Abstract
This thesis had three purposes: (1) study the monkey stories as appeared in the scriptures of Theravāda Buddhism, (2) study the Bodhisatta’s reincarnations as monkey as appeared in the scriptures of Theravāda Buddhism, and (3) study the role and integrity of the Monkey Bodhisatta as appeared in the Theravāda Buddhist Jātakas or allegories.
Here are the results of the study :
In the scriptures of Theravāda Buddhism, it was found that monkey stories were found here and there in the Vinaya Cannon, Sutta Cannon, and Abhidhamma Cannon. The monkey stories were also found in literary works such as Pathomsombhodhikathã and other scriptures.
Related to the Bodhisatta’s reincarnations, it was found that the Bodhisatta (The Would-Be-Buddha) had undergone reincarnations in many forms, as humans, animals, angels, demons, but as monkey it was found in 13 Jātakas in the Sutta Cannon : Nalapāna-jātaka, Wanarinda-jātaka, Tayodhamma-jātaka, Tindukka-jātaka, Sungsumāra-jātaka, Kharahita-jātaka, Hulanandiya-jātaka, Kumbhila-jātaka, Kālapahu-jātaka, Wānara-jātaka, Kapila-jātaka, Mahākapila-jātaka Part I, Mahākapila-jātaka Part II.
Analysis of the role and integrity of Monkey Bodhisatta as appeared in the Theravada Buddhist scriptures indicated that the Monkey Bodhisatta had played different roles as, for examples, member of the family, member of the community, leader in various capacities such as preserving cultural heritage, traditions, and natural environment. Dhamma principles or morals found in the 13 Jātakas of the Monkey Bodhisatta included, for examples, Truthfulness, Wisdom, Gratitude, Kamma or Laws of Action. For the sake of data analysis and presentation, the researcher summarized the Dhamma principles as follows.
On an individual basis, it was found that the Dhamma principles were not only beneficial for an individual who practices but also for family and society as a whole because when each individual is good, as a result, family and society will also be good. Those Dhamma principles included Principles of Kamma (Action), Adhitthāna-dhamma (Resolutions), Ariya-dhāna (Noble Treasure).
In terms of family, it was found that the Dhamma principles related to family in general, duties of sons and daughters, self-development, human relations, improvement of family, family welfare and happiness, quality of life, were Dhamma for Duties of Sons and Daughters, Principles of Gharavāsa-dhamma (Dhamma for Laity), and Principles of Brahmavihāra (Divine States of Mind).
On social side, it was found that Dhamma principles conducive to developing members of society into knowledgeable, ethical, moral ones covering all levels, from small units such as family, village, community, to bigger ones such as country, and the world, were Principles of Rare People, Principles of Vutthi-dhamma (Dhamma for Development), Principles of Vesārajjakarana-dhamma (Perfect Self-confidence).
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