In this volume of Dhammadhara Journal the readers will find many interesting research articles as follows:

The article “Epigraphy in Middle Indo-Arayan Languages: An Overview and Previous Studies” is a translation by Ms. Arunothai Onphum and Dr. Chakrit Laemmuang of a part of a book written in German called Das ältere Mittelindisch im Überblick by Oskar von Hinüber, a world renowned expert in Indology who studied Middle Indo-Arayan languages and inscriptions on artifacts like columns, copper plate, coins, and seals made from different materials such as stone, metal, tree bark, wood, and clay. The article gives many references to other studies that readers can use to find further information. It also expands the focus and scope of epigraphy research in Thailand beyond the frequently studied Asoka inscriptions. Altogether, the translation allows other researchers without knowledge of German language to understand this valuable research article of masterpiece quality and its methodology. The insights given by the translators make this a good example of a translated article.

The research article “An Analysis of the Colophon of Palm-Leaf Manuscripts of Wat Mahathat, Yasothon Province” is by Phramaha Nantawat Dhammanando and Dr. Phatthida Raeangthon. They conducted a research analysis on 93 colophons of palm-leaf manuscripts, uncovering the perspective of the manuscripts’ creators, their intents and objectives, and the places where the manuscripts were made, illustrating the many reasons for making palm leaf manuscript in Isarn, the North-Eastern part of Thailand.

The research article “Kāśyapa-Mātaṅga: Translation and Annotations of his biography in Gaoseng zhuan” by Dr. Maythee Pitakteeradham and Team has translated the biography of Kāśyapa-Mātaṅga, who is believed to be the first Buddhist Indian monk who traveled to China. The team not only translated the monk’s life story from Chinese into Thai but also analyzed the wording used in original Chinese text in great detail using a wide variety of reference documents that shows the readers the research practices in analyzing ancient Chinese texts, something that is new to the circle of academic studies of Buddhism in Thailand.

The research article “An Integration of Buddhism in order to Create Values in accordance with Suvarnabhumi in the Case of Wat Phra Pathom Chedi” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Somboon Watana and Team trace the history of the Wat Phra Pathom Chedi from the very beginning and its role and relationship to surrounding communities, as well as its influence and contribution to the present-day education system and Sangha administrative system at provincial and regional levels.

The article “The Rot Nam Daeng Copy of the Palm-Leaf Manuscript entitled Samantakūṭavaṇṇanā in the Reign of KingRama II: A Study of the Palm-Leaf Manuscript and A Review of the Printed Edition of the Pāli Text Society” by Phramaha Kaweesak Wapeekunlaset and Asst. Prof. Dr. Natchapol Sirisawad demonstrates the importance of original palm leaf text as a reference in suggesting the most accurate wording to be adopted in the later printed edition in many cases. Although there are many printed editions of Buddhist texts circulating around at present, the study of original palm leaf text is still necessary.

It is evident that many articles in this volume focus heavily on the research and analysis of ancient texts, which is currently insufficient within the circle of the academic studies of Buddhism in Thailand. It is our hope to take part in the movement to improve academic research standards in this field in Thailand.

Phragrupalad Suvattanabodhigun
(Somchai Thanavuddho)
1 January 2023
New Year’s Day