I. Planning Ideas
(1) Research on the Doctrines and Practices of Theravada Buddhism
- Doctrinal Interpretation: Delve into the core doctrines of Theravada Buddhism, such as the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and dependent origination. Analyze how these doctrines are articulated and interpreted in Theravada Buddhist scriptures and how they guide the daily lives and spiritual practices of followers.
- Practices: Focus on the practices of Theravada Buddhism, including meditation, precept – keeping, and almsgiving. Examine the methods of meditation, such as the steps, experiences, and goals of concentration and insight meditation. Analyze the role of precepts in the monastic community and society and explore how almsgiving is practiced and its significance in the lives of Theravada Buddhists.
(2) Research on the History and Culture of Theravada Buddhism
- Historical Development: Trace the historical spread of Theravada Buddhism from India to Southeast Asian countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Analyze the routes, characteristics, and influencing factors of its development in different historical periods.
- Cultural Integration: Investigate the interaction and integration of Theravada Buddhism with local cultures and religions. Explore how Buddhism has combined with traditional religions and cultural customs in Southeast Asia to form unique Buddhist cultural phenomena, such as Buddhist festivals, rituals, and art.
(3) Research on the Relationship between Theravada Buddhism and Society
- Social Impact: Analyze the role and influence of Theravada Buddhism in society, including its effects on social morality, education, culture, and politics. Study the functions of Buddhist temples in communities, such as providing education, social welfare, and cultural heritage.
- Modern Adaptation: Explore how Theravada Buddhism adapts to the challenges of globalization and modernization in contemporary society, such as the challenges of religious pluralism and the impact of social changes on Buddhist practices.
(4) Comparative Research between Theravada Buddhism and Other Buddhist Traditions
- Doctrinal Comparison: Compare the doctrines of Theravada Buddhism with other Buddhist traditions like Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. Analyze the similarities and differences in the understanding and interpretation of core Buddhist concepts.
- Practical Exchange: Study the exchanges and interactions between Theravada Buddhism and other Buddhist traditions. Explore the mutual influences and borrowings between different traditions. Promote understanding and dialogue between different Buddhist traditions through comparative research.
(5) Research on the Literature of Theravada Buddhism
- Literature Collection: Extensively collect Pali scriptures, commentaries, historical documents, and other literature related to Theravada Buddhism. Establish a database of Theravada Buddhist literature.
- Literature Research: Organize, translate, and study Theravada Buddhist literature. Analyze its content, structure, and ideas to provide a solid literary foundation for the research of Theravada Buddhism.
II. Introduction to Theravada Buddhism Research
(1) Research Objectives
Theravada Buddhism research aims to thoroughly explore the doctrines, history, culture, and social impact of Theravada Buddhism. It seeks to promote a comprehensive understanding of Theravada Buddhism. By studying its doctrines, practices, history, and culture, and its relationship with society, the research aims to reveal the unique value and contemporary significance of Theravada Buddhism. Additionally, through comparative research with other Buddhist traditions, it promotes exchanges and dialogue between different Buddhist traditions and advances the in – depth development of Buddhist studies.
(2) Research Content
- Doctrines and Practices: In – depth research on the core doctrines and spiritual practices of Theravada Buddhism and their significance in the lives of followers.
- History and Culture: Tracing the historical development of Theravada Buddhism and its integration with the cultures of Southeast Asian countries.
- Social Relations: Analyzing the role of Theravada Buddhism in society and its adaptation to modern challenges.
- Comparative Studies: Comparing Theravada Buddhism with other Buddhist traditions to foster understanding and dialogue.
- Literary Studies: Organizing and studying Theravada Buddhist literature to support research.
(3) Research Methods
- Literature Review: Systematically collect and analyze Theravada Buddhist literature using literary methods.
- Field Research: Conduct field surveys and interviews in communities and monasteries of Theravada Buddhists to understand their practices.
- Comparative Analysis: Use comparative analysis to compare Theravada Buddhism with other traditions and highlight its characteristics.
- Interdisciplinary Research: Combine theories and methods from religious studies, history, cultural studies, and sociology for comprehensive research.
(4) Expected Outcomes
Social Impact: Enhance public understanding and appreciation of Theravada Buddhism, fostering respect and inclusiveness for Buddhist culture in society.
Academic Contributions: Publish papers, books, and reports on Theravada Buddhism research to provide new perspectives and findings in Buddhist studies.
Talent Development: Train professionals in Theravada Buddhism research to ensure the continuous development of the field.
Cultural Exchange: Promote exchanges and dialogue between Theravada Buddhism and other traditions through research, contributing to the spread and development of Buddhist culture.