Principle of the King's Righteousness
Summary
Ghoshal’s article expounds the Buddhist ideal of righteous kingship. Drawing on Pali suttas and historical examples such as King Asoka, he outlines the ten royal duties (dasa‑rāja‑dhamma): generosity, morality, self‑sacrifice, honesty, gentleness, self‑control, non‑anger, non‑violence, forbearance and adherence to the law. The author argues that a ruler’s legitimacy derives not from birth but from commitment to the welfare of his subjects. The article analyses edicts in which Asoka renounces warfare, promotes vegetarianism and urges officials to work for public good. Ghoshal contrasts this model with the realpolitik of later kingdoms and discusses how Buddhist notions of kingship influenced political thought in Sri Lanka and South‑East Asia. He suggests that the principle of righteousness remains relevant in modern governance as a standard against which leaders can measure their policies.
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Conclusion
The principle of the king’s righteousness places ethical conduct at the heart of political power. Ghoshal’s analysis shows that Buddhist political philosophy advocates compassionate leadership and social justice. Even today, these ideals challenge governments to prioritise the well‑being of all citizens.