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Buddhism has been a defining force in His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's life, a bedrock faith that has guided him in his actions and enabled him to remain tranquil in times of stress. As a practicing Buddhist monarch, His Majesty adheres to the Theravada form of Buddhism observed by 94.2% of the Thai population. He endeavours to follow the Noble Eightfold Path defined as Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. These qualities are evident in his dedication to his people's welfare and the thoughtful way in which he listens to their needs and—in consultation with them and other officials—formulates, executes and follows up on his development programmes.
When he was 29 (the same age at which Lord Buddha left his palace and embarked on his quest for Enlightenment), His Majesty sought to gain a more complete understanding of his faith by ordaining as a Buddhist monk. Prior to entering the monkhood, he spoke of his enthusiasm about his impending ordination: |
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"From the training which I have received, as well as out of my own personal belief, it is my view that Buddhism.is one of the great religions of the world. Buddhism comprises teachings to lead men to good conduct and is rich in veritable precepts which are logical, highly impressive, and inspiring. I have always entertained the idea of being ordained as a monk.in accordance with Royal custom. which would also be the traditional way of expressing gratitude to my August Ancestors." |
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In 1956, he donned the saffron robes and entered Bangkok's Wat Bovornives to study Buddhist principles under the tutelage of the Supreme Patriarch. Like other monks in the Kingdom, he rose before dawn each day and walked barefoot through the streets of Bangkok to receive alms (bintabaht) presented by the faithful lining the roads.
As his Great-Grandfather, His Majesty King Mongkut, had discovered, this simple ritual of alms gathering put him in touch with ordinary people, something the seclusion of the palace did not provide. This, and his ground-breaking tour of the Northeast, brought him face to face with his people and exposed him to the tribulations they faced daily. The experience better prepared him for the task he had set for himself: to work to improve their lives.
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| Since leaving the monkhood, he has devoted himself to the realisation of those teachings in his daily life. As the supreme patron of Buddhism, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej presides at numerous Buddhist ceremonies including the changing of the robes of the Emerald Buddha to mark the progression of the three seasons of the year. In special years, he travels down the Chao Phraya River in a Royal Barge to present robes to monks at Wat Arun. |
Buddhist Guiding Principles for a Ruler
Guiding Principles
In administering the country, a Thai Monarch is guided by several sets of principles governing his behavior and actions. The most important are the following ten principles, known as the "Tenfold Practice of a King"
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| Dana: |
Charity. Giving to those who lack material items such as food, clothing, shelter and medicine. |
| Sila: |
Righteous conduct. Refraining from doing or saying anything evil. Abstaining from physically or verbally abusing others.
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| Pariccaga: |
Willingness to sacrifice for a greater good. Giving up something of small value to gain something of greater value. For example, paying money to gain better health when ill. Or a soldier giving up his personal freedom in order to defend his country. |
| Ajjava: |
Honesty. Being honest in one's relations with others and in pursuing one's work. |
| Maddava: |
Gentleness. Dealing politely with others and avoiding arrogance, both in action and in word.
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| Tapa: |
Perseverance. A ruler should be confident in everything he undertakes, and should remain resolute and avoid becoming discouraged even when things become difficult. |
| Akkodha: |
Lack of anger. A man with a kind heart and good intentions will not be angered by setbacks, but will remain calm. |
| Avihimsa: |
Abstaining from causing injury or problems for others, but instead, seeking ways to help others. |
| Khanti: |
Patience. Enduring hardship, physical and mental, in order to achieve a greater objective. Ignoring others' harsh words, slights and insults. |
| Avirodhana |
Avoiding wrong. A ruler should shun temptation to do wrong, even when he feels may lead to a greater good. He must be fair and avoid bias. |
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In addition, he is guided by the 12 principles laid down by the Lord Buddha in his Cakkavatti-vatta, or "Duties of a Great Ruler":
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| 1. |
Protect the members of the Royal household and Royal entourage. |
| 2. |
Promote good relations with other states. |
| 3. |
Provide for relatives in times of illness and death. |
| 4. |
Support Brahmans, families, and all urban citizens. |
| 5. |
Help those in the countryside and regions outside the capital. |
| 6. |
Support the monks. |
| 7. |
Protect animals and the environment. |
| 8. |
Banish wrongdoing from the Kingdom. |
| 9. |
Provide for the poor. |
| 10. |
Seek counsel from scholars and pious persons. |
| 11. |
Exercise self-restraint, never going to places unbecoming of a king.
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| 12. |
Avoid greed, and taking that to which one is not entitled. |
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To these are added the Raja-sangahavatthu, the kingly virtues that bind the nation together: |
| 1. Sassamedha: |
Skill in agriculture, making his realm fruitful. |
| 2. Purisamedha: |
Astuteness in supporting and encouraging civil and military personnel. |
| 3. Sammapasa: |
Gathering the public in common pursuits, alleviating their difficulties, and promoting peace and happiness. |
| 4. Vajapeya: |
Ability to address his people clearly and convincingly to convey his best wishes for their interests. |
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