emphasizes simplicity, sustainability, and alignment with both personal development and organizational culture. This model highlights the potential of mindfulness-based approaches as effective strategies to foster happiness and well-being among working populations

An Analytical Study of the Metaphor Method in Nāgasenabhikṣu Sūtra

Trinh Thi Thu Thao — 2025-09-05

This study employs qualitative document analysis to investigate the metaphorical method in Buddhist scriptures, with particular emphasis on the Nāgasenabhikṣu Sūtra (Chinese version). The research pursues three objectives:
(1) to examine the use of metaphor in Buddhist scriptures; (2) to explore the historical and textual background of the Nāgasenabhikṣu Sūtra; and (3) to analyze the application of metaphorical methods within this text.

The findings indicate that metaphors are widely employed across Theravāda, Sectarian, and Mahāyāna traditions as pedagogical tools that enhance the persuasiveness, memorability, and accessibility of Buddhist teachings. By framing abstract philosophical concepts in familiar images, metaphors function as an effective means of communication, fostering both intellectual understanding and spiritual engagement among listeners and practitioners. Regarding the Nāgasenabhikṣu Sūtra, the study highlights its historical and cultural context, including its transmission, linguistic background, and the intellectual exchange between Bhikṣu Nāgasena and King Milinda. This dialogue not only demonstrates the philosophical depth of Buddhist reasoning but also reveals the sūtra’s reliance on metaphor as a didactic device. The analysis further shows that metaphors in the text are organized thematically and doctrinally, serving to simplify intricate doctrines, reinforce memory, and stimulate reflection. Beyond their rhetorical function, these metaphors provide insight into Buddhist hermeneutics and teaching strategies, underscoring the enduring role of metaphor in bridging philosophical abstraction with experiential understanding.

This study affirms that the metaphor method in the Nāgasenabhikṣu Sūtra represents a distinctive mode of Buddhist pedagogy, one that integrates philosophical rigor with accessible communication, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on Buddhist literary and educational traditions.

An Analytical Study of the Relationship Between Gross National Happiness (GNH) of Bhutan and Buddhist Peaceful Means

Kinley Gyemo — 2025-09-10

This study investigates the relationship between Gross National Happiness (GNH) of Bhutan and Buddhist Peaceful Means through a documentary analysis approach. The research focuses on three objectives: (1) the concepts and theories of GNH, (2) the role of Buddhist Peaceful Means in fostering happiness, and (3) the interconnection between GNH and Buddhist principles. Data were collected from primary Buddhist scriptures, Bhutanese policy documents, and scholarly literature, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.

Key findings:

GNH concept and theory. GNH frames development around four pillars: good governance, sustainable socio-economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation, and uses nine domains to measure multidimensional well-being; the 2008 democratic transition institutionalized these principles in state policy.
Buddhist peaceful means. Core practices, ethical conduct, mindfulness, loving-kindness (mettā), and bodhicitta, address the Three Poisons (desire, hatred, ignorance) and foster individual and communal well-being.
Interconnection. GNH and Buddhist peaceful means are mutually reinforcing: policy instruments reflect Buddhist ethical priorities, while contemplative ethics support the social conditions necessary for GNH outcomes.

The study concludes that Bhutan’s model exemplifies a reciprocal integration of institutional design and moral formation, suggesting that durable national well-being depends on coordinated policy instruments alongside programs that cultivate ethical and contemplative capacities. Future research should employ mixed methods and field-based inquiry to assess causal pathways from spiritual practice to measurable well-being outcomes.

The Practice of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Theravada Buddhism within Contemporary Society in Vietnam

Thanh Phuc Doan — 2025-09-16

This study examines the practice of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (satipaṭṭhāna) in Theravada Buddhism within contemporary Vietnamese society. Three objectives guided the investigation: (1) to identify problematic conditions that impede practice in Vietnam; (2) to analyze canonical articulations of the Four Foundations, with emphasis on the Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta; and (3) to propose practical, context-sensitive guidelines to support sustainable practice. Qualitative data were collected via focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with practitioners, monastic teachers, and retreat organizers. Data analysis combined SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) and thematic content analysis.

