Integrating Buddhist Innovation into the Future of Learning

Abstract

This article aims to study meaning, concept, and guidelines of integrating Buddhist innovation into teaching and learning processes in modern Thai education’s context. It emphasizes learners’ holistic development, encompassing intelligence, emotion, and spirit to effectively respond to rapidly changing and complex challenges of  21^st century: technology, economy, and society. Buddhist innovation refers to applying Buddhist principles like mindfulness, kindness, and wisdom alongside innovative thinking to foster profound and meaningful learning experiences, leading to significant changes within the minds of learners. This article presents various models and stategies for designing effective teaching such as self-reflection, mindfulness practice, learning from nature, and using digital technology to enhance learning processes that integrate spiritual and human dimensions alongside 21^st century skills. 

The findings indicate that guidelines for integrating Buddhist innovation are not just alternative approaches but can be an “internal space” for sustainable and profound learning. Teachers play a vital role as “leaders of awakening” who help students develop a deeper understanding of themselves, while learners are encouraged to be knowledge seekers with intrinsic motivation and use the Buddhist principles as a life compass. Therefore, Buddhist innovation changes educational frameworks from focusing on academic achievement to education for inner growth, which creates life meaning and promotes individuals to live in harmony in society. The appropriate guidelines for integrating Buddhist innovation into future development of Thai education system are presented, aiming to create human beings with physical, mental, and intellectual balance, thereby enabling them to deal with global changes mindfully.