An Analysis of the Ethical Guidelines and Societal Well-Being Under the Five Precepts of Buddhism

บทคัดย่อ

The Five Precepts (Pañca Sīla) stand at the heart of Buddhist moral life, offering practical guidance for lay practitioners across cultures and historical periods. Far from being merely ancient rules, they function as living ethical commitments that shape both personal character and communal harmony. This study examines their origins, interpretations, and continuing relevance in contemporary society.

First, it traces the emergence of the Five Precepts within early Buddhist sources, especially the Pali Canon, and considers how various Buddhist traditions have understood and applied them across time. This historical inquiry reveals both continuity and adaptation as the teachings moved through different cultural settings.

Second, the research explores how commitment to the precepts influences personal well-being. Observance is examined not only as restraint, but as a cultivation of clarity, responsibility, and ethical sensitivity. The precepts are shown to strengthen moral discernment and support psychological stability in daily life.

Third, the study considers their broader social implications. When practiced collectively, the Five Precepts foster trust, reduce harm, and contribute to social cohesion. Individual moral discipline, therefore, extends beyond private virtue and becomes a foundation for communal flourishing.

Drawing on canonical texts, contemporary scholarship, and comparative ethical reflection, this research presents the Five Precepts as a timeless yet adaptable framework one that continues to offer moral clarity and social benefit in the modern world.