An Analitical Study of King’s Role in Buddha’ Era Leading to the Influence for Thai Society in the Present

Abstract

This research article aimed to: (1) study the historical background of kingship in Buddhism, (2) examine the roles of kings in relation to Buddhism during the Buddha’s
lifetime, and (3) analyze the roles of kings in the Buddhist era that continue to influence
Buddhism in contemporary society. This study employed documentary research
methodology by examining data from the Tipiṭaka, commentaries, textbooks, academic documents, and related research works, which were then analyzed descriptively.

The findings revealed that: (1) kingship in Buddhism is understood in the sense of a ruler and protector who performs duties in accordance with Dhamma. This differs from the Brahmanical concept, which emphasizes birth status and divine authority. Buddhism, by contrast, gives importance to leadership that is accepted by the people and grounded
in righteous governance. (2) The roles of kings in the Buddhist era-namely King Bimbisāra,
King Pasenadi Kosala, King Suddhodana, the Licchavi rulers, and King Udena-were
prominent in supporting Buddhism through royal patronage, the construction of monasteries and religious sites, the circumstances leading to the formulation of Vinaya rules, and the occasions that gave rise to important Dhamma discourses. (3) These roles continue to influence Buddhism in contemporary society in four major dimensions: the structural foundation of Buddhism, patronage and maintenance of Buddhism, discipline and Vinaya administration, and the propagation of Buddhism. This is evident today in the
role of temples as community centers, the cooperation of the state and the public insupporting Buddhism, the screening of ordination candidates, the administration of
Sangha affairs, as well as the use of family, community, and leadership as bases for the
transmission of Buddhism