Dhamma, Man and Law

The book opens by explaining the origins of Buddhism and the relevance of Buddhist epistemology for law, especially the role of critical inquiry, impartial judgment, and rational faith in legal reasoning. It then examines the Buddhist theory of reality and its implications for law, showing that legal systems must be understood against a wider philosophical view of human nature, causality, moral responsibility, and social order. The third chapter focuses on Buddhist ethics, arguing that law must serve moral and practical ends such as welfare, restraint of harmful conduct, and the cultivation of justice rather than merely enforcing formal rules. The fourth chapter studies the Buddhist conception of society, law, and human rights, including the relationship between the Saṅgha, the state, rulers, citizens, and moral obligations within a just social framework. The final chapter addresses Buddhism and international law, discussing Buddhist principles relevant to peace, war, inter-state conduct, universal welfare, and the possibility of a righteous international order grounded in Dhamma rather than domination.