The Model of Buddhist Studies Curriculum on Tri-Sikkha of Higher Education in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This dissertation purposes as follows: 1) to investigate the Buddhism Studies curriculum of Higher Education in Nakhon Ratchasima province, 2) to study TRI-SIKKHA (the threefold training) in Theravada Buddhism, and 3) to present the model of Buddhist Studies Curriculum on TRI-SIKKHA of Higher Education in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Result indicated that: Buddhist Studies Curriculum were found to be taught in three Higher Education in the bachelor’s degree in Nakhon Ratchasima province as follows; Mahachulalongkorn rajavidyalaya University Nakhon Ratchasima Campus, Mahamakut Buddhist University Mahapajapati Buddhist College, and Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University. In terms of TRI-SIKKHA in Theravada Buddhism, it was found that  TRI-SIKKHA was considered as the root of good behaviors, right actions, and simplicity and well-disciplined for solving problems. TRI-SIKKHA or well-known as Sīla (virtue), Samādhi (concentration), and Paññā (wisdom) was the origin of new initiatives as well as the development of curriculum and all learning process, developing resources in higher education to be economical, appropriate, accurate, and most useful in order to develop the curriculum which full of right and good morals, ethics and culture. Also, it followed FOUR BHÃVANÃS which emphasized on the development in the following four dimensions: 1) physical development, 2) social development, 3) moral development, and 4) wisdom development. In terms of the model of Buddhist Studies curriculum on TRI-SIKKHA, it was found that the model of Buddhist Studies curriculum on TRI-SIKKHA was the new knowledge body towards Higher Education in Nakhon Ratchasima province which overed four dimensions of BHÃVANÃS. It helped Higher Education in Nakhon Ratchasima rovince have Buddhist Studies Curriculum that was in accordance with TRI-SIKKHA which was the main principle. In addition, the model also appropriately applied the main principle into learning management in Higher Education which became useful for other Higher Education that allocated the Buddhist studies curriculum on TRI-SIKKHA. It was also a useful guideline for learning management of students, lecturers, university, and the nation in the future.