The Journal of International Buddhist Studies College (JIBSC)

An Application of Peace (Śānti) for Daily Life in Mahāyāna Buddhism According to Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra

Tenxin Rabgay, PhraMedhivajarapundit, Phramaha Weerasak Abhinandavedi — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research investigates the following dimensions: 1) To study the Mahāyāna Buddhist framework for the concept of peace (Śānti) and the essential practices of peace. 2.) To analyse peace (Śānti) and the principal practice of peace for enhancing harmony by Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra. 3) To apply this peace (Śānti) in daily life according to Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra. The study utilizes various sources, including the Tripiṭaka, Mahāyāna textbooks, research works, and Bhutanese literature.

The findings indicate that, according to Mahāyāna teachings, initiating essential practices is vital for achieving peace. Attaining inner peace allows individuals to foster peace within families, communities, and globally, emphasizing that personal peace is crucial for extending peace to others. The research also highlights that, as stated by Master Śāntideva in the Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra, “If I do not interchange my happiness for others’ pain, enlightenment will never be attained”. This suggests that true peace requires a mutual exchange of happiness and suffering. To apply peace (Śānti) in daily life, we should: 1). Understand the Roots of Suffering: Recognize that suffering comes from attachment and craving. 2). Cultivate Compassion: Focus on the well-being of all beings, reducing negative emotions. 3). Refrain from Negative Actions: Avoid harmful speech and actions while practicing mindfulness. 4). Engage in Positive Activities: Foster virtues like generosity and ethical conduct to benefit ourselves and others. By following these principles, we can achieve lasting peace motivated by compassion for all beings.

Applying Loving-kindness Practice Under Buddhist Perspective in the Japanese-Vietnamese Cross-cultural Environment at the Workplace in Vietnam

Mac Bao Ngoc, Sakchai Sakabucha , Ven. Nguyen Anh Tuan — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This article examines the application of Buddhist loving-kindness (Mettā Bhāvanā) in addressing cultural conflicts within the Japanese-Vietnamese cross-cultural workplace environment in Vietnam. The study aims to study (1) the causes leading to cultural conflict in the workplace between Japanese and Vietnamese in Vietnam, (2) concepts and theories of loving-kindness practice under Buddhist perspective, and (3) To propose loving-kindness practice process under Buddhist peaceful means in the Japanese-Vietnamese cross-cultural environment at workplace in Vietnam. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, the research gathers insights through in-depth interviews with Buddhist scholars and business professionals involved in Japanese-Vietnamese joint ventures.

The findings reveal that cultural conflicts often stem from differences in communication styles, work ethics, hierarchical structures, and expectations regarding professional conduct. Japanese corporate culture, characterized by indirect communication, strict discipline, and a collective work ethic, often contrasts with the more flexible, hierarchical, and relationship-oriented Vietnamese work culture. These disparities frequently result in misunderstandings and tensions in the workplace. The research highlights that incorporating Buddhist loving-kindness practices can effectively bridge these cultural divides, fostering empathy, mutual respect, and emotional intelligence. Employees can adopt a mindset prioritising understanding over conflict by cultivating compassion and enhancing collaboration and workplace cohesion.

Furthermore, the study suggests that organizations can integrate loving-kindness practices through structured training programs, workshops, and leadership development initiatives. This may involve a secular adaptation of Buddhist principles derived from Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna traditions, promoting inclusivity in diverse corporate environments. However, challenges persist, particularly in aligning these values with profit-driven business objectives. Some leaders may view loving-kindness as a sign of weakness, necessitating a strategic approach to demonstrate its value in boosting long-term productivity and employee well-being. Ultimately, this research emphasizes the transformative potential of loving-kindness practices in multicultural workplaces, offering a sustainable approach to conflict resolution, employee satisfaction, and organizational harmony.

Buddhist Peaceful Means in Shopping Addiction Treatment: Integration of Mindfulness, Yoniso Manasikara (Wise attention), and Loving-Kindness in a Novel Therapeutic Model

Oranuj Ittipakorn — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This article presents a study focused on (1) the integration of three key Buddhist psychological principles—mindfulness (sati), wise attention (yoniso manasikara), and loving-kindness (metta)—in the treatment of compulsive buying disorder (CBD), (2) the creation of an innovative therapeutic framework that incorporates traditional Buddhist contemplative practices, and (3) the practical implications for clinical applications and future research directions. The methodology for data collection involved a systematic analysis of canonical Buddhist texts and contemporary clinical research, specifically examining the Satipatthana Sutta, Sabbāsava Sutta, and Metta Sutta, as well as their accompanying commentarial literature. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The findings of this research

include:

Integrating mindfulness, yonis manasikara, and loving-kindness yields synergistic effects that surpass the benefits of each practice in isolation, thus creating a comprehensive framework for addressing shopping addiction at cognitive, emotional, and behavioral levels.
The development of “consumption discernment”—a refined cognitive capacity that emerges through the fusion of yoniso manasikara with other contemplative practices—enhances metacognitive awareness, value-based discrimination, and emotional intelligence concerning shopping behaviors.
A novel framework for adapting Buddhist contemplative practices to contemporary therapeutic contexts has been established. It provides systematic guidelines that maintain the transformative power of these practices while ensuring their accessibility to modern clients.

