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An Analytical Study of Process of Learning in Theravada Buddhism (๒๐๐๕)
Researcher : Phramaha Pongnarin ⎡hitava∝so Monboonliang date : 21/08/2010
Degree : พุทธศาสตรมหาบัณฑิต(พระพุทธศาสนา)
Committee :
  Phra Methiratanadilok
  Assoc. Prof. Dr.Natthapong Charoenpit
  Asst. Prof Dr.Parichart Suwanbubbha
Graduate : 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 Buddhas??san?? 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, Satipah??na practice and the four-fold purification of virtue (4-P??risuddhis?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).
     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-Indriy??ni) i.e. saddh?? (wise faith), viriya (effort), sati (mindfulness), sam??dhi (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 Yonisomanasik??ra (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.

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