Digital Innovation for learning the Principles of Dharma through the Buddhist Characteristics of the Dvaravati period Buddha Statues

Abstract

This article has three objectives: 1) to study the value of Buddhist principles through the characteristics of Buddha statues from the Dvaravati period, and 2) to create and disseminate a digital innovation for learning Buddhist principles through the characteristics of Buddha statues from the Dvaravati period. It is qualitative research conducted through in-depth interviews with 13 key informants to create a documentary video titled "Gateway to Dvaravati" comprising one episode lasting 15 minutes, which was trialed with 30 people, presenting the core content of Buddhist principles through the characteristics of Buddha statues from the Dvaravati period in each posture that is popular, in order to promote the dissemination of digital innovations.

The research results show that:
1. The principles of Dharma reflected through the Buddha statues of the Dvaravati period include: 1) The Buddha in the Mara Victory posture representing Right Thought, 2) The Buddha in the Meditation posture representing the Four Noble Truths and Dependent Origination, 3) The Buddha in the Meditation posture under the Naga canopy representing the Brahma Viharas and Right Thought, 4) The Buddha in the First Sermon posture representing the Dhamma that leads to Liberation, the 37 factors of Enlightenment, Dependent Origination, and the Four Noble Truths, 5) The Buddha in the Great Miraculous posture representing Ultimate Truth, 6) The Buddha in the descent from the Heaven of the 33 Gods posture representing the Four Bases of Success, 7) The Buddha standing above Phanasabadi representing the Dhamma that leads to Liberation, 8) The Buddha in the Bestowing Blessings posture representing the Many Teachings, which can be categorized into four values: (1) Moral teachings (2) Aspects of the mind (3) Art and culture, and (4) Social life and conduct.

2. The overall assessment results of digital innovation show that the audience is very satisfied, with an average score of 4.68, which is at the highest level of satisfaction. When considering individual items, it was found that the digital innovation for learning about the principles of Buddhism through the characteristics of Buddha statues from the Dvaravati period is highly appropriate for disseminating Buddhism, with an average score of 4.82, which is the highest level. Following this, the documentary narration titled 'Gateway to the Dvaravati Port' is also highly appropriate for public dissemination, serving as a teaching media that reflects significant events in Buddhist history with a variety of principles, earning an average score of 4.79, which is at the highest level of satisfaction. The item with the lowest average score is the illustrations in the documentary, which scored 4.44, but it still remains at the highest level of satisfaction as well.

The research results have produced new knowledge, creating the 'HAP CD' MODEL. The advantage of this documentary-style digital innovation is that it generates knowledge by integrating technology with Buddhism, helping learners access the principles of Dharma. It emphasizes four values: the aspect of teachings that convey Dharma in an easily understandable way; the mental aspect that promotes peace and faith; the aspect of art and culture which preserves artistic heritage from disappearing; and the social and lifestyle aspect that appropriately connects Dharma with people's lives in a contemporary way.