TEXTUAL DIFFERENTIATION AND CONTEXT OF THE DHAMMADESANA EVENT: PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDIES AT THE SAKYAMUNI BUDDHA VIHĀRA, BALI

Abstract

This study discusses the differentiation of the text and context of the Dhammadesana event at Sakyamuni Buddhist Temple, Denpasar, Bali, using a qualitative-interpretive approach to the phenomenon of the Dhammadesana event. The formulation of the problem is based on empirical identification to answer and analyze the causes, processes, and implications of the differentiation of the Text and the context of the Dhammadesana. Data collection was conducted by interviews with key informants, namely monks, Dhamma propagators, and laymen, non-participant observation and document studies. The main finding of this study is that the differentiation factor of the text and the context of dhammadesana is caused by six factors: (1) The difference in the source of Dhamma knowledge from the oral transmission of the Buddha and the Buddhist student in the text then becomes a source of books and digital in the context; (2) Factors of the Objectives of Expounding and Listening to the Dhamma (3) Audience Characteristics Factors (4) Environmental and Time Factors (5) Modern Technology Factors (6) Language Factors. The chronology of the process of differentiation begins from (1) the stage of change in the use of language, (2) the stage of translator authority, (3) the stage of the limitations of the umat in studying the Pāḷi Tipitaka, (4) the stage of the way the umat understands the Dhamma message through ritual interaction, (5) the stage of difference the methods used in the dissemination of the Dhamma. This differentiation of text and context has implications for: (1) The social aspect, giving rise to the fragmentation of communities who prefer to listen to the Dhamma in person in Vihāra and online; (2) The economic aspect, influencing the correct livelihood practices for the umat and supporting the sustainability of the Vihāra through paramita funds assembled in Dhammadesana activities; (3) Cultural aspects, integrating Buddhism with Balinese traditions; and (4) Religious aspects, this differentiation shifts the purpose of listening to the Dhamma from spiritual liberation to the acquisition of knowledge, but does not abandon religious practices according to Buddhist teachings. This research contributes to the field of religious hermeneutics by offering a framework to understand the dynamic interaction between sacred texts and the context of life in a modern multicultural society, especially in the Bali region. This research emphasizes the need to improve Dhamma literacy and communication skills to maintain the integrity of the teachings while ensuring their relevance.