The 20th issue of Dhammadhara Journal has undergone several improvements and developments, including changing the publication format from print to online and updating the cover design, logo, and journal abbreviations. These changes were made following recommendations from the Thai Journal Citation Index Center (TCI) to align with international journal standards.

        This issue contains five articles, as follows:
        1. The research article titled “An Analytical Study of Buddha’s Characteristics in Suttas of Pali Tipiṭaka” by Phramaha Uthai Padthapim and Asst. Prof. Dr. Sompornnuch Tansrisook is a paper with clear content, offering a detailed and in-depth analysis of the Buddha’s qualities, surpassing previous research. It presents Pali evidence from the Tipiṭaka and provides new knowledge to the academic community.

        2. The research article titled “Synthesis of Articles about Bhikkhunis in Thai Journals Online (ThaiJo) from 2003-2023” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Montree Sirarojananan and Mr. Apirak Namwicha found that articles on bhikkhunis generally focus on two distinct points: 1. Reform-oriented articles aiming for societal acceptance of bhikkhuni ordination, and 2. Conservative articles that reject the acceptance of Theravada bhikkhunis in Thailand, arguing that the lineage of Theravada bhikkhuni ordination has been broken. The issue of bhikkhunis remains unresolved and is unlikely to gain acceptance from the Sangha Supreme Council in the near future.

        3. The research article titled “A Conceptual Synthesis of the Relationship between Inner Peace and Social Peace for Sustainable Peace” by Dr. Suchada Thongmalai examines how the human mind, composed of three types of mental states — wholesome qualities (Kusala-dhamma), unwholesome qualities (Akusala-dhamma) such as greed, anger, and delusion, and indeterminate qualities (Abyākata-dhamma) — can cultivate inner peace and contribute to social peace. By practicing the threefold path of generosity (Dāna), moral conduct (Sīla), and meditation (Bhāvanā), wholesome qualities are developed, leading to inner tranquility and fostering sustainable peace in society.

        4. The research article titled “Buddhist Psychology Program of Inner Mind for Self-Directed Learning in Early Childhood” by Dr. Unthika Puvapiromquan integrates concepts from Buddhism and Western scholars to create a program that promotes self-directed learning in early childhood. The program consists of 30 activities and was tested with 30 kindergarten students divided equally into an experimental group and control group. The results showed that the program significantly enhanced the self-directed learning abilities of the children. This finding provides valuable insights for those interested in the development of early childhood learning.

        5. The article titled “Huayanjing jinshizizhang: A Philosophical Translation in Thai and New Approach to Understanding Avataṃsaka (2)” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Nipon Sasipanudej is a continuation of the first translation. The article may be challenging to understand for those unfamiliar with the topic, but with careful reading, it provides an insightful explanation of Svabhāva-Dhamma such as Pratītyasamutpāda from the perspective of the Avataṃsaka Sutra.

        It is hoped that readers will gain knowledge and enjoyment accordingly.

Phragrupalad Suvuttanabodhigun
        (Somchai Thanavuddho)
             12 February 2025
             (Magha Puja Day)