The Application of Postmodern Astrology to Access Buddhist Ethics

Abstract

This doctoral thesis aimed 1) to study the principle of postmodern astrology to access Buddhist ethics, 2) to study the teachings of Buddhism as the goal of universal access and improving quality of life, 3) to apply the postmodern astrology in the access of Buddhist ethics, particularly at the level of the Five Precepts, 4) to create new body of knowledge through applying it from other disciplines and used as tools to access Buddhism ethics. This is a qualitative research with in-depth study of the data in depth, with consideration of the surrounding social phenomena with real occurrence. The data were analyzed and interpreted to create new knowledge in philosophy. The research was found that the principle of postmodern astrology utilizes the prediction of events based on the orbits of the stars through a postmodern paradigm, which recognizes the essence of all sciences with judgment a multifaceted analysis and discussion. The aim is to find something useful without attachment to traditional beliefs. Analysis of knowledge attempts to achieve the common point of knowledge of all useful and relevant sciences. Knowledge that is unconnected to shall be put aside and when found to be useful it can be used at a later event. The application astrology of postmodern has been through the process of transformation in the symbolic interpretation with analysis and discussion for the useful essence. The implication is to use this as a tactic to convince the community to be serious about life, understand the law of Karma in Buddhism, the concept of Paticcasamuppāda (Law of Dependent Origination) or the principle of Idappaccayatā, urge man to consider using critical intellectual reflection, and help people to understand themselves and others. The postmodern philosophy is connected the access to Buddhist virtuous conduct. As people have a strong belief in astrology, the researcher, as a Buddhist monk with a Buddhist role to propagate Buddhism to the community, is keen in applying astrology as a strategy to convince the community to understand their lives. It is a common belief that astrology can solve their problems in life. With the application of astrology, the people are taught to think rationally and intellectually. To be a perfect man with the intellect, they should lead a peaceful life and always perform good conduct by following Buddhist ethics, a science that deals with the ideal and glorious with good behavior. To attain a supreme good life, one must follow the principle of Majjhimā Patipadā, a guide on noble lifestyle, without hurting others. The postmodern astrology also injects the Five Precepts or the Eightfold Noble Paths with aim to do merit in line with Buddhist ethics with the consciousness and intelligence leading to a peaceful life.