The Unheralded Value of the Vinaya: The Buddhist Teachings on Social Disciplin

Abstract

         The book " The Unheralded Value of the Vinaya: The Buddhist Teachings on Social Disciplin" by Phra Brahmagunabhorn (P.A. Payutto) systematically presents the meaning, role, and value of "Discipline" within the Buddhist dimension. It explains its foundations in Dhamma and Vinaya principles, and connects them with modern concepts in social science, political science, and ethics. This demonstrates that discipline is not merely a set of rules or behavioral constraints, but rather a crucial tool for training and developing oneself, fostering responsibility, and organizing society to operate peacefully and morally.

          The content covers the relationship between Dhamma and Vinaya, the differences between discipline and morality, discipline as a tool for allocating opportunities, methods for fostering discipline through the integration of behavior, mind, and intellect, and the role of discipline in democracy and global governance. Key observations include the book's ability to add perspectives from an international context and examples of application in modern organizations, such as business, government, and education, to align with changes in the digital age.

        This review concludes that the book's contributions span three main dimensions: (1) academic value, which can be used as a teaching resource; (2) value for personal and social development through the creation of sustainable internal discipline; and (3) value for building a democratic culture through the steadfast cultivation of civic virtue.