Buddhist Leadership and Conflict Management In Thai Society

Abstract

The purposes of this research were in 3 folds: 1) to study Buddhistleadership from related Buddhist texts; 2) to study conflict management accordingto Buddhism concept; and 3) to study the application of Buddhist leadership tosolve problems on conflict management in Thai society.The research results showed the :3 characteristics of Buddhist leadership.They were 1) external characteristics cited as attractive physical appearance,respectful gesture, physical strength and healthiness, including persevering outlook;2) internal characteristics consisting of being intelligent, wide spectrum of vision,skillfulness and good human relationship; 3) unique characteristics that causedreliance, confidence and trustworthiness to one's superiors.In this research, the study of conflict management according to Buddhismconcept revealed that the 4 issues that had to be accomplished consisted of1) contention; 2) sub- contention; 3) legal question concerning offences and 4) legalquestion concerning obligations. A question studied in this research was consideredas either precept source or precept itself or doctrine source called "for settling alegal question". They contained 7 components: 1) Verdict in the presence;2) Verdict of innocence; 3) Verdict of past insanity; 4) Proceeding on theacknowledgement, 5) Decision according to the majority; 6) Decision for specificdepravity, and 7) a Reconciliation of both parties without need for clearing up the right and the wrong.For the application of Buddhist leadership to solve conflict managementin Thai society, the research result showed that the leadership efficiently appliedconsisted of a person with high capability in utilizing Buddhist doctrine for rulingpeople, controlling work and self control as well as controlling in administration.The doctrine appropriate for unity establishment in society was analyzedand proposed for participatory and cooperative work. This would gear to unity andreconciliation making for any society. Ten commitments were proposed to beactivated consisting of 1) Be optimistic; 2) Good rapport; 3) Create goodness; 4) Think of goodness of each others; 5) Maintain discipline; 6) To have a Brahma
heart; 7) Unity promotion; 8) Sacrifice; 9) Misbelief reduction; 10) Unprejudiced.