ABSTRACT

                      The main objective of this thematic paper is to study the concept of forgivingness as depicted in the Buddhist scripture, doctrine as well as discipline corresponding to forgivingness, and to do an analytical study of forgiveness in Buddhist scripture. However, this research is conducted base on qualitative research methodology.

                      The result of the study found that the concept of forgivingness as depicted in the Buddhist scripture, in fact, could be tracked to the cornerstone of the Buddhist teachings  namely: not to do an evil, cultivate good, and purify one mind. It was the teaching that intended to foster harmonious society and good inter-personal relationship, to disable to the rolling chain of Samsaric process, and to cultivate great and wholesome of giving (Mahadana).

                      For the Buddhist doctrines that related the matter of forgivingness were right view

(Samma ditthi), The Three meritorious actions, Five Precepts, The Noble Eightfold Path, Bases of

Social Solidarity, Sublime State of mind, and Virtues for fraternal living. While the disciplinenary

rules stood as the law to keep the Sangha Order in peace and help the Order to fulfill their

spiritual cultivation smoothly. This practice named  Adhikaranasamatha was consisted of heavy

punishment and light penalty. The first was acted accordingly to the rules, while the later might

be reduced to a matter of forgivingness with approval concern of the Sangha Order. The

implement of forgivingness in Thai administrative system was limited to the authority of the king,

and mostly it was long-traditional practice to free the prisoner. This was one example of the

implement of forgivingness according to the Buddhist teachings. Therefore, in the future, it was

very necessary for the government to consider the concept of forgivingness as depicted in the

Buddhist scripture to reduce the social conflict and foster the harmony in Thai society.