An Analytical Study of Royal Duties Regarding Buddhist Affairs of King Tassin the Great

Abstract

This research was purposely made:  1) to study a situation of Buddhism during the reign of King Taksin the Great, 2) to study a history of King Taksin the Great regarding his Buddhist affairs, and 3) to analyze the royal duties of King Taksin the Great relating to Buddhism. This research employed the documentary research methodology done by studying related documents where content analysis was made through the descriptive manner.

The results of this study found that during 1) the reign of King Taksin the Great, Buddhism was a lack of monks who had knowledge in teaching and practice, and   monks to study the Dhamma and Vinaya. Moreover, there was a lack of monks who would be the administration of all the Sangha. All lacks occurred because the country was not in peace due to war, 2) for the history of King Taksin the Great regarding his Buddhist affairs, five areas were found: 1) for Dhamma, King Taksin the Great ordered a council to reconsider the Tipitฺaka and issued the royal precepts,  2) for religious person, He collected Tipitฺaka but was not successful because he died before completing his goal, His Mmajesty graciously appointing patriarchs and prelates to oversee the monks and promote the study of the Dhamma. 3) for materials, His Majesty donated royal property to build and renovating temples, Uposatha Hall, Vihãra, and monks' quarters, 4) among the religious objects, His Majesty graciously created a picture book of Tri Bhũmi and a statue of Buddha dressed in a meditative posture, 5) finally, religious ceremonies, His majesty went to perform royal merit, donate alms, and went to pay important places of worship, 3) among analysis of King Taksin the Great on the royal duties regarding Buddhism, it was found that His majesty had a passion for Dhamma and encouraged people to have knowledge and understanding of the Buddha's teachings. His Majesty had faith in Buddhism and behaved himself as an example for all Buddhists.