Concept of the King of the People: The Monarch as a Conventional Sovereign in a Buddhist State From the Principles of Cakkavatti Duties to the Jaya-Vada Doctrine

Abstract

This article examines the concept of King of the Masses as a symbolic monarch of
a Buddhist state, analyzing it from the Aggañña Sutta, Cakkavatti Sutta, the Sumangala Vilasini
commentary, the Traiphum Phra Ruang, and the Abhidhanappadipika.
The study indicates that the state did not arise from divine right, but from the
necessities of human society. The emergence of property and territories led to conflict,
prompting humans to enter into a social contract, electing a Mahasammata (a high-ranking
official) to uphold the rules, with power based on consensus and righteousness.
Analysis of the term ruler in the Abhidhanappadipika reveals a taxonomic hierarchy,
from king to monarch to emperor. Each term reflects different dimensions, such as land
ownership, protection of the people, power structure, and the status of being a refuge. The
evolution of rulers thus moves from the elected to the righteous ruler and ultimately to the
emperor who rules the world righteously.
In terms of governing ideology, the Cakkavatti Sutta proposes the principle of
imperial conduct as a model of Dharmacracy, emphasizing the protection of the people and
the reduction of inequality, while the Traiphum Phra Ruang of Phaya Lithai contrasts this with
other aspects. This illustrates the principles of royal decrees that apply Buddhist teachings to
practical administration in areas such as taxation, the judiciary and public welfare. It reflects
the concrete transformation of religious ideals into state policy.