Buddhist Rule Over Kings

Question 1

Did Buddhism impact the rule of kings?

Answer 1

Yes

Question 2

What did monks lay down for these kings?

Answer 2

Foundations for what a king can and cannot do

Question 3

What type of king was not accepted?

Answer 3

A wheel turning king

Question 4

Why wasn’t a wheel turning king accepted?

Answer 4

As they were believed to rule with power and force

Question 5

What type of king would the Buddha have been?

Answer 5

A wheel turning king

Question 6

Why is ruling with force and power not accepted within Buddhism?

Answer 6

As it can lead to harm and oppression for the society and Buddhist communities under their rule

Question 7

What type of king is accepted?

Answer 7

An ideal king

Question 8

Would kings turn to Buddhist monks for guidance and reassurance?

Answer 8

Yes, as they were believed to be out of the ordinary and could see things from a different perspective

Question 9

What does an ideal king rule with?

Answer 9

Compassion and does their best to prevent injury towards their people

Question 10

What kind of things must an ideal king be?

Answer 10

Generous 
Gentle
Moral
Non-violent 
And, should suppress anger