BUDDHIST TEACHINGS AND THE CRISIS OF POLITICAL FAITH

Abstract

This academic article aims to examine the concept of a crisis of political legitimacy, analyze the role of Buddhist principles in fostering the legitimacy of state power, and propose ways to apply these principles to restore trust between those in power and the public. The study employs a documentary research approach and conceptual analysis, drawing upon Buddhist teachings, democratic principles, and the framework of good governance. A crisis of political legitimacy often stems from the irresponsible exercise of power, corruption, a lack of transparency, inequitable law enforcement, and limitations within the mechanisms designed to hold state power accountable-all of which erode public confidence in those who govern and in political institutions. Restoring political legitimacy requires both the cultivation of moral integrity among those in power and the improvement of public administration systems, alongside the promotion of civic participation. This study synthesizes a new framework—a four-dimensional model of Buddhist principles—to restore political legitimacy: the first dimension focuses on the moral integrity of leaders based on the Dasavidha-rajadhamma (the Ten Virtues of a Ruler); the second emphasizes equitable administration through the Sangahavatthu (the Four Bases of Social Harmony) integrated with good governance; the third promotes public participation grounded in metta (loving-kindness), karuna (compassion), and panna (wisdom); and the fourth addresses the oversight and balancing of power by applying the Akati (the Four Biases to be avoided) alongside formal legal accountability mechanisms. Integrating Buddhist principles with democracy and good governance serves as a vital approach to ensuring that state power is exercised with moral integrity, transparency, fairness, and accountability. which leads to strengthening political legitimacy, restoring public trust, and fostering the development of the democratic system