Buddhist Ethics of Characters in Junior High School’s Literature Appreciation Textbooks

Abstract

The purposes of the research were to study the Buddhist ethics of characters in junior high school’s literature appreciation textbooks, including: 1) Karb Phrachaisuriya 2) Rachathirat in episode of Saming Phra Ram Arsa 3) Ramayana in episode of Narai Prab Nonthok 4) Pra Aphimanee in episode of Pra Aphimanee Nee Nang Phee Seau and 5) Henkaeluk.Data were analyzed using qualitative research methods with the concept of Buddhist ethics theory. The research results were presented in a descriptive analytical format.  The results of the study found that Buddhist ethics of characters in junior high school’s literature appreciation textbooks are three levels of morality: basic morality, intermediate morality, and high morality. The characters in each story display their physical, verbal, and mental behaviors according to the principles of Buddhism, which all affect the lives of each character. And although the ending of each story may be a mixture of happiness and suffering, it is the result of the actions that one has performed.