Results show that mindfulness practices are increasingly adopted for mental and physical well-being but are constrained by inconsistent meditation models, scarcity of experienced mentors, and internal and external distractions, such as unsupportive environments, social obligations, and variable retreat conditions, that undermine insight (vipassanā) development. Canonical analysis corroborates the Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta’s integrated emphasis on samatha (tranquility) and vipassanā (insight) as mutually reinforcing dimensions of embodied practice applicable to everyday life. Based on these findings, the study proposes tiered retreat models for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners, each structured around three daily sessions (morning, afternoon, evening) and tailored pedagogical content. The OMP model (Organization, Mentor, Participant) is articulated as a pragmatic framework: organizational leadership secures logistics (schedule, accommodation, food, climate), mentors provide guidance and relational support, and participants engage with appropriate discipline and relationality. The study concludes that effective adaptation of the Four Foundations in Vietnam requires coordinated institutional support, mentor development programs, and participant preparation to address identified weaknesses and threats while leveraging local opportunities for culturally rooted, sustainable mindfulness cultivation. Implications include recommendations for standardized retreat curricula, capacity-building for mentors, and institutional partnerships to integrate satipaṭṭhāna practice into community mental health and education. Future research should evaluate the proposed models empirically across diverse Vietnamese contexts to measure outcomes in well-being and conduct.

A Conceptual Model for Mind Management to Cultivate Mental Immunity for Life Based on the Abhidhamma Buddhist Psychology

Phyo Pyae Sone Kyaw — 2025-09-18

This qualitive research has three main objectives, namely: 1) To examine the concept of mental immunity and its management according to psychology; 2) To study the concept of mind and its process in Abhidhamma; and 3) To develop a conceptual model for mind management to cultivate mental immunity for life based on the Abhidhamma Buddhist psychological perspective. This dissertation employs a qualitative research method, drawing on both primary and secondary sources. The field study involved in-depth interviews with subject-matter experts in both Abhidhamma and modern psychology.

The research findings reveal that the mind plays a central role in emotional experiences and can be managed to cultivate mental immunity, based on the Abhidhamma Buddhist psychological perspective. A Conceptual Model for Mind Management to Cultivate Mental Immunity for Life, Based on the Abhidhamma Buddhist Psychology, would address three main purposes. First, the findings highlight how modern psychology views mind management, indicating that poor communication, negative thinking, and environmental stress contribute to emotional disturbances. Psychological methods, such as behavioral change and cognitive restructuring, have been shown to be effective in managing anger and promoting mental well-being. Second, it studies the concept of the mind and its processes from the Abhidhamma viewpoint, where the mind is regarded as the source of emotions, thoughts, and actions. From this perspective, negative emotions such as anger, sadness, and depression stem from unwholesome mental states, potentially leading to social conflict, violence, and even war. Third, the study develops a conceptual model for mind management to cultivate mental immunity for life utilizing Abhidhamma-based Buddhist psychological approaches. These include behavioral change through purity in actions and speech, cognitive restructuring by identifying and replacing negative thoughts, and wisdom-based practices such as mindfulness and wise attention to transform anger at its root. Through the integration of these approaches, individuals can develop emotional resilience, reduce anger, and cultivate a peaceful state of mind, offering a practical model for managing the mind in today’s world.

The Learning Management Model for Higher Education Students for Learning Outcomes with Integrated Buddhism

Malinee Wigran — 2025-09-19

This research aimed to investigate the context of outcome-based education (OBE), identify relevant Buddhadhamma principles, and ultimately develop and propose the WOCA (Wisdom, Origination, Conscience, Agility) Model, a Buddhadhamma-integrated pedagogical framework for enhancing learning outcomes in Thai higher education. A qualitative methodology was employed, gathering data through in-depth interviews with 20 key informants and a focus group discussion with 5 purposively selected experts. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The research identified three core Buddhadhamma principles suitable for integration: Paṭisambhidā 4 (Four Analytical Knowledge), Pubbanimitta 7 (Seven Preconditions), and Hiri-ottappa (Moral Shame and Fear). The integration of these principles with the four KSEC domains (Knowledge, Skills, Ethics, Character) revealed that: (K) Knowledge aligned with Paṭisambhidā 4; (S) Skills aligned with Pubbanimitta 7 and Niruttipatisambhidā; (E) Ethics aligned with Hiri-ottappa (moral shame and moral fear); and (C) Character with Paṭibhāṇapaṭisambhidā and Yonisomanasikārasampadā. The WOCA Model operationalises these alignments into a systematic pedagogical approach that cultivates cognitive competence, applied skill, ethical awareness, and adaptive character, thereby reframing higher education as a process of holistic life development. Implications for curriculum design, teacher development, and assessment practices are discussed, and recommendations are provided for piloting and evaluating the model in diverse higher education contexts.

