《王道論》──十九世紀末西藏的王權論述

Discourse on Kingship in Late Nineteenth Century Tibet

Most studies on Mi pham rgya mtsho ('Ju mi pham 'Jam dbyangs rnam rgyal rgya mtsho, 1846-1912) focus on his thought and ideological disputes with other schools, with little attention given on his “non-philosophical” works. This paper provides a preliminary exploration of one of his treatises on kingship, aiming to contribute to a better understanding of his social engagement beyond his philosophical discourse.
In contrast to previous scholars' contention that the rGyal po lugs kyi bstan bcos (A Treatise on Ethics for Kings) was intended to strengthen the legitimacy of the young prince of the sDe dge kingdom, this study shows that the text is mainly concerned with encouraging the monarch to engage in Buddhist practice rather than solidifying his power. Drawing from discourses on royal authority from Mahayana Buddhist sutras, Mi pham rgya mtsho incorporates themes such as cultivation of virtues by monarchs and the art of governance into chapters of his rGyal po lugs kyi bstan bcos. Thus he presents us with the longest treatise on kingship in Tibetan Buddhist history. All in all, his ideal of Buddhist polity and society can be seen as a continuation of the Indian Buddhist model.