The Concept of Power in the Viewpoint of Theravada Buddhism

Abstract

    The purpose of this article is to study the existence of power and the use of power in the perspective of Theravada Buddhism. The study shows that according to the view of Western concepts, the existence of power is related to the system of governance that society accepts by seeking talents and empowering ruler by creating rules and regulations to use in social control. It can also be used to negotiate benefits with other groups as well. In this issue, there is a different view from the perspective of Theravada Buddhism. In the Aggañña Sutta, it mention about the concept of the emergence of the world and the integration of human beings into society and the regime finally and from there emerge the leader. The person who is capable of being chosen is then empowered to be called a king. And accept that power is important for the world. According to the concept of using power in western view, the leader should have the authority of using power but at the same time he should also have virtue. The good leader must have the knowledge, ability and virtue. Government system that consist of justice is what the western concept give importance to. This is consistent with the concept of power through the system of governance in the perspective of Theravada Buddhism. The system of governance is just a tool to use power or to create power. The power can be used in the good and the bad side. Therefore the one who is in the power must have the principle that will help to direct the power accordingly to the way it should be. The Buddha teaches about the ten royal virtues of the king or ten virtues of the ruler which is the moral principles for the good leader because when put into practice will bring the prosperity to the nation and the benefit to the people who are under the rules.