Dhammacakşu magazine (1894-1911): Its background and contents

Abstract

This review article criticizes the research on the Dhammacakşu magazine (1894-1911): Its background and contents 1st Edition, Dhammatara Journal, Vol. 9, No. 2 (2023): (Consolidated No. 17), July-December, pp. 76-119, 43 pages, printed at DCI Center for Buddhist Studies, Ayutthaya. The authors are Phramaha Sarawut Phosrikham and Natchapol Sirisawad. They compiled from part of the research for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Program in Pali-Sanskrit and Buddhist Studies Department of Eastern Languages Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University. The study aims to investigate the Dhammacakşu magazine (1894-1911) background, the Buddhist Dhamma contents and technique of presentation within, and the significant influence the Buddhist Dhamma has had on Thai Buddhism. A documentary study was thus conducted, and analytical depictions presented.

The highlight of the article review is the presentation of background information from the study of primary documents by narrating in simple, thorough, and clear language. It was discovered that Dhammacakşu magazine was the first Buddhist magazine in Thailand and was valued as a Theravada Buddhist prose literature in the Rattanakosin period. The disadvantage is the limitation of reporting the research results that are not complete because the research is still under investigation, especially in the important issue is the content of the Buddhist Dhamma of Dhammacakşu magazine in the reign of His Royal Highness Prince-Patriach Vajirañãnavarorasa was the editor (1894-1911) significant influence Thai Buddhism.

The Buddha's teachings are always regard knowing and seeing. It is not a matter of believing, as shown in the Buddhist scriptures that mention the person who has done the truth to inform that " Dhammacakşu (eyes that see the Dhamma without dust and uncleanness) has arisen." His Royal Highness Prince-Patriach Vajirañãnavarorasa made it manifest during the 17 years publication of Dhammacakşu magazine (1894-1911). It is an incomparable contribution to Thai Buddhists.