In Buddhist philosophy, Sovereignty-อธิปไตย (Adhipateyya)- refers to forms of authority or guiding principles that govern one’s actions. The Buddha described three kinds of sovereignty or dominance:
1. Attādhipateyya – Authority of the self
• Acting based on personal conscience or inner wisdom
• Example: “I will do this because I know it is right.”
2. Lokādhipateyya – Authority of the world
• Acting based on societal norms or fear of public opinion
• Example: “I will do this because others expect it of me.”
3. Dhammādhipateyya – Authority of the Dhamma (truth or law)
• Acting based on the teachings of the Buddha
• Example: “I will do this because it aligns with the Dhamma.”