Evaluate the contributions of Buddhist tradition to Indian political thought. (UPSC CSE Mains 2014- Political Science and International Relations, Paper 1)
According to professor, V. R. Mehta, Buddhist tradition lack political thinking. Primarily Buddhism is a religious tradition. Politics is not subject of Buddhist tradition. Nevertheless we can infer some political thought from Buddha Charita written by Aswag Ghosh. We can draw some political teachings from Jatak stories. Term Sammat refer to contract. Sammat is term of Pali literature- Jatakas stories, related to previous birth of Buddha. Apart from that Sutta-Pitak is also source of few political ideas.
- Professor V.R. Mehta pointed out two paradoxical ideas, mentioned in Buddhachrita:
- Politics is similar to treachery, opportunism and deceit. It is said that Buddhist monks should keep themselves away from kings and prince.
- On the other hand, Buddhist traditions also hold politics as an important activity to manage society. Morality dominated in thoughts of Buddha''s tradition.
Social Contract
It is clear that the origin of state is result of social contract:
- Earlier individual conduct was moral and they abided by principle of Dharma. There was peace and harmony in society. Later people became selfish, egoistic and hence anarchy emerged in society and for maintaining social order, state became necessary. It is result of contract among the people.
- The functions of state were similar to those of Arthshastra and Dharmashastra. Buddhist traditional too believes in welfare state. Primary objective of state is the well-being of the people.
Morality Centric
Like Dharmashastra Morality occupies highest pedestal in Buddhist tradition. King is also subject to morality. If moral principles are neglected by the King. Automatically people will not follow moral path. This lead to the development of anger in nature. Subsequently there will be no rain, no crops. People will die due to hanger. It means diversion from moral path will result in destruction of community. Politics becomes, secondary to morality there is a cosmic moral order in the universe.
Form of government
Buddha, Dharma and Sangha are three basic elements of Buddhist tradition. Evolution of Sangha refers various form of government.
- Buddha was himself a leader of Sangh. He alone decided initiation in Sangh. There was no consultation with other monks. Sangh was not based on any formal rulers and regulation. Sangh is fully controlled by Buddha. Politically, it is considered as monarchical form of government.
- With increase in size of Sangh functions of Sangh is also transferred to monks. (Bhikkus) Training and supervision of monks is given to senior monks. Power of Sangha lies in group of monks. Relation between senior monks and junior monks were like relation between father and son. Politically it can be described as aristocratic form of Government.
- Now Sangh became more organised, like admission of monks and training belong to the entire community. Community stands for Sangh. In the first phase of evolution of Sangh division making power belong to Buddha, only. Few monks were given the decision-making power in second stage. But in third phase entire power and decision-making is given to entire community. This is very similar to republic or democratic form of government.
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