Abstract:
During the time that Saim evolved from being a traditional state into an absolute monarchy, changes took place within the Sangha, related in turn to changes in Siamese society as a whole. The most important change within the Sangha during this period was the formation of the Dhammayuttikanika ̅ya which successfully reformed Buddhist thought, as well as defining its own role both within the Sangha and in society, thus ensuring its survival and continuing importance in Siamese society. This thesis aims to study the Dammayuttikanika ̅ya in its historical context. This is done through an analysis of factors which contributed to the establishment of the Dammayuttikanika ̅ya of changes in the thought of the sects leaders (especially their ideas on karma, mankind, the purpose of life, the state, and the monarch), and of changes in the role of Dammayuttikanika ̅ya between 1825 and 1921, both within the Sangha and in society as a whole. Research undertaken by the author shows that, significantly, the founding of the Dammayuttikanika ̅ya did not arise out of political reasons alone, but also from the personal experiences of the sects founder (King Rama IV). The thoughts of the leading figures in the Dammayuttikanika ̅ya had a humanistic bent, and also emphasized reason and realism. There was much emphasis too on karma and the results of karma in this life. At first, ideas on mankind were expressed wholly in terms of religion, but later on the leaders of the Dammayuttikanika ̅ya blended Western knowledge with Buddhist thought and beliefs. The purpose of life changed from a quest to attain nibbana (nirvana) to being one which emphasizes good and useful behaviour in this life. The sects leaders initially stressed the importance of an individuals good behavior and devotion to duty in his or her own field of activity, conduct which will result in a releade from dhukka (suffering). Later, the sects leaders stressed the importance of an individuals good social behavior within the state, especially social relations between the king and various groups of people which would serve to increase the prosperity of the country and safeguard the independence of the nation. The role of the Dammayuttikanika ̅ya , both in relation to the Sangha and to society as a whole, steadily expanded, owing to its change of states from being a thought of its leaders (in each phase), and to the formation of an absolutist state.