Children and adolescents in the Pāli Canon
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Author
Poungpet, Boonmee See all items with this value
Date
2024
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies
Committee
Kuo, Shou-Jen
Shakya, Miroj
Gabriel, Victor
Abstract
This dissertation examines the representations of children and adolescents in the Pāli canon through the lens of child-centered education and aims to fill a significant research gap in the field and develop effective strategies for engaging children with Buddhist principles. Previous studies in this area have been limited and focused on individual sections of the Pāli texts. Bridging this gap is crucial for the development of differentiated pedagogical approaches rooted in Buddhist teachings.
The research methodology is based on a qualitative analysis of canonical Pāli texts and commentaries related to the education of children and adolescents. The study begins with a comprehensive literature review of existing research and scholarship on child-centered education and Buddhist education for children. Then, an inductive thematic analysis is used to identify the main educational themes in the Pāli canon.
The investigation looks at the children’s backgrounds and the Buddha's various teaching approaches, which include strategies and content as presented in the narratives of the Pāli canon. A comparative analysis with the principles of child-centered education provides insights into the nature and effectiveness of Buddhist educational practices. The Buddhist educational framework, summarized in the Eightfold Noble Path (tisikkhā), is intended to promote holistic development leading to nibbāna. The Buddha used various teaching techniques and adapted his approach to the unique interests, backgrounds and circumstances of the children, incorporating methods such as discussion, lecture, hands-on learning and reflective practice.
A comparative analysis reveals both similarities and differences between Buddhist education and child-centered education. Both emphasize holistic development and active engagement in learning and recognize the role of the teacher as a facilitator. However, while child-centered education allows learners autonomy in subject choice, Buddhist education emphasizes the cultivation of inner qualities such as mindfulness and compassion to alleviate suffering, as opposed to professional success.
The research methodology is based on a qualitative analysis of canonical Pāli texts and commentaries related to the education of children and adolescents. The study begins with a comprehensive literature review of existing research and scholarship on child-centered education and Buddhist education for children. Then, an inductive thematic analysis is used to identify the main educational themes in the Pāli canon.
The investigation looks at the children’s backgrounds and the Buddha's various teaching approaches, which include strategies and content as presented in the narratives of the Pāli canon. A comparative analysis with the principles of child-centered education provides insights into the nature and effectiveness of Buddhist educational practices. The Buddhist educational framework, summarized in the Eightfold Noble Path (tisikkhā), is intended to promote holistic development leading to nibbāna. The Buddha used various teaching techniques and adapted his approach to the unique interests, backgrounds and circumstances of the children, incorporating methods such as discussion, lecture, hands-on learning and reflective practice.
A comparative analysis reveals both similarities and differences between Buddhist education and child-centered education. Both emphasize holistic development and active engagement in learning and recognize the role of the teacher as a facilitator. However, while child-centered education allows learners autonomy in subject choice, Buddhist education emphasizes the cultivation of inner qualities such as mindfulness and compassion to alleviate suffering, as opposed to professional success.
Keywords
Religion See all items with this value
Religious education See all items with this value
Buddhist education See all items with this value
Buddhist education for children See all items with this value
Buddhist pedagogy See all items with this value
Child-centered See all items with this value
Children and adolescents See all items with this value
Education of children See all items with this value
Degree Granter
University of the West
ISBN
9798384104117