Development and Validation of the Emotional Well-Being Questionnaire: Evidence from Thai Adults and Application to Organizational Leaders

Maechee Narumon Jiwattanasuk — 2025-09-20

This study aimed to develop and validate the Emotional Well-Being Questionnaire (EWBQ) for application in the Thai context, with specific attention to cultural adaptation, psychometric rigor, and practical use in organizational leadership. The objectives were threefold: first, to construct the EWBQ through an extensive review of existing international instruments, cultural contextualization, and expert evaluation; second, to examine the reliability and validity of the instrument with Thai adults; and third, to apply and validate its use among organizational leaders to assess its utility in leadership development and mental health promotion.

The development process integrated established measures such as the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS), the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scales with Buddhist-informed constructs, including mindfulness (sati) and loving-kindness (mettā). Rigorous translation and back-translation procedures were conducted, and expert review using the Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) confirmed the content validity of all items. Pilot testing with Thai adults demonstrated both linguistic clarity and cultural resonance, ensuring the instrument reflected not only global frameworks but also distinct Thai sociocultural values of compassion, social harmony, and spiritual meaning.
Psychometric testing yielded strong evidence of reliability and validity. Cronbach’s alpha values consistently exceeded .96, indicating excellent internal consistency. Factor analysis confirmed a multidimensional structure across six domains: positive emotion, emotional regulation, social support, meaning, accomplishment, and engagement, establishing construct validity. Criterion validity was supported through correlations with existing well-being indicators, underscoring the robustness of the EWBQ in measuring emotional well-being among Thai adults.
Application of the EWBQ with organizational leaders further demonstrated its practical value. Following a structured mindfulness and loving-kindness intervention, leaders showed significant improvement in emotional well-being, with pretest mean scores (M = 50.73, SD = 12.41) rising to posttest scores (M = 66.23, SD = 8.17). Paired-sample t-test results indicated a highly significant effect (t(39) = 9.47, p < .001), while reduced variability in posttest scores reflected consistent gains across participants. These findings highlight the sensitivity of the EWBQ to capture changes in well-being and its applicability in leadership contexts, supporting resilience, compassion, and ethical decision-making.

The EWBQ represents a culturally grounded, psychometrically validated instrument that bridges international frameworks with Thai cultural and spiritual values. It contributes to both academic scholarship and applied practice by offering a reliable tool for research, organizational development, and policy design. Beyond measurement, the EWBQ serves as a foundation for initiatives aimed at promoting mental health, enhancing leadership capacities, and advancing sustainable well-being in Thai society.

Buddhist Teachings for Achieving Success in Volunteer Work

Suchada Sattanawuth — 2025-09-23

This qualitative study investigates how Buddhist teachings can foster success in volunteer work. The research had three objectives: (1) to define the key dimensions of success in volunteering, (2) to examine relevant Buddhist “peaceful means” that support successful volunteering, and (3) to propose a model that integrates those teachings into volunteer practice. Data were collected through documentary analysis and in-depth interviews with six key informants (experienced volunteers and Buddhist scholars). Using thematic content analysis, the study identified patterns that link inner development, ethical conduct, and sustained community engagement.

