Arya-Dāna: Moral Structure and the Equilibrium Mechanism of the Social Field

This article proposes the concept of Arya-Dāna in Buddhism as a moral structure and an equilibrium mechanism of the social field. It argues that giving at the noble level is not merely a religious or material act of donation, but a system of moral relations that operates beyond transactional exchange and cannot be closed as an account within structural terms. The study develops a theoretical framework that interprets Arya-Dāna as a mechanism for balancing social forces. It functions to reduce the concentration of resources and power while stabilizing social relationships through a structured supportive giving system and a moral circulation cycle of giving and receiving. Within this framework, no individual remains a permanent giver or a permanent receiver, as roles continually circulate across the social structure. In terms of application, the article integrates Arya-Dāna with the institutional framework of Baworn (home–temple–state/education) and the concept of positive moral families, proposing their institutionalization as a sustainable moral protocol that does not rely solely on charismatic leadership. It further suggests relational and social stability indicators such as care for vulnerable groups, community cooperation and human security as alternative measures of evaluation beyond economic profit. The article concludes that Arya-Dāna can function as a civilizational equilibrium mechanism of the social field, reducing structural inequality, enhancing stability and contributing to the development of a supportive and sustainable social order in the long term.