The Application Guidelines of Dhamma Principle of Cakkavatti for Social Development

Abstract

This Research aimed (1) to study the teachings of Cakkavatti in Buddhist scriptures, (2) to study the Dhamma principles of Cakkavatti in Buddhist scriptures, and (3) to study the application guideline of Dhamma principles of Cakkavatti for social development.

          The research found that Cakkavatti means king who is greater than other kings (emperor), who reigned by virtue and ruled the land with great emperor’s power. The emperor in the Buddhist scriptures is divided into 3 types: (1) the universal emperor (cakkavatti), such as the King Mahasudassana in mahasudassana sutta, (2) Emperor in the continent (dipacakkavatti) for example the King Asoka, and (3) the emperor of the country (padesacakkavatti), such as the king Pasendikosala of Magadha. They play a role in both the kingdom and the Buddhism will not be born as two emperors at the same period and has 32 physical characteristics of the Buddha, the life is longer than human beings. He rules the country with Dharma by depending on the great seven jewels. His status is higher than human beings but lower than the Buddha, Paccekabuddha and Anubuddha. The teachings of Cakkavattiare found in almost 20 sutta, and there are many explanations in commentaries on the sutta. In particular, in the apadana, theragatha, therigatha, and jataka scriptures, in the Buddhavaṅasa and ariyavaṅasa tipitaka. The Buddha often raised the emperor story to explain to the Buddhist followers always, nonetheless the Buddha and many noble disciples have been born as emperors during the cultivation of perfection.

          The Dhamma principle of Cakkavatti covered all dimensions of the world refer to ruling the country and the religious dimensions mean pay attention on Dhamma study and practice to achieve one’s own enlightenment. Therefore the emperor has a role in the world and the Dhamma, have been praised both as a ruler who ruled the country by the Dhamma and taught the people to practice the Dharma. This is why he is praised on many occasions for having a status and role similar to the Buddha.