Buddhist Citizenship and Keeping the 5 Precepts

Abstract

This scholarly article explores the connection between the "Five Precepts" and "Buddhist Citizenship," aiming to demonstrate that the Five Precepts extend beyond personal prohibitions to function as ethical principles that help shape the foundation of citizenship in Buddhist-influenced societies, particularly in Thailand, where Buddhism serves as a cultural cornerstone. The Five Precepts act as a framework for cultivating virtues, ethics, and self-discipline, fostering non-violence, respect for others' rights, honesty, responsibility, and mindfulness—traits intrinsic to good citizenship within a democratic framework. Furthermore, the article examines the relationship between these precepts and the concept of citizenship in Buddhism, drawing upon the Agganna Sutta, which reflects on the evolution of human society from a Dhammic perspective. It also highlights how the Buddha's establishment of the Sangha system introduced a model for a community-focused society rooted in equality, unbound by class hierarchy, and guided by the Dharma as a universal set of social principles. The article concludes by proposing a fresh insight: the Five Precepts serve as an ethical bridge, linking individual awareness to a collective social order governed by Dharma. This connection underscores their potential to nurture quality citizenship and foster enduring peace within society.