The journal “Dhammadhara,” issue number 19, contains the following 5 articles:
1. The research article titled “Influence of Khomthai Alphabet and Thai Alphabet in Manuscripts of Wat Nonglak, Ubon Ratchathani Province” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Boonchoo Poosri and Team studied palm leaf manuscripts in Wat Nonglak, Ubon Ratchathani Province. It was found that both Khomthai and Thai alphabets, particularly in the colophon section of the scriptures, clearly exert influence. This serves as another example illustrating the influence of political, governmental, and community environments on manuscript inscription practices.
2. The research article titled “Cāturaṅga Sannipāta (2): An Analysis of the Fourfold Assembly Event in Theravāda Buddhist Scripts” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Wilaiporn Sucharitthammakul and Team studied the event of the Fourfold Assembly on Māgha Pūjā Day. This analysis is based on the content of the Majjhima Nikāya Dīghanakha-Sutta Aṭṭhakathā and the Mahāpadāna-Sutta Aṭṭhakathā, comparing it with the content of the canonical scriptures of the Pāli Canon, particularly the Mahāpadāna-Sutta in the Dīghanakha-Sutta. It was found that there is consistency and confirmation of the actual occurrence of this event in the early Buddhist era.
3. The research article titled “The Lineage Transmission of the Tham Script Manuscript of the Pāli Canon: A Case Study from the Vinaya Pitaka, Parajika Section” is by Dr. Suchada Srisetthaworkul who studied 29 bundles of palm leaf manuscripts from the Vinaya Pitaka, specifically the Pārājikakaṇḍa. The study involved comparing the introductory texts of each chapter, the opening and closing texts of each manuscript bundle, and details from the colophon information. It was found that these manuscripts can be classified into 5 sub-groups, each exhibiting distinct characteristics. This classification provides clearer insights into the traces of the lineage transmission of the Tham script manuscripts of the Pāli Canon in the Lanna and Lan Xang kingdoms.
4. The research article titled “Sound: A Tool to Consciousness and Concentration” by Miss Suporn Boonyalapa found that sound can serve as a tool leading to mindfulness and concentration. Various practitioners often engage in prayer recitations using different words, illustrating an intriguing research topic.
5. The research article titled “Huayanjing jinshizizhang: A Philosophical Translation in Thai and New Approach to Understanding Avataṃsaka” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Nipon Sasipanudej translates the aforementioned scripture from Classical Chinese into Thai, alongside analyzing the philosophical concepts of Avataṃsaka, particularly concerning the topic of “Śūnyatā.” This facilitates a better understanding of the philosophical doctrines of Avataṃsaka, a significant school within Mahayana Buddhism.
Thailand has been acclaimed by many as a center of Buddhism in the present era. To truly live up to this accolade, it is essential to elevate the standards of Buddhist studies in Thailand to a global academic level. This includes researching Theravāda Buddhism as well as the concepts of other Buddhist sects. The Dhammadhara Journal is dedicated to serving as an academic platform that fully supports the dissemination of high-quality Buddhist studies and research. We hope to receive your valuable support and guidance as readers and knowledgeable individuals, as always.
Phragrupalad Suvuttanabodhigun
(Somchai Thanavuddho)
20 July 2024
Asalha Puja Day
1. The research article titled “Influence of Khomthai Alphabet and Thai Alphabet in Manuscripts of Wat Nonglak, Ubon Ratchathani Province” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Boonchoo Poosri and Team studied palm leaf manuscripts in Wat Nonglak, Ubon Ratchathani Province. It was found that both Khomthai and Thai alphabets, particularly in the colophon section of the scriptures, clearly exert influence. This serves as another example illustrating the influence of political, governmental, and community environments on manuscript inscription practices.
2. The research article titled “Cāturaṅga Sannipāta (2): An Analysis of the Fourfold Assembly Event in Theravāda Buddhist Scripts” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Wilaiporn Sucharitthammakul and Team studied the event of the Fourfold Assembly on Māgha Pūjā Day. This analysis is based on the content of the Majjhima Nikāya Dīghanakha-Sutta Aṭṭhakathā and the Mahāpadāna-Sutta Aṭṭhakathā, comparing it with the content of the canonical scriptures of the Pāli Canon, particularly the Mahāpadāna-Sutta in the Dīghanakha-Sutta. It was found that there is consistency and confirmation of the actual occurrence of this event in the early Buddhist era.
3. The research article titled “The Lineage Transmission of the Tham Script Manuscript of the Pāli Canon: A Case Study from the Vinaya Pitaka, Parajika Section” is by Dr. Suchada Srisetthaworkul who studied 29 bundles of palm leaf manuscripts from the Vinaya Pitaka, specifically the Pārājikakaṇḍa. The study involved comparing the introductory texts of each chapter, the opening and closing texts of each manuscript bundle, and details from the colophon information. It was found that these manuscripts can be classified into 5 sub-groups, each exhibiting distinct characteristics. This classification provides clearer insights into the traces of the lineage transmission of the Tham script manuscripts of the Pāli Canon in the Lanna and Lan Xang kingdoms.
4. The research article titled “Sound: A Tool to Consciousness and Concentration” by Miss Suporn Boonyalapa found that sound can serve as a tool leading to mindfulness and concentration. Various practitioners often engage in prayer recitations using different words, illustrating an intriguing research topic.
5. The research article titled “Huayanjing jinshizizhang: A Philosophical Translation in Thai and New Approach to Understanding Avataṃsaka” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Nipon Sasipanudej translates the aforementioned scripture from Classical Chinese into Thai, alongside analyzing the philosophical concepts of Avataṃsaka, particularly concerning the topic of “Śūnyatā.” This facilitates a better understanding of the philosophical doctrines of Avataṃsaka, a significant school within Mahayana Buddhism.
Thailand has been acclaimed by many as a center of Buddhism in the present era. To truly live up to this accolade, it is essential to elevate the standards of Buddhist studies in Thailand to a global academic level. This includes researching Theravāda Buddhism as well as the concepts of other Buddhist sects. The Dhammadhara Journal is dedicated to serving as an academic platform that fully supports the dissemination of high-quality Buddhist studies and research. We hope to receive your valuable support and guidance as readers and knowledgeable individuals, as always.
Phragrupalad Suvuttanabodhigun
(Somchai Thanavuddho)
20 July 2024
Asalha Puja Day
Published: 2024-07-31