Fortune in Buddhism and Jurisprudence

Abstract

This study aims to examine: (1) fortune in Buddhism and (2) fortune in jurisprudence using documentary research. The findings reveal that fortune in Buddhism, as mentioned in the Sutta Pitaka, is explained within the context of the "Worldly Conditions 8" and can be categorized into two types: (1) Having Fortune, which refers to something everyone desires, enjoys, and wishes for; and (2) Loss of Fortune, which refers to the loss of possessions, a natural occurrence in the world where what is gained will inevitably be lost. The preeminent example of great fortune in Theravada Buddhism is Phra Siwali Thera, while in Mahayana Buddhism, it is represented by Bodhisattva Champhon (God Kuvera). In the Vinaya Pitaka, fortune is defined as including robes, alms, lodging, medicinal requisites for sick monks, and even items such as powdered medicine, a tooth-cleaning stick, or a piece of cloth. Regarding "misdemeanors caused by fortune," it is mentioned that when a monk perceives fortune as being "offered for oneself," it becomes Nissaggiya and requires conviction of Pācittiya. In jurisprudence, fortune in Thai law includes: (1) Undue Gain, which refers to any property acquired without legal justification and to the disadvantage of another person. Such a person is obligated to return the property under Civil and Commercial Code, Section 406, which states: “Anyone who acquires property due to another person's actions, such as settling a debt or through other means without legal justification, causing another person's disadvantage, must return the property to the rightful owner…”; and (2) Receiving a Windfall, which refers to someone who directly engages in a legal act with a debtor and benefits from it. According to Civil and Commercial Code, Section 237, Paragraph 1, it is stated: “A creditor has the right to petition the court to revoke any legal act performed by a debtor knowingly causing disadvantage to the creditor...”.