| บทคัดย่อ(English) |
This thesis is based upon the documentary research from the sources of Pali Scripture, historical documents, and other publications and related matter, including with the interviews concerning political thought and role of high senior monk, scholarly monks and Dhamma-espousing monk who are well known and accepted by people in general for their political role in contemporary Thai society. The objective of this thesis is to study the political role and duty of Bud&ist; monks in Bud&ist; doctrinal teachings, their role in political history from past to present and its consistency and inconsistency between role and duty of Bud&ist; monks in Buddhist doctrinal teachings and in contemporary Thai political situations. According to the research, Buddhist monks perform their role and duty in accordance with Bud&ist; doctrinal teachings. Nonetheless, the aspects of Bud&ist; doctrinal teachings provide them the opportunity to be related with politics. According to the study of Buddhist monksrole in Thai history, it indicates that the Buddhist monks are involved with politics at national level. From the interviews concerning the political thought and role of some selected high senior monks, Buddhist monks can be involved with politics but they must not be in violation of Buddhist doctrinal teachings. In addition, the political thought and role of Bud&ist; monks embody its consistency and its inconsistency of role and duty in accordance with Buddhist doctrinal teachings. From the consistent perspective, it shows that Bud&ist; monks have their aims to express their political thought and role for the benefits and peace of the society and the country. They are in a position of neutrality, not posing any prejudice nor taking any side. Their positions are to be in the peoples acceptance. Also, they are not in violation of the Buddhist doctrinal teachings. From the inconsistent perspective, it shows that Buddhist monks who have their role in politics strive for power and seek for excessive profit. That is unacceptable to the Thai people and also violates the Buddhist doctrinal teachings. |
