Developing Database and Electronic Book for cultural heritage learning in the context of Buddhism

Abstract

The research article consisted of the following objectives: (1) to develop a product prototype about a database and eBooks for learning world cultural heritage in a Buddhist context; (2) to develop a database for learning world cultural heritage in a Buddhist context; and (3) to develop eBooks for learning world cultural heritage in a Buddhist context. The study applied documentary research, qualitative research, and participatory action research in the research areas which included 27 temples in Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet Historical Parks. The interview was done with 23 key informants and separated into 2 sections: 6 information and 9 questions. The obtained data were analyzed

            From the study, it is discovered that Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet Historical Parks consist of 5 elements in Buddhism which are religious places, religious objects, religious persons, Buddha’s teachings, and religious rites. All of which are built on faith and Buddhist inheritance, as well as Buddhist arts that reflect traditions and cultures, and the principles of forming a national identity. A database for learning world cultural heritage in a Buddhist context includes the main pagoda to enshrine the Buddha's relics, which consists of the following values in Buddhist philosophy: Puññakiriyavatthu (Three Bases of Merit) and Ovāda-dhamma (Three Admonitions). The Buddha statues, which serve as the Buddha's symbol, enable one to realize the following values in Buddhist philosophy: Ariyasacca (Four Noble Truths), Bodhipakkhiya-dhamma (37 Qualities Contributing to Enlightenment), and Mahā Satipaṭṭhāna (Four Foundations of Mindfulness). The development of a learning system for world cultural heritage in a Buddhist context is divided into 3 routes: the route of the Buddha's Relics and the route of cosmology; the route of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, and the route of the Four Noble Truths. EBooks are created in order to learn about 27 temples.