Findings indicate that success in volunteer work is a holistic construct encompassing personal growth, meaningful social contribution, and congruence with ethical values, rather than solely organizational metrics or external recognition. Buddhist peaceful means, especially mindfulness (sati), the Four Brahmavihāras (loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, equanimity), and the Sangahavatthu (four bases of social harmony), emerge as both moral foundations and practical techniques that enhance emotional balance, compassionate action, and interpersonal harmony among volunteers. The study further proposes an integrative model that maps these Buddhist teachings onto Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, suggesting that addressing both psychological and ethical needs strengthens volunteer effectiveness, retention, and community impact.

Implications for practice include incorporating mindfulness and brahmavihāra training into volunteer preparation, designing organizational cultures that support ethical development, and adopting policies that nurture volunteer well-being. The paper concludes by recommending empirical testing of the proposed model across diverse volunteer settings.

Practical Guidelines to Develop the Quality of Life Based on Bālapaṇḍita Sutta

Ven Indacara — 2025-09-25

This study presents practical guidelines for enhancing quality of life grounded in the Bālapaṇḍita Sutta, a formative discourse within the Theravāda tradition. Three objectives guide the research: (1) to study the concept of life and its development according to the Theravāda Buddhist scriptures and general views of perspective, (2) to analyze the teachings on the quality of life in the Bālapaṇḍita Sutta, and (3) to suggest practical guidelines to develop the quality of life based on Bālapaṇḍita Sutta and its applications in daily life. Using documentary and interpretative analysis of primary Pāli texts and relevant secondary literature, the study synthesises doctrinal exegesis with an applied ethical framework.

The findings reveal that the cultivation of sīla (moral discipline), samādhi (mental concentration), and paññā (wisdom) constitutes the sutta’s core pathway to a flourishing life. These three trainings operate through bodily, verbal, and mental conduct: ethical restraint reduces harm and social discord; concentrated attention stabilises cognition and emotional regulation; and wisdom informs prudent decision-making that shapes future outcomes (kamma). The Bālapaṇḍita Sutta’s contrast between the foolish (bāla) and the wise (paṇḍita) clarifies how habitual patterns of speech, action, and intention predispose individuals to suffering or well-being.

This analysis, the paper formulates a set of pragmatic guidelines for practice in right speech, deliberate moral restraints, mindfulness routines to strengthen samādhi, and reflective exercises to cultivate paññā, framed for application in educational, organisational, and personal contexts. By integrating classical Buddhist insights with contemporary notions of human flourishing, the study demonstrates the sutta’s continuing relevance for ethical formation, mental health, and communal harmony in modern settings.

A Model of Cultivation of the Buddhist Way of Life in a Cultural Approach to Foreign Tourists

Chatreudee Wilkie — 2025-09-29

This study aims to: (1) explore theoretical concepts related to cultural tourism, (2) study the cultivation of the Buddhist way of life, (3) develop a culture-based model for such cultivation, and (4) present new knowledge with practical applications. Addressing a significant research gap, the study proposes and validates a systematic framework for transmitting Buddhist values to foreign tourists through cultural engagement. A qualitative, phenomenological approach was employed, involving 45 key informants, comprising training organisers, foreign tourists, and subject experts. Data were collected through documentary analysis, participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions, with all procedures conducted in accordance with ethical standards for human research. Thematic content analysis, inductive reasoning, and trustworthiness verification were used to ensure rigour, and findings are presented descriptively alongside a proposed model.

The results indicate that cultural tourism fosters deeper engagement with local values and traditions. In Thailand, Buddhist culture motivates tourists to explore and internalise the beliefs, practices, and aesthetic elements of Buddhist spaces. Monasteries provide structured and supportive environments for learning, particularly through the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, while monks act as facilitators who transmit essential teachings in English. The proposed culture-based model consists of four dimensions: (1) residing in peaceful environments, (2) cultivating ethical conduct through loving-kindness and role models, (3) engaging in ritual practices with meaningful explanations, and (4) reflecting on Buddhist principles such as karma, samsara, impermanence, and Nirvana. From these findings emerges the SMVIT model, Serenity, Masterpiece, Voice, and Immersion through meditation and reflection, which collectively lead to the Transformation of Worldview. This framework contributes both to cultural tourism and Buddhist education, offering temples and retreat centres practical strategies for engaging foreign tourists and fostering sustainable spiritual transformation as a form of Buddhist soft power.