Journal of Paramita

Book Review of "Buddhadhamma" by Phra Brahmagunabhorn (P.A. Payutto)

Phramaha Patipan Suppatipanno (Boonprakom) — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The book Buddhadhamma is an immensely valuable work in disseminating the teachings of the Buddha to contemporary audiences. It excels in making Dhamma principles accessible and easy to understand, offering practical approaches that can be applied in everyday life, and encouraging readers to cultivate themselves along the path of the Dhamma. This book is not merely a source of Buddhist knowledge; it also serves as a tool that empowers individuals to lead lives of greater morality and inner peace.

Although there are certain areas that could be further developed, Buddhadhamma remains a significant and beneficial contribution to society and to individuals in the modern world.

Analysis of the concept of Parami in Mahayana Buddhism

Wiriya Supphaprasit — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article studies and analyzes the concept of Parami practice in Mahayana Buddhism, in which Parami or Paramita is a core teaching or the heart of Mahayana Buddhism. After the split between Theravada and Mahayana sects after the passing of the Buddha, there were different interpretations and practices. In Mahayana Buddhism, it is believed that every human being has Bodhicitta, which is a mind that is determined to help all beings escape from suffering. If there is a determination through the practice of the ten perfections (10 Paramitas), which are the tools to achieve the highest spiritual goal called "the other shore", namely, Giving, Morality, Kashana, Energy, Dhyana, Wisdom, Upayakaosalya, Determination, Strength and Jhana, which the Bodhisattva must practice from the true determination to reach each level, it shows the development and practice of the Bodhisattva's perfections at each level until reaching enlightenment. Therefore, if we analyze the profound practice of perfections in Mahayana Buddhism from the Bodhicitta that has the determination to help others or benefit society before self-benefit, it is a useful life by eliminating conflicts both internally (the practitioner's mind) and externally (aiming to eliminate and eliminate the suffering of all beings), it is not a life that aims to gain personal benefits or happiness. Which is the essence of the concept of practicing paramis in Mahayana Buddhism.

Book Review of What Makes You Not a Buddhist Written by: Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Translated by: Rawiwan Chomchalao

Phra Phakpoom Jayanando (Chuthongratana) — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Book Review of What Makes You Not a Buddhist by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, translated by Rawiwan Chomchalao. This book focuses on clarifying the essence of Buddhism and its core teachings through the lens of the ?Four Seals of Dharma,? which include impermanence, suffering, non-self, and nirvana as a state beyond conceptualization. Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse argues that being a Buddhist is not merely about being peaceful or non-violent, but about understanding and accepting the natural conditions of all compounded phenomena, and relinquishing attachment to the self.

In this book, Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse offers drops of Dharma?rare and much-needed insights?for readers seeking truth. As the Buddhas have taught, anyone who truly drinks these drops of Dharma and follows the Buddha?s teachings may indeed be considered a Buddhist. The author helps illuminate common misconceptions in practicing Buddhism and guides readers toward experiencing the profound essence of the Buddha's teachings.

Analytical Study of Educational System: Problems and Development Approaches towards Desired Education

Arisa Saisrikoso, Manatsawee Monpannawatthana — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article is to study the Thai education system in terms of problems and desirable approaches to educational development. From the study, it is found that Thai educational philosophy is classified into 4 eras: 1) the Sukhothai period to the early Rattanakosin period, 2) the era of educational improvement during the reign of King Rama V, 3) the era before the change of the regime, and 4) the era after the change of the regime. These four eras are considered to be differences in Thai educational philosophy, especially in the 4^th era which is characterized by modern education according to progressivism, existentialism, and analytical philosophy. If compared with the wave of change, this 4^th era is considered to be the 5^th wave which is the study of the era of globalization or the 21^st century. Hence, it will be seen that from after the regime change onwards. The Thai government has established National Education Plans which are currently in 10^th version. These plans require the development of the education system in many areas, especially the establishment of the 2008 Basic Education Core Curriculum which specifies desirable education. There are 8 characteristics of students. The organization of education at every level has to take into account these characteristics. However, the organization of the Thai education system has problems that can be summarized into 3 areas: 1) the policy, 2) the operator, 3) the educational system. This is because of the rapid progress and changes in information technology make educational personnel, including students and parents being unable to use the advancement of information technology in education in a thorough and equitable manner. As a result, the overall problem is the problem of inequality in education. The approaches to solving these problems can be summarized into 2 approaches: 1) policy and 2) cooperation in solving problems. The knowledge discovered from this article is to obtain a problematic conceptual framework and a desirable approach to educational development based on the ideas of the 4^th era of Thai educational philosophy which is linked to the era of globalization.

Book Review of Thai Education Today: Time to Rethink, Think Big, and Act Now

Phuriphat Khrueatang — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Thai education today requires rethinking, bold action, and immediate implementation to address the challenges and rapid changes of the modern world. 1. Curriculum Reform: Update curricula to be relevant and responsive to future needs, emphasizing essential skills such as digital literacy and critical thinking. 2. Teacher Quality Development: Enhance teachers? knowledge and skills to stay current and utilize modern technologies effectively. 3. Promotion of Lifelong Learning: Create opportunities for skill and knowledge development for all age groups. 4. Integration of Educational Technology: Employ technology to improve teaching and learning efficiency and expand access to quality education. 5. Fostering Motivation and Creativity: Encourage activities that stimulate creativity and present meaningful challenges for learners. 6. Ensuring Equal Access to Education: Reform the education system to guarantee equitable access for everyone.

These changes are essential to raise the quality of education and to prepare students for an unpredictable and fast-changing future.