Promoting Buddhism with Legislative Way

Abstract

The objectives of the dissertation were as follows: 1) to study the promotion of Buddhism, 2) to study the legislative way related to the promotion of Buddhism, 3) to integrate the promotion of Buddhism with legislative way, and 4) to propose body of knowledge about the “model of integrating the promotion of Buddhism with legislative way.” This dissertation is qualitative documentary research in which all data collected from primary sources, namely the Tipitaka and the secondary sources i.e., commentaries and other relevant documents. In-depth interviews were also analyzed with 18 qualified key informants in the fields of both Buddhism promotion and legislative way. The research results found that :1)The promotion of Buddhism consists of 5 factors: the Buddha, the Pali Canon, Buddhist Monk, Buddhist monastery, Buddhist Ceremonies. The way to promote could be done through four conditions namely propagation, protection, reward and punishment. The advantage of promotion of Buddhism can create strengthening Buddhism, developing mind and wisdom, being immune to mental illness. Society is peaceful with the Threefold Training, i.e., morality, concentration and wisdom and also is achieving the happiness in mundane state and Supramundane state, being prosperous both in wealth and in Dhamma. 2)For the legislative way involved in promoting Buddhism is to legislate laws to promote the above 5 factors together with 4 conditions. The amendment of the Sangha Act should be done in order to be based on the Dhamma and Vinaya. The legislative way will promote Buddhism in the kingdom. 3)Integrate of the promotion of Buddhism through the legislative way should be put in the highest order, the constitution which is the master law of all laws. The legislators and members of the Constitution Drafting Council must have the wholesome intention, knowledge, and understanding both Buddhist principles and laws. It is accepted by all parties. It is an effective law both in the enforcement and the Implementation. 4)The body of Knowledge dealing with the integrated model of promotion of Buddhism through the legal way can be synthesized as follows: L = REC3. L stands for Legal, R stands for Respect, E stands for Education, and 3C stands for Competency, Capital, and Culture.