Vulnerable Groups in the Buddharaksa Moral Community

This article reexamines the concept of “vulnerable groups,” not as a reflection of weakness, but as a condition of being at risk of exclusion from rights that should be equally guaranteed. Based on a case study of the Buddharaksa Moral Community, vulnerability is identified across physical and legal dimensions, including the elderly, young children, persons with disabilities, low-income individuals and stateless persons, as well as developmental and learning-related vulnerabilities such as children with autism and children with Down syndrome. These groups often face barriers in communication, learning and social participation, compounded by social stigma that limits access to education and appropriate support systems. Vulnerability is also examined through social and identity-based dimensions, including LGBTQ+ individuals, discriminated groups, school dropouts and persons at risk of mental health challenges. Community acceptance, exemplified by the recognition of a transgender woman serving as an assistant village head, demonstrates that leadership capacity is not determined by gender or social status, but by responsibility toward the collective good. The article concludes that genuine equity must begin with nonjudgmental perspectives and the creation of inclusive systems that embrace human diversity. The Buddharaksa Moral Community illustrates how compassion can be transformed into a functioning system and how diversity can become a source of social strength.