AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF LEADERSHIP OF THE BODHISATTVA IN THE JATAKA COMMENTARIES AS AFFECTED TO THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

This dissertation aims to 1) study leadership in Buddhism, 2) study leadership of Bodhisattvas in the Jataka Commentaries, and 3) analyze the leadership of Bodhisattvas in the Jataka Commentaries as affected to Thai society. The study is based on qualitative research method. The study results were found that: The Buddhist leadership of Bodhisattvas in the Jataka Commentaries as affected to Thai society consists of wisdom in developing society to happiness and progress and it is a good model. The aim of leadership of Bodhisattvas is significant and composed of 3 benefits; individual benefits, social benefits, and supreme or ultimate benefits.The Buddhist leadership of Bodhisattvas is a kind of characteristics expressing firmly establishment in Dhamma. It was found from 10 Jataka Commentaries that the result of having leadership in individual perfection accumulation and performing one’s own duty is only to cultivate higher perfection. The Buddhahood expressed through the leadership consists of 1) Individual benefits, 2) Others’ benefits, and 3) Social benefits. The accumulation of perfection of Bodhisattvas in the past can be the incentive to people in present. The value of Bodhisattvas’ leadership becomes the model in doing goodness to people even they have to confront with many obstacles and problems. Sometimes, the Bodhosattavas have to devote their lives in helping others or in observing the righteousness. Their practice helps remind people to improve themselves and do their own duty to achieve the higher goal.