Buddhist Peaceful Methods: Theories and Strategies for Living in Multicultural Society
Main Article Content
Abstract
The objective of this article is to explore the meaning, background, and key principles of Buddhist peaceful methods, as well as their application to living harmoniously in multicultural societies. This issue is particularly relevant in the current context, where societies are becoming increasingly diverse due to factors such as migration, ease of international travel, cross-cultural interactions, rapid adoption of new ideas, and generational differences in perspectives. The article examines ways to foster coexistence among individuals with diverse physical characteristics and behaviors by integrating Buddhist principles—renowned for their emphasis on peace and harmony—to address conflicts arising from differences in race, ethnicity, culture, age, beliefs, and ideologies. The discussion focuses on key Buddhist teachings, including Khanti (Patience), Saraniyadhamma (The Six Principles of Cordiality), and Brahmavihāra (The Four Sublime States of Mind), as foundational approaches to promoting understanding and unity in an increasingly interconnected world.
Article Details

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Views and opinions expressed in the articles published by The Journal of MCU Peace Studies, are of responsibility by such authors but not the editors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors.
References
Chaijaroenwatana, B., & Renumat, M. (2017). Non-Violence and Conflict Management by Non-Violence. Journal of MCU Peace Studies, 5(2), 1-16.
Charoenwongsak, K. (2003). Future Perspectives and Desirable Characteristics of Thai People. Bangkok: Office of the National Education Commission.
Chotisakolrat, P., & Maneekhaw, N. (2016). Communicative Peace: Turning Conflict into Creative Energy. Nonthaburi: Praphim Printing.
Institute for Economics and Peace. (2024). Global Peace Index 2024: Measuring Peace in a Complex World. Sydney: Institute for Economics and Peace. Retrieved April 7, 2024 from https://www.economicsandpeace.org/research/economics-of-peace/
Kaewthep, K. (1989). Communication for Peace. Teaching Documents for the Peace Studies Course. Nonthaburi: Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University Press.
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. (2017). Collected Academic Articles on Buddhism: Integrating Philosophy with Modern Science. Bangkok: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Press.
MCU Peace Studies Curriculum Program. (2015). The Breath of Peace: From Peace Concepts to Practice. Bangkok: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Press.
MCU Peace Studies Curriculum Program. (2016). Forgiveness and Reconciliation: A Unit of Study for Grades 9-12. New York: Teachers College, Columbia University.
Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. (2021). Master Plan for Water Resource Management 2018-2037. Bangkok: Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
Ministry of Culture. (2012). Cultural Dimensions, History and Future Visions Return to Peace in the Southern Border Provinces. Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University Printing House.
Moore, C. W. (2014). The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict. (4th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Inc.
Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary. (2020). Royal Duties of King Rama X. Bangkok: Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary.
Phra Brahmapundit (Prayoon Dhammacitto). (2018). Directions for Educational Management in the Digital Age. Special Lecture “57th Anniversary of the Faculty of Education, MCU Remembrance". July 9.
Phra Dhammapitaka (Prayoon Dhammacitto). (2011). Education for the Peaceful Happiness of Thai Society. Bangkok: Samlada Limited Partnership.
Phra Pramote Vatagovito (Pantapat), Phramaha Duangden Thitayano (Tunin), Phramaha Weerasak Abhinandavedi (Sangphong), & Horsaengchai, S. (2019). Human on Peace and Buddhist Peaceful Means. Journal of MCU Nakhondhat, 6(10), 4697-4710.
Phramaha Hansa Dhammahaso (Nithibunyakorn). (2004). A Pattern of Conflict Management by Buddhist Peaceful Means: A Critical Study of Mae Ta Chang Watershed, Chiang Mai. (Doctoral Dissertation). Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. Bangkok.
Phramaha Hansa Dhammahaso (Nithibunyakorn). (2011). Buddhist Peaceful Means: Integration of Principles and Tools for Conflict Management. Bangkok: 21st Century Co., Ltd.
Phramaha Hansa Dhammahaso. (2016). Peace Studies: The Buddhist Path to World Peace. Journal of MCU Peace Studies, 4(sup), 1-9.
Phramaha Wutthichai Vajiramedhi. (2015). Buddhist Peaceful Means: Buddhism for Peace. Chiang Rai: Cherntawan International Meditation Center.
Phrrmaha Prayoon Dhammacitto. (1989). Religion and Peace. Bangkok: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.
Rosenberg, M. B. (2016). Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life. Chotisakolrat, P. (Trans.). Nonthaburi: Praphim Printing.
Royal Institute. (2003). Royal Institute Dictionary B.E. 2542. Bangkok: Nanmeebooks.
Sompong, S. (2015). A Critical Analysis of Communication Pattern for Peace in the Online Media by Buddhist Peaceful Means: A Case Study of Komchadluek.net. (Master’s Thesis). Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. Ayutthaya.
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. (2018). 2018 Stockholm Forum on Peace and Development. World Peace International Conference 2018 Stockholm City Hall in Sweden (7-9 May 2018). Retrieved May 20, 2024, from https://www.sipri.org/events/2018/2018-stockholm-forum-peace-and-development
The Secretariat of the House of Representatives. (2013). Citizenship in a Democratic System. Bangkok: The Secretariat of the House of Representatives.
Uthaikan, K., & Prapalad Kantawee Tanoottaro. (2017). The Conflict Management in Buddhism. Journal of SaengKhomKham Buddhist Studies, 2(2), 149-170.
Wong, P. (2007). Saraniyadhamma. In A Dictionary of Buddhism (pp. 657-658). Bangkok: Dhamma-sabha.