Understanding and Application of Five Precepts Among Contemporary Thai Students

Abstract

Current Thai students have been educated, understood and be able to apply the teachings of Theravada Buddhism in various ways. This is due to the wide influence of Buddhism in Thai society. Most of Thai students get opportunity to experience and learn basic doctrines, also participated in religious activities from childhood. However, the knowledge, understanding and application of Theravada Buddhist doctrines among contemporary Thai students have begun to change. This article is based on analysis through a literature review to survey current Thai students on their knowledge, understanding, and application of Theravada Buddhist doctrines in the modern social context, including factors that affect knowledge, understanding and application of Buddhist doctrines. Analysis results show that Thai students have a high level of awareness of Buddhist doctrines, especially the Five Precepts, which are basic moral principles that still being brought the principles or the teachings of Buddhist to apply in everyday life. In addition, it was found that education, family, modern trends in the globalization era, changes in social conditions, moral values, as well as negative news about Buddhism, these are all factors that cause Thai students to have less attachment to religion. Therefore, encouraging or offering guidelines for people in society to apply the principles of Buddhist doctrines in various and modern forms to consist with modern life is still important, since the Buddhist doctrines are guidelines that people in society must practice to live peacefully without harming each other, therefore religious doctrines are the main part that creates peace and order in society.