Significance of the Military toward Buddhism in Thai Society
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Abstract
This study aimed to three objectives: (1) to study the background of the military in Theravada Buddhist Scriptures, (2) to study significance of the military toward Buddhism in the Buddha’s lifetime, and (3) to analyze significance of the military toward Buddhism in Thai society.
It has been found that are as the followings. The military means personnel with duties in battling; being warriors, country leaders and security guardians; maintaining the country; and other duties both in times of war and peace. The significant roles and duties of the military include 4 aspects: (1) Maintaining order of the country, (2) Acting in judicial system, (3) Taking care of families, and (4) Behaving as the Buddhists.
In, Buddha’s lifetime, the significant roles of the military toward Buddhism in various aspects evidenced in Buddhism scriptures existed in many levels of society ranging from the king acting as the highest commander of the military in governing the country; the ministers and the elite bureaucrats acted as generals commanding the military and other duties delegated by the king; and troops of laymen were one of the crucial components of the military.
In, Thai society, the significant roles of the military exist in various levels ranging from His Majesty the King as the highest commander; the Ministers of the Royal Thai Military as sub-commanders of the military forces; and the privates at the lowest layers of the line of command with their significant roles in patronizing and maintaining Buddhism in 4 aspects including: (1) Buddha teachings, (2) Buddhists as followers, (3) religious artifacts, and (4) religious ceremonies. These have made Buddhism securable and sustainable up to present.
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