Buddhist Doctrinal Principles Reflected in Inscriptions and Sculptural Art of the Dvaravati Period

Abstract

“Dawn of the Dhamma” is an apt phrase to describe the Dvaravati culture (11th–16th Buddhist centuries), a period during which Buddhism established a firm foundation in the lands of present-day Thailand. Historical evidence highlights the role and significance of Buddhism in the Dvaravati era through inscriptions and sculptures, which functioned as vital media for conveying doctrinal teachings, beliefs, and the faith of the people of that time. Inscriptions written in the Pallava script reflect the core essence of Buddhist teachings, particularly the Ye Dhammā verse, which encapsulates the principle of the Four Noble Truths. This verse demonstrates a profound श्रद्धा (faith) in the law of causality (Dependent Origination) and serves as clear evidence of an intellectual culture that emphasized reason and spiritual liberation. Moreover, symbolic representations of Buddhist teachings appear in Dvaravati sculpture, such as the Dharmachakra (Wheel of Dhamma), which signifies the “Turning of the Wheel of the Dhamma” (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta), marking the beginning of the dissemination of truth to the world. This academic article therefore aims to analyze the inseparable connection between Buddhist art and Buddhist doctrine. The findings reveal that the craftsmanship of the Dvaravati period was not driven solely by aesthetic concerns, but rather constituted a refined and intricate process of transforming religious philosophy into tangible form. These works of art thus represent a convergence between liberating wisdom and everyday life, integrating the Dhamma into the inner identity of the Dvaravati people in a profound and meaningful way.