Thit̩ṭ̄hṭhạm mi kạtt̄h prayochn 4 : Promotion of Buddhist Art

Abstract

This academic article entitled ‘Diṭṭhadhammikattha 4: A Promotion of Buddhist Art’, assumes that Buddhist art is an expression of art integrated with Buddhism reflected in the structure and form of buildings within temples such as temples, viharas, pagodas, cubicles, pavilions, etc. Buddhist art and culture represent the teaching of virtue, ethics through art works, hence Buddhist arts still influentially provide values and benefits that should be preserved. The benefits of Buddhist art are: 1) Buddhist art is Utthāna sampadā or social heritage that should be preserved and developed. It is a religious culture and way of life of people in society as a remembering symbol, a cultural value given to people in society, 2) Buddhist art is Ārakkhasampadā or an environment that has always maintained with Buddhist temples. It is an important virtuous tools used to teach morals and ethics to people as well in which the relationship between Buddhist temples and most Thai people has been obviously seen, 3) Buddhist art is Kalyanamitttatā which is an important foundation of Thai society, like a tradition, as like the way of life, encouraging learning, impression, and appreciation. It is important factor that can build national identity and security, 4) Buddhist art is Samajivitā or the art guides the knowledge, understanding of truth of nature and life, based on beliefs, philosophy and teaching, truth, ethics, and natural law based on Buddhism which can be applied for the best benefits to oneself and society.

For promoting Buddhist art according to the 4 Diṭṭhadhammikattha, the concerned person or agencies must know diligence (Uṭṭhānas̄ạmpadā),  maintenance (Ārakkhasampadā ā) or knowing to proper and existing use, knowing the benefits  of whatever one has (Kalyanamitttatā),  making the most of what is available, the diligent commitment to be a good role model (Samajivitā) for the next generation or those who inherit the precepts, culture and maintain Buddhism, so one must know how to make use of it for individual and public. This implementation will create an opportunity for individual progress, as well as the public benefits for the nation as a whole.