APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF KARMA IN THE MAHAKAMMA VIBHAGGA SUTTA FOR THE LIFE OF BUDDHISTS IN THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

This academic article aims to study the application of the principles of karma in the Mahakammavibhanga Sutta for the life of Buddhists in Thai society. The results of the study found that: The Mahakammavibhanga Sutta is a Sutta that the Buddha spoke about the karma of 4 types of people. It is used to answer questions that are profound and complicated. It requires wisdom to consider both distant and immediate factors, which are the results in the present and the future. The law of karma in Buddhism can be considered as 2 issues: 1) The law of karma as a natural law. The law of karma is a law of cause and effect. There is certainty in the results of karma. All of them follow the law of Dependent Origination. And 2) The law of karma as a moral law. The law of morality only covers living beings who have free will. Because they can determine their behavior as good or bad according to the moral standards used in human society. The way to reach the end of karma is to practice the Noble Eightfold Path, which is the middle way, which is the practice that leads to the attainment of Dhamma and the end of suffering. The application of the principles of karma in the Mahakammavibhanga Sutta to the lives of Buddhists in Thai society makes us see the value of taking responsibility for our actions and the ability to change one's own thoughts and behaviors in 3 areas: 1) having faith and belief in karma, 2) being enthusiastic about doing good deeds, and 3) not being careless in life