An Analytical Study of Process of Learning in Theravada Buddhism

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An Analytical Study of Process of Learning in Theravada Buddhism AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF PROCESS OF LEARNING IN THERAVADA BUDDHISM Phramaha Pongnarin ⎡hitava∝so Monboonliang A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of The Requirement for the Degree of Master of Arts (Buddhist Studies) The International Master Degree Program Graduate School Mahachulalongkornrajavidayalaya University Bangkok, Thailand B.E.2548 ISBN 974-364-369-9 i The Graduate School, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, has approved this thesis as a part of education according to its curriculum of the Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies. ………………………………….. (Phramaha Somjin Sammpao) Dean of Graduate School Thesis Examination Committee: .….………………… Chairperson (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phra Sudhivorayan) .….………………… Member (Phra Methiratanadilok) .….………………… Member (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natthapong Charoenpit) .….………………… Member (Asst. Prof. Dr. Parichart Suwanbubbha) .….………………… Member (Dr. Amnaj Buasiri) Thesis Supervisory Committee: Phra Methiratanadilok Chairperson Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natthapong Charoenpit Member Asst. Prof. Dr. Parichart Suwanbubbha Member ii Thesis Title : An Analytical Study of Process of Learning in Theravada Buddhism Researcher : Phramaha Pongnarin ⎡hitava∝so Monboonliang Degree : Master of Arts (Buddhist Studies) Thesis Supervisory Committee : Phra Methiratanadilok Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natthapong Charoenpit Asst. Prof. Dr. Parichart Suwanbubbha Date of Graduation : 27 September 2005 Abstract The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the process of learning according to Theravada Buddhism for providing the most excellent holistic education systematically. This work begins with a study and analysis of the Buddha’s teaching from Tipitaka, commentaries and other related Pali cannons. The findings reflect the unique characteristic of Buddhism or Buddhassan as the perfect holistic education or holistic human development. The study also provides the complete picture of Wholistic Buddhist Education (WBE) with details about the main principles of learning and the consequent learning processes both in mundane and supramundane levels. The significant core of WBE is Tisikkh. Tisikkh is the main learning principle of all levels. At the top of WBE, the Noble Eight-fold Path is the supreme Tisikkh, which is analyzed as the Top Model of learning process or Real Education. The mundane eight-fold path or the progressive process of Insight Practice is the intermediate Tisikkh or the prerequisite learning process of the Noble Eight-fold Path, which is analyzed as progressive or intermediate education. To bring about progressive education, Satipa↑↑hna practice and the four-fold purification of virtue (4-Prisuddhis×la) is needed as elementary education. At the foundation of WBE, the general Dhamma practices e.g. theoretical Buddhist education, meritorious activities according to various Dhamma principles, basic disciplines such as the five precepts, and Buddhist rituals and ceremonies are grouped together and considered as Tisikkh in general or preliminary education. The whole picture of WBE and multiple levels of Tisikkh are presented graphically as Dhamma-cetiya (the stupa of Dhamma). iii The process of learning according to the Noble Eight-fold Path and the mundane eight-fold path is considered as the ideal Top Model. The learning process arises and is conducted by the five learning faculties (5-Indriyni) i.e. saddh (wise faith), viriya (effort), sati (mindfulness), samdhi (concentration) and pa (wisdom). These five learning faculties are the main learning factors running throughout the entire process both in mundane and supramundane levels. Therefore, various learning activities and practices in preliminary and elementary education cultivate and enrich these five learning factors. The simplified model of WBE and the learning process centers on the principle of Tisikkh, which is composed of four significant steps: (1) Kaly⎞amitta as external initiating factor (2) Preparing external supporting factors such as Paratoghosa (proper teachings), which could induce the new learner to possess the internal learning factors, Saddh (wise faith) and Yonisomanasikra (process of wise attention and reflection) (3) The integral learning process according to the principle of Tisikkh is functioning as a way of life. These three steps are repeated as the learner progresses until the perfect holistic human development is accomplished. (4) The fully developed human is the output and takes the roll of the external initiating factor as a new Kaly⎞amitta for initiating the chain-reaction process of educating others. This simplified WBE model is applied in daily life, tradition and culture, and academic education in