POWER AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM OF THE MONASTIC COMMUNITY

Abstract

This academic article aims to analyze the topic of “Power and the Sangha Governance System.” It finds that power in Buddhism is not based on legal enforcement, but on “Dhamma-discipline,” which is the power of Dhamma used wisely and compassionately for the peace of the Sangha. The Sangha governance system began during the Buddha’s time. The Buddha laid down the “Sangha-Vinaya” to regulate the behavior and maintain unity of the Sangha before developing into a centralized system according to the Thai Sangha Act. Buddhist power has evolved in three stages: 1) Buddha-discipline, in which the Buddha is the center of power by Dhamma; 2) Disciple-discipline, in which power is decentralized to senior disciples; and 3) Sangha-discipline, in which the Sangha exercises power by adhering to the Dhamma-Vinaya as the supreme law. After the Buddha’s passing, the Dhamma-Vinaya became the “representative teacher” and the supreme law of the Sangha. The power of the Sangha must therefore be governed by Dhamma, not for personal gain, as in the case of Phra Devadatta. Good Sangha governance requires: “The power of Dhamma” to support the Sangha and maintain the stability of the religion.