Political Concepts in Early Buddhism: A Conceptual Analysis of Power, Governance, Legitimacy, and Social Order
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This article examines the political concepts embedded in Early Buddhist teachings, with particular attention to the notions of power, governance, political legitimacy, and social order. Rather than presenting Buddhism as a theory of the state comparable to modern political science, this study argues that the Pāli Canon contains a coherent moral-political framework that can be interpreted through these four political concepts. The analysis is based on documentary research drawing upon the Tipiṭaka, classical Buddhist literature, and relevant scholarship in political science and Buddhist studies.The findings reveal that although Buddhism does not present a theory of the state or a formal political system comparable to modern political science, the Buddhist scriptures contain significant political concepts. Power is grounded in moral virtue and public acceptance rather than coercion; governance emphasizes the well-being of society through the application of Dhamma; political legitimacy is derived from righteous conduct and the recognition of the people; and social order is maintained through moral cultivation, shared norms, and cooperation among members of society rather than the use of force. The study further indicates that Dhamma serves as the common foundation of these political concepts, providing a framework for understanding social administration based on justice, moral leadership, and peaceful coexistence. These findings contribute to broadening the study of Buddhism from a political science perspective and offer an alternative conceptual framework for contemporary social and political governance.
Language: English
Topic: Indian and Buddhist Studies
Subfield: Religious studies
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225310193