schools. The fieldwork study in a selected Vithee-Buddha (VB) (Buddhist oriented) school shows that the model of WBE could be implemented and applied in schools and should be extended to the other 18,000 VB schools. These schools would lead the fundamental triad-structure of Thai society (Houses-Temples- Schools) to work, learn and develop together. They could cultivate the “Loving-kindness Culture” and “Wisdom-seeking Culture” to enable all Thai people to live together peacefully again as a community of good friends through solving the root of discrimination. The applications to Thai education in VB schools are not only an educational innovation, but also a hopeful solution to the social problems and crisis at the root cause, and especially, authentic sustainable development of Thailand. iv Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammsambuddhassa Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammsambuddhassa Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammsambuddhassa Acknowledgements This thesis is submitted to the Graduate School of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Buddhist Studies. I would like to express my profound gratefulness to the University for financial scholarship of the course work, to the Most Venerable Phra Thepsophon, the rector, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phra Sudhivorayan, the vice rector of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, for establishing and supporting the International Programme in Buddhist Studies. It is my sacred duty to express profound gratitude to my Upajjhya, the Most Venerable Phra Visudhadhibodi, the abbot of Wat Suthatthepwararam, and Phra Ajahn Rattana Rattanayano, my meditation master, who taught and looked after me like my father and mother in Dhamma. I am also greatly indebted to the Most Venerable Phra Brahmagunabhorn (P.A. Payutto), the Most Venerable Phra Thepsophon and Phra Ajahn Jayasaro Bhikkhu for inspiring me to study Buddhist Education and its application in academic schools. Much of their work provides extensive and profound knowledge concerning Buddhism and Education. I would like to express my gratitude to Phra Methiratanadilok, the Chairman of my thesis supervisory committee, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natthapong Charoenpit and Asst. Prof. Dr. Parichart Suwanbubbha, my thesis supervisory committee, for their generous and most helpful advice. I also would like to express my special gratitude to Ajahn Vinai U. Sivakul, my Abhidhamma teacher, who taught and advised me with his most valuable knowledge until the last days of his life. My sincere thanks go to Ven. Phramaha Somjin Sammpao, Ven. Phra Suthithammanuwat, and other teachers and officers of the International programme, Graduate School, for offering various helpful services and advice. I am also sincerely grateful to all my teachers at Wat Suthatthepwararam who taught Pali studies and Dhamma studies, which are the foundation for doing this thesis. v My thanks are also due to Mrs. Bupaswat Rachatatanun, the permit holder of Thawsi school including other administrators, teachers and student’s parents of Thawsi school and other VB schools, who gave me useful information and services. I am thankful to Dr. Pirach Susansuk and Dr. Banjerdporn Susansuk, the main cooperators of the VBS project, Ministry of Education, for providing me with the opportunity of joining the VBS project. I am also sincerely grateful to all my classmates, the first batch of students of the International program, who helped and inspired each other, especially, Phra Kittisak ⎡hitisampanno who has provided worthy advice about the Vinaya and monkhood; Mrs. Sudarat Bantaokul for her encouragement to my endeavor in this work; and Mr. Alexander Willis for his great help to edit this thesis. I also would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Adisai Kawvattana, who was behind the success of the programme, for his great sacrifice to encourage and nurture us, the first class. I am also profoundly thankful to Mr. Nijchaboon Caruprakarn who sacrificed his time to support me studying in this program as my Veyyvaccakara (monk’s attendant) for five years. Finally, I must also express great thankfulness to my father and mother, the most important and valuable persons in my life, my elder and younger sisters, and other relatives for their sincere support and encouragement in my way of a bhikkhu’s life. Whatever benefits or meritorious wholesomeness this work might bring about, may all acknowledged persons and all sentient beings share and progress on the path of Wholistic Buddhist Education. Phramaha Pongnarin ⎡hitava∝so August, 2005 vi List of Abbreviations Sources:1 A. A≡guttaranikya AA. A≡guttaranikya↑↑hakatha (Manorathap⎝ran×) Ap. Apadna Khuddakanikya D. D×ghanikya DA. D×ghanikya↑↑hakatha (Suma≡galavilsin×) Dh. Dhammapada Khuddakanikya DhA. Dhammapada↑↑hakath It. Itivuttaka Khuddakanikya ItA. Itivuttakava⎞⎞a⎞ (Paramatthad×pan×) Kh. Khuddakap↑ha Khuddakanikya KhA.
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