MUSIC AND BUDDHISM: A STUDY ON CROSS-CULTURAL DISSEMINATION OF VENERABLE HSIN-TING'S DHARMA PROPAGATION METHODS ดนตรีในฐานะ “อุบายอันชาญฉลาด” : การศึกษาการเผยแผ่พระพุทธศาสนาเชิงพหุวัฒนธรรมของพระอาจารย์ซินติ้ง

Abstract

This research examines Venerable Hsin-ting's dharma propagation activities through music, with a particular focus on his cross-cultural dissemination practices in Thailand over the past thirteen years, analyzing his application of the “Skillful Means” (Upāya) concept in Buddhist cross-cultural communication. The study employs document analysis and case study methodologies to systematically investigate how Venerable Hsin-ting operates within diverse cultural contexts, particularly in the construction and dharma propagation process at Fo Guang Shan Tai Hua Si, through musical rituals and modern media technologies to effectively promote exchange and integration between Chinese Mahayana Buddhism and Thai Theravada Buddhism. The findings reveal that: 1) Venerable Hsin-ting utilizes music as a primary instrument for transcending cultural boundaries, creating effective cross-cultural communication channels through creative integration of Northern and Southern Buddhist musical traditions; 2) His flexible implementation of modern media and digital technologies reflects the modernization ethos of Fo Guang Shan's Humanistic Buddhism that emphasizes keeping pace with contemporary developments; and 3) In an environment where Theravada Buddhism constitutes the mainstream in Thailand, Venerable Hsin-ting has successfully established legitimacy and social influence for Chinese Mahayana Buddhism through respecting local traditions and actively seeking recognition from high-ranking Buddhist leaders. This study provides a concrete case for understanding the adaptive strategies of contemporary Buddhist cross-cultural dissemination and emphasizes the practical significance of the “Skillful Means” concept within the modern globalization context.