Journal of Buddhist Studies Chulalongkorn University

Article Mudrā : Code of Buddhism

2024-10-03T10:30:29+07:00

This article aims to decode the symbolic gestures embedded in the postures of the Buddha. All Buddhas display symbolic gestures known as “Mudrā,” which is a form of expression using human fingers. These gestures are symbolic movements that convey significant spiritual meanings. The hand gestures are not only religious symbols used to create an aesthetic representation of the Buddha but can also be applied to cultivate mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. It is said among Buddhists that when one practices meditation habitually, they can access the true mental path of the Buddha. Such a person will exhibit slow, gentle, composed movements, embodying full mindfulness, while also being stable and firm. The mindful movements of those with complete awareness form the basis of “Mudrā,” reflecting the gestures of the Buddha and his disciples, who maintain morality, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom in an interconnected chain. These Mudrā

gestures, therefore, conceal the most essential qualities: morality and the cultivation of mindfulness, leading to profound and seamless concentration.

The Equivocal Meanings of “Defunct Action” (Ahosi-Kamma)

2024-12-23T10:27:05+07:00

This article studies the meanings of Defunct Action (Ahosi-Kamma) in equivocal senses; a social belief and a Theravada teaching. As a belief, a defunct action means forgiveness to negative interpersonal relationships and brings hostility to the end. As a Buddhist teaching, a defunct action may mean either such intentional action already bore its fruit or lost its chance to bear fruit. In the case of intentional actions losing their chance to bear fruit, when Abhidhammic doctrines regarding the seventeen momentary minds in a flow of processing consciousness (vithi-citta) and the seven kammic-conditioning momentary minds (javana-vithi-citta) are considered, it is found that a defunct action is possible when we explain the fruit of such intentional action in association with the time of fruit-bearing. An action with intensively intentional force bearing its corresponding fruit immediately can be defunctive if a more powerful condition hinders its causal process. Also, an action with intensively intentional force waiting to bear its corresponding fruit in the nearest future can be defunctive if a more powerful condition hinders its causal process. The most powerful condition that can make intentional actions defunctive is the attainment of Nibbana.

Other, Stranger and Compassion: Moral Changes in Individuals; Interpretation from “Suwanna Sam Jataka”

2024-12-09T14:18:35+07:00

This research article presents an interpretation of the concept of mercy (metta) in Buddhism through two key aspects: (1) What constitutes moral emotions (mercy); and (2) How can we develop moral emotions (mercy) towards others? This involves cultivating mercy within social life, especially when encountering others and strangers, whose cultural backgrounds may be different from, and even conflicting with, ours. The

article first examines components of mercy in Buddhist teachings and in the works of Martha Nussbaum (2001). It then considers the moral transformation in individuals as illustrated in the story of "Suvanna Sama Jataka," interpreted through modern Western and Chinese philosophical concepts. The study finds that mercy in individuals includes both emotional and rational dimensions. Analyzing the Suvanna Sama Jataka story through philosophical lenses reveals that mercy can effect moral change in individuals if they are morally inspired and capable of recognizing and understanding the value and significance of virtues as essential for a good life and society. The steps for developing mercy in individuals are as follows: (1) Recognizing and respecting the otherness of others; (2) Understanding the lives and sufferings of others by exchanging memories or experiences of happiness and suffering through a language of generosity; and (3) Deeply evaluating others' desires within the framework of fairness and flourishing in life. The researcher believes this process can be applied to foster coexistence in a multicultural society.

Buddhist Exegetical Tradition: An Analytical Study on the Development of Pāli Ṭīkā in the Pāli Literature

2024-10-08T08:25:31+07:00

This research aims to provide an analytical study on Pāli Ṭīkā, exploring the historical background of sub-commentaries and its development in the Pāli Literature. This research is carried out with qualitative methodology using library approach, by examining the primary sources such as Pāli Canon, commentaries and sub-commentaries, as well as secondary sources such as journals, articles, and books written by scholars. This study explores the importance of Pāli Ṭīkā as an exegetical tradition that enriches the understanding and preservation of the Buddha’s teaching. The Ṭīkā literature represents a crucial stage in the

development of Pāli Literature. Pāli Ṭīkā plays a significance role in understanding the Buddha’s teaching since it provides detailed explanation and clarification to prevent misinterpretations by the next generations. The development of Ṭīkā literature can be divided into three periods, such as the early period (around 6^th to 11^th centuries) during the latter part of the Anuradhapura period; the medieval period from the late 11^th to 15^th centuries; and the modern period beginning in the 15^th century until present.

The relationship between the manuscripts of the Aṭṭhakesadhātu

2024-11-14T13:39:27+07:00

The Aṭṭhakesadhātu, the once-known story of the installation of 8 strands of the Buddha’s hair relics, has been copied and passed down in several languages and scripts used in Thailand. Despite being surveyed and mentioned in some catalogues, this literature has never been studied even in the simplest aspect. This research, therefore, focusing on all 12 survived witnesses of Aṭṭhakesadhātu in Pali language with Khom script, aims to study the relationship between each manuscript in order to

investigate the recensions of the text. The text in each manuscript is carefully compared word by word to examine the similarities and differences which can be used for indicating the connection between each manuscript and creating the stemmas of the text.

The study finds that, according to the existing manuscripts, two stemmas of the Pali Aṭṭhakesadhātu texts can be assumed. The first stemma has two parallel main branches with many sub-branches underneath each of them. In contrast, the second one can be depicted as a tall tree which gradually grows and changes, with no major branch sharply divided.