This research study aims to examine the concept and model of selecting spouses which appears in Buddhist manuscripts, to look at the importance of married life in Buddhism and to investigate effects of selecting spouses along with an application to solve present social problems.

According to the study, it was found that the concept of selecting spouses in Buddhism depends on determining duties of man and woman, say, husband and wife. The roles and duties of a wife play an important role in establishing and strengthening the family institution. That is, by a wife’s duties, it is necessary for her to manage well the household affairs, be hospitable and helpful to friends and relations of her husband, be faithful to him, take care of the goods he brings home and be skilful and industrious in all her duties. By a husband’s duties, he should serve his wife by honoring  her, being courteous to her, be faithful to her, hand over authority to her and provide her with ornaments.

In terms of the model in selecting a spouse, it appeared that the Tipitaka did not have any specific model, but recapitulates the form of choosing a partner in three ways considered through the Buddhist Sutta; parents choose partners for their children, men and women select their own spouses and matchmakers arrange the selection.

Regarding the principle of selecting spouses, the study found that the selection followed the Buddhist manuscript; first, by characteristics of a man and a woman who should be good-looking, intelligent and moral; second, by compatibilities of a man and a woman who are equal in faith, Sila and wisdom; and third, by the devotion in Buddhist principles of a man and a woman who adhere the five precepts as a basis of their living.

For the importance of married life in Buddhism, the study revealed that it was greatly concerned in many ways. That is, if a man or woman applies the principles of selecting spouses as appeared in Buddhism, they will have a happy life; a male angel lives with a female angel. If he or she chooses the wrong person, this will bring sufferings into his/her life: a male ghost lives with a female angel or a male angel lives with a female ghost.

The study also found that the impact of selecting wrong spouses brought about a great effect to the society. For example, an increase of divorces might lead to numerous social problems such as the orphanage which leaves a burden to the government in taking care of orphans, including the problems of vagrants and economic crises.

The study suggested that the youth in Thailand should learn and apply Buddhist principles in selecting their spouses as it would decrease social problems. The government also should add Dhamma and such principles to the curriculum as a whole.