Buddhist Wisdom in a Changing World

Dhammadhara Journal, Volume 23, presents thirteen academic and research articles that reflect the breadth and vitality of contemporary Buddhist Studies. Collectively, these contributions span a wide range of scholarly fields, including scriptural studies, Vinaya, Pali literature, Palm-leaf manuscripts, Inscriptions and Archaeological evidence, Philosophical inquiry, Meditation practice, Moral development among youth, Healthcare and Well-being, and Mindful preparation for the final stage of life.

When considered together, these articles demonstrate that Buddhism is far more than an intellectual heritage inherited from the past. Rather, it constitutes a living foundation of wisdom capable of offering profound insights into contemporary life, society, and the world. This volume may therefore be read as an intellectual journey of Buddhist wisdom—from its scriptural and historical foundations, through philosophical interpretation and mental cultivation, to its practical application in addressing human challenges within an increasingly dynamic and rapidly changing world.

Among the contributions that open new avenues for philosophical reflection is “The Paradox of Relativity in the Process of Becoming: Distinguishing Relation, Relativism, and Relativity in Buddhist Philosophy-Science Literature.” This article explores the relationship between Buddhist philosophy and contemporary science by carefully distinguishing the concepts of relativity, relativism, and the Buddhist principle of specific conditionality. In doing so, it demonstrates that although Buddhism explains the world as a process of continual transformation, it does not confine reality solely to the domain of phenomenal relations, but also points toward a dimension of truth that transcends conditioned existence.

With respect to meditation practice, “Dynamics of Knowledge Development and Strategic Practice in Rising-Falling Meditation: A Model Synthesis from Tanang Lenang 60th Anniversary Meditation Center, Chiang Mai Province” and “A Study of Brightness from Āloka in Meditation Practices According to Theravāda Buddhist Scriptures” together broaden our understanding of contemplative practice through two complementary perspectives. The former demonstrates that Vipassanā practice can be systematically developed, transmitted, and managed as an academic body of knowledge, while the latter investigates the role of Āloka (brightness) in meditative development, from its function in overcoming the hindrances to its significance in the cultivation of higher knowledge and the attainment of enlightenment.

Similarly, “A Mindfulness-Equanimity Innovation for Reducing Defilements in Daily Life Based on the Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta” and “Mindful Awareness and Treatment Adherence in Relation to Health Behavior Self-Regulation among Patients with Non-Communicable Diseases” illustrate that mindfulness extends well beyond the formal setting of meditation practice. Instead, it can be developed as an effective means of supporting everyday life, promoting healthy behavioral regulation, and enabling individuals to live wisely and harmoniously with chronic illness.

In the dimension of life and death, “The Development of a Buddhist-Integrated Activity Model for Mindful Preparation before Death in Older Adults” represents an important contribution to the well-being of ageing societies. By integrating the Threefold Training (Tisikkhā) and the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhāna) with contemporary medical and psychological knowledge, the study proposes a systematic approach that enables older adults to confront death with greater understanding, reduced fear, and enhanced preparedness across physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions.

With regard to ethics and human development, “Deriving Lessons from the Effects of Pānātipātā According to the Law of Karma in the Perspective of Buddhist Teachings” connects the Buddhist doctrine of karma and the consequences of taking life with the contemporary problem of violence in society. By proposing the PĀNA Model as a conceptual framework for communication and behavioral transformation, the study demonstrates how Buddhist teachings may be effectively translated into practical ethical education. Likewise, “Developing a Comprehensive Model for Fostering Ethical
Values in Secondary Schooling Through Active Learning” presents an innovative approach to cultivating ethical values among upper secondary students through Active Learning, transforming Buddhist moral principles into concrete and experiential learning processes within the educational system.

In the fields of scriptural studies, Pali literature, and Vinaya, “Yāgu in the Pali Canon: Significance and Vinaya Regulations” illustrates the subtlety of the Vinaya and the monastic way of life through the seemingly simple subject of Yāgu. The study demonstrates that this traditional food carries important implications for monastic discipline, well-being, and the relationship between the monastic community and lay supporters. Meanwhile, “Expository Work in Pali Literature: Development and Significance” highlights the indispensable role of exegetical literature as a bridge between the Buddha’s teachings and the understanding of later generations, revealing its enduring significance for scriptural interpretation, linguistic scholarship, and the transmission of the Dhamma.

The preservation of Buddhist intellectual heritage is further represented by “A Study of the Palm-Leaf Manuscript ‘Mahākappinavaṇṇanā’ from Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit” through the close examination of a palm-leaf manuscript, the study analyzes orthographic features, establishes its approximate date, and compares it with related literary works. In doing so, it underscores the invaluable contribution of ancient manuscripts as primary sources for reconstructing the literary and intellectual history of Buddhism.

In the historical and cultural dimension, “The Development and Influence of Buddhist Doctrines Reflected in Inscriptions and Dvaravati Boundary Stones in Northeastern Thailand” presents a compelling account of the interaction between Buddhism and local culture through inscriptions, Bai Sema (boundary stones), and sacred landscapes in Northeastern Thailand. The study demonstrates that Buddhism in the Thai cultural sphere has never remained static; rather, it has evolved through successive processes of reception, adaptation, and creative transformation in response to the historical and cultural contexts of local communities.

The volume concludes with “The Concept of Zen’s Non-duality in Japanese Way of Life,” which offers a comparative perspective on Buddhism and Japanese culture through concepts such as Ikigai, Ichigo-Ichie, Kintsugi, and Wabi-Sabi. The study illustrates how Buddhist wisdom may be transformed into both an aesthetic and an ethical framework for everyday living, revealing its profound relevance to contemporary human experience.

Taken together, the thirteen articles in this volume portray Buddhism as a living body of knowledge—one firmly grounded in scriptural traditions and historical foundations while remaining fully capable of engaging with the modern world. Whether in dialogue with science, healthcare, education, ageing societies, ethics, or contemporary culture, the contributions in this issue demonstrate the continuing vitality and adaptability of Buddhist wisdom in addressing the complexities of the present age.

The editorial board sincerely hopes that Volume 23 of Dhammadhara Journal will serve as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, monks, novices, university students, and all those interested in Buddhist Studies. It is our aspiration that the articles published in this volume will contribute not only to further academic inquiry and future research but also to the meaningful application of Buddhist principles in enhancing the quality of individual life and society. Through such endeavors, may the study of Buddhism continue to deepen in scholarly rigor, remain responsive to contemporary realities, and contribute constructively to a world undergoing continual transformation.

Phragrupalad Suvuttanabodhigun
(Somchai Thanavuddho)
29 July 2026
(ĀsāḷhaPūjā Day)