Abstract:
Pārajika-s, which come in Buddhist Vinaya Pitaka, are basic rules that were
executed for the perpetuation of the Buddha Sāsana, in order to maintain the
discipline of Bhikkhu-s. Mainly it refers to not having sexual intercourse, not
stealing, not committing murder, not claiming attainment of the stages of pure
mental concentration that have not been achieved. The violation of these rules can
cause numerous problems. Significantly, not only to the Buddha Sāsana, it is also
common to any society. Furtum, fabrication, corruption, and intoxication are several
common causes that can be seen inside the roots of social crimes as well. Thus, the
objective of this investigation is to show the positive social impact that can be made
through giving the knowledge on inclusions of pārajika-s to the ordinary society,
because education and proper guidance chasten one's behaviour, and affect the
society; especially to reduce social crimes. The backgrounds of Robert K. Merton's
Social Strain Theory and Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development provide the
methodologies of analysis in this study. Thus, it is clear that a secular discipline can
be established by providing proper education along with laws and moralisation;
because education plays a vital and active role in a person’s development, especially
in identifying their nature and nurture. Furthermore, Piaget’s Theory of Moral
Development believes that children develop the standards of good and bad within
their society. Therefore, a conclusion was derived through analysing the qualitative
data gained via the literature review. Hence, the proper guidance that is given by the
Buddhist Law according to the Theravāda-Vinaya is important to both secular life
and priestly life, and most importantly to reduce social crimes in contemporary
society.
