Buddhist Principles Manifested in the Dhammapada Story of King Viḍūḍabha: Reflects Current Thai Society

Abstract

This article focuses on the Buddhist principles that appear in the Dhammapada of King viḍūḍabha, reflecting the current Thai society. The objectives are 3: 1) to study the principles that appear in the Dhammapada of King viḍūḍabha; 2) to analyze the principles that appear in the Dhammapada of King viḍūḍabha, reflecting the current Thai society; and 3) to present the principles that can be applied to develop the current Thai society.

The study concluded that :

1) The principles of Dhamma appearing in the Dhammapada of King viḍūḍabha reflect three important principles: ego, vengeance, and the law of karma. Starting from the communication of the adherence to the bloodline and caste of the Sakya princes that led to conflicts in society, Prince Vidudabha's vengeance that affected both himself and others, including problems caused by actions without thinking about the future consequences. 2) The principles of Dhamma appearing in the Dhammapada of King viḍūḍabha reflect the current Thai society, especially the division of social status between the rich and the poor, vengeance from being looked down on, stress from competition in daily life, causing a lot of negative emotions to accumulate. When emotions cannot be controlled, there is violence until property is damaged or even death. What will follow is the result of karma (the result of actions) that one has created. 3) Presenting a guideline for applying principles of Dhamma from Buddhism. to be applied in developing Thai society, including the use of the 6 principles of Saraniyadhamma to reduce conceit, the application of the 4 divine states of mind to stop vengeance, and the use of the principle of Appamatadhamma to stop the law of karma by creating mindfulness in life. Learning and applying these principles will help create peace of mind, reduce conflict, and create good relationships in current Thai society, resulting in Thai society having a better quality of life in every aspect.