Monks and Promoting Democracy or Destroying Neutrality

Abstract

          Monks are disciples of the Buddha. Their lives as monastics follow the role according to constitution. But they do not have the right to vote in election and to participate in politics. However, from the Buddha’s teaching and the political participation of monks in the past it can be summarized as follows: 1) monks have the freedom to participate in political situation because the doctrine does not prohibit this; 2) the political activities do not include in showing the idea and participation in war; 3) it is for suitable performance under the doctrine; 4) if monks do not take responsibilities, for example to dispute the bad thing or to support the good thing, they are able to be blamed due to lack of these responsibilities; 5) it is based on ‘the advantage and happiness of most people and propagating the Dhamma which is graceful in the beginning, middle, and end.’ So, monks must remain neutral, and focus on the Dhamma which is the truth.

          In this way, monks and politics are coherent to perform what is suitable to develop the mind liberty. At the same time monks are able to be involved in social work. Hence, for maintaining the neutrality and justice, monks have to stay away from political situation. If they involve in politics it will destroy them definitely.