The Integration of Buddhist Principles to Promote Political Participation in Democracy of Conscripts under the Security Guard Company, Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were 1) to study the level of democratic political participation of conscripts in the Security Guard Company, Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence; 2) to analyze the relationship between Aparihaniyadhamma 7 and the democratic political participation of these conscripts in the Security Guard Company; and 3) to propose guidelines for integrating Buddhist principles to promote democratic political participation of conscripts in the Security Guard Company. This research was quantitative research that applied Sombat Thamrongthanyawong's concept of political participation as a conceptual framework for the study, in conjunction with Aparihaniyadhamma 7. Data were collected using a questionnaire with an overall reliability coefficient of 0.937 from a total population of 97 conscripts in the Security Guard Company 1 and 2. Statistical analyses included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Data from open-ended questions were analyzed through content analysis and synthesized into guidelines for integrating Buddhist principles. The research findings revealed that 1) overall adherence to Aparihaniyadhamma 7 was at a high level (μ = 3.66, σ = 0.26), and political participation in a democratic system was also at a high level overall (μ = 3.66, σ = 0.45); 2) Aparihaniyadhamma 7 had a high positive correlation with the democratic political participation of conscripts, statistically significant at the .01 level (r = .77); and 3) regarding guidelines for integrating Buddhist principles to promote democratic political participation, Aparihaniyadhamma 7 should be applied to foster consultation, unity, respect for rules and superiors within the legal framework, collective responsibility, and a sufficiency-based lifestyle. This should be coupled with promoting the exercise of voting rights with mindfulness, respect for diverse opinions, and political conduct characterized by integrity, discipline, and respect for the law.