Dhamma Instincts and Politicians’ Political Conflicts

Abstract

This research article aims to study (1) dhamma instincts, the internal and external factors of politicians leading to political crises in Thai society; to investigate (2) the characteristics of political conflicts leading to political crises in Thai society; and to propose (3) guidelines to solve problems of political conflicts in Thai society in an integrated manner. Using qualitative research methods and collecting data through document research and in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using content analysis techniques.

Findings are as follows: Internal factors as the motives in the working in politics of most politicians are the thinking system called mental factors which are evil mental factors. These are the causes of all problems in this world. This will result in the mental conditions lacking common sense in their duties or dhamma instincts. When the mental factors of politicians as internal factors are evil mental factors, politicians do not have dhamma instincts in their duties. Their intents are expressed in the behaviors that need to seek for power and interests as external factors. They use power in their duties to foster interests for themselves. This leads to accumulated conflicts of interests and have turned into severe conflicts causing political crises. Guidelines to solve the problems of political conflicts in Thai society in an integrated manner are as follows. Use the Buddhist methods to foster dhamma instincts in performing the duties of politicians. They need to have a conscience to know their own duties. Dhamma principles or practical guidelines appropriate with duties or Dhamma vicaya based on the principle of the Seven Factors of Awakening, the construction of self-knowledge should be practiced to create peacefulness and calmness in society in a true manner. The principle of Sāranīyadhamma (states of conciliation) should be employed to prevent conflicts such as putting one’s self in someone else’s shoes and paying mutual respect. Iddhipada 4 (path of accomplishment) can be used as additional practical guidelines to supplement and support the Seven Factors of Awakening to be more efficient.