Buddhist Democracy: The Principles of Democracy According to Buddhism Buddhist Democracy: The Principles of Democracy According to Buddhism

Abstract

This article aims to explain and examine the relationship between Buddhist doctrines and contemporary democratic thought within the context of Thai society, particularly in the political, cultural, and public ethical dimensions. The study employs documentary research combined with interpretative analysis in order to systematically connect key Buddhist principles with democratic governance. The findings suggest that the principle of Dhammādhipateyya (the supremacy of Dhamma) can function as a normative ethical framework for democracy by emphasizing the exercise of power based on reason, moral correctness, and accountability. The three forms of sovereignty Attādhipateyya (self-centered authority), Lokādhipateyya (socially driven authority), and Dhammādhipateyya reflect a progressive development of power from the individual and social levels toward the primacy of moral principles. In addition, the Yebhuyyasikā procedure, which resolves disputes through majority decision-making within the Buddhist monastic community, demonstrates a form of democratic practice that integrates majority rule with ethical restraint. This approach differs from purely quantitative democracy, which focuses solely on numerical majority. Therefore, Buddhism is not only compatible with democratic principles but also contributes an essential ethical dimension to Thai politics. The concept of “Buddhist Democracy” broadens the study of democracy from a purely structural perspective to a value-oriented framework, offering significant contributions to cultural political theory and supporting the sustainable application of democratic principles in multicultural societies.