The Journal of International Buddhist Studies College (JIBSC)

An Application of the Buddhist Teachings to Promote the Wedding Ceremony (Le Hang Thuan) at Monasteries in Ho Chi Minh City

Phan Tai Thuc — 2024-10-21

This research aims to explore three objectives: 1) the problematic situations in marriage life and their causes in Ho Chi Minh City; 2) the concept and benefits of the wedding ceremony based on Buddhist teachings in marriage life; and 3) the application of Buddhist teachings to promote the Le Hằng Thuận wedding ceremony at monasteries in Ho Chi Minh City. The study utilizes a qualitative research methodology, drawing on dissertation-based article analysis and in-depth interviews with key informants, including Buddhist scholars and venerable monks.

The findings reveal that the primary issues affecting marriage life in modern Ho Chi Minh City stem from internal and external factors, particularly those associated with contemporary societal changes. Problems such as the pervasive influence of social media and digital connectivity, rapid social transitions, economic pressures, psychological issues, limited communication, domestic violence, and the erosion of ethical standards all contribute to marital challenges. The Le Hằng Thuận wedding ceremony, which originated in Vietnam in the 1940s, offers a unique response to these issues by integrating Buddhist teachings into the marital framework. Couples who participate in this ceremony, which is held in monasteries, report higher happiness and stability in their marriage. The research suggests that this is due to their consistent application of Buddhist teachings, which provide ethical guidance and conflict-resolution strategies. These couples often serve as role models within their communities, demonstrating the positive impact of Buddhist principles on married life. The ceremony, initially conceived by lay Buddhist scholars, provides a valuable opportunity for young couples to learn about Buddhist teachings, especially the practice of mindfulness, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Five Precepts (Pañcasīla), the Four Immeasurables, and the Six Harmonies. These teachings, when applied effectively, transform marital relationships and promote ethical behavior. The research highlights the practicality and effectiveness of these teachings in contemporary marital practices, advocating for their broader adoption to foster harmonious relationships and a morally grounded society. Additionally, the ceremony offers practical benefits, such as reducing the financial burden of modern weddings and providing an opportunity for couples and their families to interact with venerable monks, and learn Buddhist teachings that can be applied to their married lives. This research advocates for the promotion of this wedding ceremony as a means to strengthen marriages and promote social harmony.

Direct Realization of Ultimate Truth Through the No Method Path: A Practice for Women Without Abandoning Daily Activities According to Guru Padmasambhava

Phan Y Ngoc — 2024-10-24

This article investigates the unique challenges faced by women in contemporary society through the lens of Buddhist teachings, particularly those of Guru Padmasambhava. It aims to (1) explore the obstacles women confront in modern life while seeking the path to ultimate truth, (2) delve into the no-method path as articulated by Guru Padmasambhava for realizing this truth, and (3) propose practical applications of this path that harmonize with daily activities. The research methodology includes a comprehensive analysis of sources such as the Tipiṭaka and its commentaries from the Pāli Text Society, various texts documenting Guru Padmasambhava's teachings, and relevant scholarly articles. Additionally, the study incorporates findings from interviews conducted with two groups: six Buddhist scholars and masters, and ten female practitioners aged 21 to 45 from the Hundred Flowers Meditation Retreat in Vietnam, all of whom have engaged with the no-method path for periods ranging from three to twelve months. Data obtained through individual and group interviews were analyzed using content analysis techniques.

The results indicate that contemporary women grapple with many societal misconceptions and erroneous perceptions that significantly influence their spiritual endeavors. An investigation into the two truths across diverse Buddhist traditions highlights the profound insights of Guru Padmasambhava. In the context of Theravāda Buddhism, the differentiations between conditioned phenomena—mind, mental factors, and form—and the unconditioned state of Nibbāna become apparent. In contrast, the doctrines of Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna articulate the ultimate truth as emptiness (śūnyatā), thereby underscoring its inseparable relationship with conventional truth.

Guru Padmasambhava clarifies that ultimate truth represents recognizing the true essence of mind and reality, transcending dualistic thought. This truth, perceived as the synthesis of emptiness and luminous clarity, unveils the inherent purity and perfection of all phenomena. His teachings contend that comprehending the intrinsically pure and luminous nature of the mind is essential for achieving liberation from the cycle of saṃsāra.

Importantly, the no-method path, frequently referenced within the Dzogchen and Mahamudra traditions, provides direct experiential wisdom that surpasses conceptual cognition. Female practitioners at the Hundred Flowers Meditation Retreat exemplify the practical application of these teachings by seamlessly integrating non-judgmental awareness into their everyday activities—be it through cooking, cleaning, or managing familial disputes. By fostering presence and relinquishing conceptual expectations, they embody the quintessence of Dzogchen, manifesting a pathway to self-liberation that aligns with the exigencies of modern life without necessitating the abandonment of worldly responsibilities.

Ways for Peacebuilding in Myanmar by Applying Maṅgala Sutta

Ven. Varasiri — 2024-11-15

This study explores the potential of the Maṅgala Sutta, a foundational Buddhist text, as a framework for peacebuilding in Myanmar, a nation deeply affected by political conflict and ethnic tensions. The objectives of this research are threefold: (1) to examine the context of political conflict in Myanmar; (2) to peruse the Maṅgala Sutta as a framework for peacebuilding in Myanmar; (3) To propose ways for peacebuilding in Myanmar society through the application of the Maṅgala Sutta. The research employs qualitative methods to analyze the Maṅgala Sutta and data sourced from scholarly literature, including Eastern and Western articles, books, and websites, focusing on ethics and methods of political conflict resolution.

The results indicate that the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, intensified by the military coup of 2021, is deeply entrenched in a legacy of military rule, economic inequality, and unaddressed ethnic disputes. These fundamental challenges underscore the necessity for culturally relevant peacebuilding strategies that tackle both the structural and interpersonal aspects of the conflict. The findings underscore the importance of the Maṅgala Sutta’s Political Ethics Code, which consists of 14 ethical principles drawn from its 38 blessings. These principles promote integrity, transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights while fostering non-violence, mindfulness, and compassion. In the context of Myanmar, these guidelines encourage leaders to refrain from forming alliances with violent factions, prioritize the welfare of the public, and support economic growth. Moreover, it emphasizes virtues such as patience, equanimity, interfaith dialogue, and peaceful communication to alleviate social unrest and combat poverty.

The study further delves into the Maṅgala Sutta’s methodology for resolving political conflicts, stressing non-confrontation, self-discipline, and attentiveness to positive qualities (appamādo ca dhammesu). These principles advocate for the development of harmonious relations and peaceful approaches to resolving disputes and external pressures. By promoting respect, non-violence, and collaboration, the Maṅgala Sutta provides a culturally relevant and sustainable framework for addressing Myanmar's challenges, thereby fostering ethical leadership, social cohesion, and enduring peace.