Korea Journal of Buddhist Studies ISSN:1598-0642(Print) 불교학연구

This study starts from the postulation that the ability to capture the power and the governing ability are different. It is said that Cakkavattin has both abilities in buddhism. Accordingly, if we analyze the meaning of Cakkavattin, we can find the need for politics in terms of buddhism and what kind of ruling ability is required in order to realize the need for politics. For the classical political philosophers, disposition for ruling and aptitude for ruling are very important topics in their discussions.However, liberalism started from the theory of social contract by Hobbes and developed by Locke and Bacon has changed the topics into the approval by the governed. Moreover, the concepts (disposition for ruling and aptitude for ruling) are no longer discussed in politics based on positivism emphasizing value free.The concepts are re-discussed only in the study of "self-referential politics (politics studied by considering need and satisfaction of self)".Accordingly, I want to use the theory indicated in "selfreferential politics" as a framework for this study. The ruling ability is an ability to exercise fully the ruling function. The very highly intellectual ability is required for a ruler because the ruling function is an intellectual work requiring the establishment of logical system.Therefore, ruling ability or aptitude for ruling is the most important element for the ruler.The ruler also has to have a strong volition and attitude to keep the public spirit and the power base in the coexisting life of public. This kind of volition and attitude can be understood as a sense. This is the second requirement for the ruler.In fact, the sense is somewhat dangerous when it is neutral without any direction.Thus, it has to be an intellectualized passion.The concept of "satta-ratana(seven treasures)" explained by highly symbolical words is the most important middle concept in understanding the concept of ruler, Cakkavattin. The explanation of each treasure and the meaning of political philosophy in the treasures can be a key to understand Cakkavattin. The "satta-ratana" are highly symbolical and literary explanation. However, we can find an image of ruler who has not only power and intelligence but also sense when we open the cover of the symbolical explanation. In buddhist tradition, the intellectual ability of Cakkavattin is regarded as a same value as the understanding of Buddha. The intellectual ability displays its real value when it is combined with a passion to promote the quality of life. This is a logical structure in which Buddha's understanding is realized as a social value through the benevolence.