DHAMMĀDHIPATEYYA : BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY IN THAI GOVERNING

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The principle of Dhammadhipateyya is a developmental tool that is valuable both to the individual as a part of society and to the democratic system of governing in Thai society. Dhammadhipateyya has adherence to principles, rules, truth, goodness, and righteousness.  The applied principles of dharma which are suitable for leaderships in supervising government and organizations, and the Five Precepts and the Principle of Wholesome Course of Actions for personal development. These applied Dharma principles shall be the primary causes in good deeds, verbal, and mental behaviors, by refraining from bad actions and staying to the right deed, right speech and right mentality, these factors will be the tools as well in solving the individual ethical problems, along with the democratic problems in Thai society.  Although Thai people have different political views and opinions, whether those are sole sovereign or democracy, when they confide to the principle of Dhammadhipateyya, these different opinions shall not become the persecutive and destructive tools in damaging the nation, vice versa these different opinions can be utilized for developing country for its prosperity as other developed countries.  Good governance is a Buddhist philosophy of governing rules-based on the righteous conduct, promoting the individual ethics.  Therefore, these are factors that make the principles of Dhammadhipateyya effectively, and this will inevitably result in the development and stability of democracy in Thai society.

Keywords: Dhammadhipateyya, Buddhist Philosophy in Thai Governing