ABSTRACT

This study of ‘An Application of Khanti-Dhamma to Strengthen Social Peace’ consists of 3 objectives, i.e., (1) to study the crisis of lacking Khanti-Dhamma in Thai society ; (2) to study Khanti-Dhamma in Theravada Buddhist Scripture; and (3) to apply Khanti-Dhamma for promoting social peace in the present Thai society.  

From this study, it is found that conflict crisis in Thai society as from the past up to the present has been caused by both external and internal conflicts which effect on human beings’ mental health.  Without patience, the virtues we have accumulated may disappear by sudden emotion caused by the lack of discreetness and being patient.  This is why the Buddha said that the one who had Khanti-Dhamma in his heart could be called the person who brought beneficial happiness to both himself and others; having Khanti-Dhamma yielded all beings mutually social happiness.          

Khanti means patience, bodily and mindful tolerance, not behaving in any violation and the expressions of proper manners.  Khanti is an important virtue that people should have for their behaviors in attaining good aims.  There are 4 types of Khanti-Dhamma, i.e., the patience towards difficulties, towards suffering, towards resentment and towards the power of desires, respectively.   The researcher divides Khanti in the aspect of the virtue promoting and supporting the living of a person for encountering the good things into 2 characteristics of which one for leading daily life, and the other for self-developing for the good things. Khanti is both virtue and morality because behaviors with it show the characteristics of patience and tolerance on restraining from exploitation; restraining from doing evils through body and speech; controlling for nice manner and speech.  Ones who behave Khanti therefore can observe precepts; hence, Khanti is characterized both virtue and morality.       

The application of Khanti-Dhamma in families should hold on to each of 5 principles of Pañcasila and Pañcadhamma which are the guarantees of body, property, family, society and self.  These 5 guarantees are the basic rules and behavioral principle of practice for every human being. Khanti-Dhamma in having the right occupation is the practice of Sammaajiva with patience through body and speech in leading life according to Kusalakammapatha.   In governing the country, Khanti-Dhamma can be used to develop oneself in accordance with the Seven Sappurisadhamma; in human management, it can be used along with the Four Bala; and in work management, it can be used with the Four Iddhipada.   Moreover,   Khanti-Dhamma being used in listening, thinking and training with patience will lead to wisdom.  Upon using Khanti-Dhamma to reinforce families and society together with Buddhadhamma in governing the country, peaceful happiness can arise.  

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