An Integrated Buddhist Approach to Merit-Naking Through Online Media

Abstract

This research article has three objectives: (1) to study the Buddhist approach to merit-making through material giving (āmisadāna), (2) to examine the Buddhist principles that support merit-making through social media, and (3) to propose an integrated Buddhist approach to online merit-making. This study employed qualitative field research, collecting data from documents and conducting in-depth interviews with 18 key informants. The research instrument was an in-depth interview form, and the data were analyzed and presented through descriptive analysis.

The findings reveal that online merit-making enables Buddhists to access religious activities, Dhamma dissemination, and charitable donations with greater convenience, speed, and transparency. This accessibility contributes to the development of morality, ethics, and social responsibility. The supporting Buddhist principles for online merit-making include the Four Brahmavihāras and the Four Saṅgahavatthus, which help cultivate pure intention and moral awareness. Online merit-making thus becomes a tool for fostering virtue and serves as a foundation for developing a digital-era merit-making system.  The study proposes the D-O-R-S Model as a framework for enhancing online merit-making: 1.Donor – the giver with pure intention,2.Online Platform – online channels or social media,3.Recipient – the receiver who upholds moral discipline and uses resources properly, and 4.Supporting Principles – doctrines that ensure genuine merit and benefit for the donor, the recipient, and society.