The Practice of Brahmacariya According to Buddhist Dharma Principles for Ethical Development in Thai Society

Abstract

This academic article explores the meaning, concepts, and principles of celibacy according to Buddhism and proposes approaches to its application to promote ethics in contemporary Thai society. The study reveals that celibacy in the Tipitaka is a noble way of life for those seeking liberation from all defilements. It is a life aimed at purity of body, speech, and mind, guided by morality, concentration, and wisdom. Celibacy is not merely the abstention from sexual intercourse or ordination; it is a way of life based on the Noble Eightfold Path, a path of practical practice leading to purity and liberation. Buddhist ethics encompasses several key principles, including gratitude, discipline, unity, compassion, and the Five Precepts, which serve as the foundations for peaceful coexistence in society. Ethics can be developed through Buddhist principles, such as the Four Right Efforts, the Two World-Protecting Principles of Shame and Ottappa, the Seven Sappurisadhammas, the Four Lay Dhammas, and the Three Suttas, all of which are important tools for instilling morality and ethics in Thai society. It helps individuals develop themselves physically, verbally and mentally, and promotes a peaceful and sustainable society, and reduces corruption, which is an ethical crisis in Thai society today.