An Application of Brahmacaraya For Moral Development in Thai Society

Abstract

The objectives of the thesis entitled “An Application Of Brahmacaraya For Moral Development In Thai Society” were: 1. To study the practice of chaste life in Buddhist scriptures, 2. To study problems in the practice of chaste life in Thai society, and 3. To apply the practice of chaste life in moral improvement in Thai society.

The results of the study found that the aim of chaste life practice in Buddhism is to observe Dhamma and Vinaya principles of monks. The chaste life is the significant foundation of Buddhism. Buddhism can be established and observed as long as Dhamma and Vinaya are practiced and observed. The complete chaste life covers abstaining from 7 bonds of sexuality. The ultimate aim of the chaste life is to attain the end of suffering.

Problems in the chaste life practice in Thai society are that some monks and novices behave themselves not conform to Dhamma principles and the code of discipline because of the lack of attention and supervision from administrative monks. The tendency of the problems is increasing. The relation and contact between monks and lay-women may be as colleagues, teacher-student, or student-student, but it must be controlled by mindfulness, clear consciousness, moral shame and moral fear.

Five Precepts, Five Virtues, The Tenfold Way of Good Action, and Gratefulness can be used to apply in moral improvement in Thai society since these principles go along with the unique characteristics of Thainess.