Buddhist Monks who Journeyed from Funan to China for Scripture Translation

Chakhrit Laemmuang, Prapakorn Bhanussadit, Wilaiporn Sucharitthammakul — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The Continued Biographies of Eminent Monks (Xu Gaoseng Zhuan) documents the journeys of four monks who traveled from Funan to China for scripture translation. Among them, three were natives of Funan—Saṅghapāla, Mandra, and Subhūti—while one, Paramārtha, hailed from India. These monks lived in China during the 6th Century, dedicating themselves to the translation of Buddhist scriptures. This article offers an overview of the evidence supporting the presence of Buddhism in Funan and its surrounding regions from earlier periods up to the 6th Century, drawing upon archaeological discoveries and Chinese historical accounts. It illustrates that Buddhism had been thriving in the region since the 4th Century CE.

Furthermore, the article paraphrases the records concerning these four monks as documented in the Continued Biographies of Eminent Monks and investigates their translation efforts. A comparison between the accounts in the Continued Biographies of Eminent Monks and the scriptures preserved in the Taishō Tripiṭaka (Taishō Shinshū Daizōkyō) reveals that some of the works translated by these monks have been lost over time. However, 32 scriptures translated by Paramārtha have survived to this day, surpassing those attributed to the other three translators. Among the remaining monks from Funan, Saṅghapāla is credited with the highest number of surviving translations, totaling 11 scriptures. This study further emphasizes the close and enduring relationship between Funan and China during the 6th Century.

The Buddhist Ways to Develop Human Values as Depicted in the Theravāda Buddhist Scriptures

Khemar Nandi, Phramaha Nantakorn Piyabhani, Phramaha Anon Ānando — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This paper examines the Buddhist methods for cultivating human values as depicted in the Theravāda Buddhist scriptures. Human values, which guide individuals in distinguishing right from wrong, are essential for personal growth and societal harmony. Unlike moral values, which are universal and unchanging, human values vary across individuals and contexts, influencing behaviors that contribute to the betterment of human life. Theravāda Buddhism emphasizes the development of human values through four key practices: Faith (Saddhā), Offering (Dāna), Morality (Sīla), and Meditation (Bhāvanā). These practices foster ethical living, harmonious social interactions, and spiritual growth, ultimately leading to a meaningful and valuable life. Faith serves as the foundation for spiritual practice, enabling individuals to trust in the Buddha’s teachings and persevere through challenges. Offering, or generosity, cultivates kindness and detachment from material possessions, while morality provides a framework for ethical conduct through the observance of the Five Precepts. Meditation, on the other hand, develops mindfulness, concentration, and insight, helping individuals overcome mental defilements such as greed, hatred, and delusion. This paper explores how these Buddhist principles can be applied to modern society to promote human development and well-being. By integrating these practices into daily life, individuals can achieve greater inner peace, social harmony, and spiritual fulfillment. The teachings of the Buddha offer timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of contemporary life, providing a path toward personal and collective transformation. Through an analysis of key Buddhist texts and their practical applications, this paper highlights the relevance of Theravāda Buddhism in addressing the challenges of the modern world and fostering a more compassionate and ethical society.

The Way to Pace: Living according to the Buddhist Five Precepts in Myanmar

Ven. Kawliniya — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This article comprehensively explores the potential for peacebuilding in Myanmar through the practice of the Buddhist Five Precepts. It investigates the underlying causes of conflict and unrest within the country, framing these issues within the context of Buddhist teachings. Emphasizing the significance of the Five Precepts, these moral guidelines can serve as a foundational framework for addressing Myanmar's multifaceted societal challenges, including political instability, ethnic strife, governance failures, economic difficulties, educational deficits, public health crises, and endemic violence.

The study analyzes Myanmar's historical and cultural landscape, highlighting how entrenched societal norms perpetuate a cycle of discord. Examining past conflicts reveals that applying the Five Precepts can facilitate personal transformation and societal healing. The Precepts, while traditionally viewed as ethical guidelines for lay Buddhists, possess the capacity to unify diverse communities and promote peace.

Furthermore, this article advocates for integrating Buddhist teachings into educational curricula and community initiatives to cultivate open dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration among conflicting parties in Myanmar. By emphasizing the principles of compassion, mindfulness, and ethical conduct, it seeks to bridge divides and facilitate understanding in a society marred by tension and discord. Ultimately, it argues that the intentional practice of the Buddhist Five Precepts offers a viable and effective strategy for achieving sustainable peace in Myanmar, enhancing individual well-being, and promoting collective harmony. Pursuing "Living the Buddhist Five Precepts" emerges as a critical and practical endeavor in addressing the ongoing challenges to peace in the region. By instilling these principles in both personal lives and community frameworks, we can nurture a culture of peace that holds the potential to transform conflict into cooperation, ultimately leading to a more harmonious society.