Examples Of Socially Engaged Buddhism
Socially Engaged Buddhism
Traditionally Buddhism has been seen throughout history as strict devotion to understanding one-self and separating ones-self from society to find true inner peace. The story of how Siddhartha became known as the Buddha was from him leaving his luxurious lifestyle to understand why there is suffering in the world and eventually was able to reach enlightenment. Many followers believe that Buddha wanted everyone to follow the same path in reaching nirvana, and leaving society is necessary. Socially Engaged Buddhism looks at the world and how to interact with society differently. It is believed that being active in society to help with the environment, bringing peace and compassion to those around you are very important to the path of enlightenment. Leaving society to only focus on ones-self is not as important as it has been brought out to be.
Many Traditional Buddhist followers believe that permanently leaving society to find Nirvana is the only way to reach this peaceful bliss. Strict meditation and eventually finding one’s true self in isolation is part of the path. Buddhist monk Walpola Rahula, did not believe that Buddha …show more content…
One of which is the conditions of our environment. Buddhist monk Ajahn Pongsak was very distraught at the conditions of the northern Thai forests. He believed that there is a lot of importance in treating the environment as one’s own home, with respect. How can one reach enlightenment with such disregard and selfishness to the environment we all live in? Instead of leaving society to focus solely on one’s enlightenment, monks should continue to be socially engaged to help show their appreciation and respect and this will lead to the path of enlightenment. Ajahn Pongsak was able to show his appreciation by gathering up villagers, planting seeds, buildings fences to help protect the trees, and teaching the important of respecting the
Traditionally Buddhism has been seen throughout history as strict devotion to understanding one-self and separating ones-self from society to find true inner peace. The story of how Siddhartha became known as the Buddha was from him leaving his luxurious lifestyle to understand why there is suffering in the world and eventually was able to reach enlightenment. Many followers believe that Buddha wanted everyone to follow the same path in reaching nirvana, and leaving society is necessary. Socially Engaged Buddhism looks at the world and how to interact with society differently. It is believed that being active in society to help with the environment, bringing peace and compassion to those around you are very important to the path of enlightenment. Leaving society to only focus on ones-self is not as important as it has been brought out to be.
Many Traditional Buddhist followers believe that permanently leaving society to find Nirvana is the only way to reach this peaceful bliss. Strict meditation and eventually finding one’s true self in isolation is part of the path. Buddhist monk Walpola Rahula, did not believe that Buddha …show more content…
One of which is the conditions of our environment. Buddhist monk Ajahn Pongsak was very distraught at the conditions of the northern Thai forests. He believed that there is a lot of importance in treating the environment as one’s own home, with respect. How can one reach enlightenment with such disregard and selfishness to the environment we all live in? Instead of leaving society to focus solely on one’s enlightenment, monks should continue to be socially engaged to help show their appreciation and respect and this will lead to the path of enlightenment. Ajahn Pongsak was able to show his appreciation by gathering up villagers, planting seeds, buildings fences to help protect the trees, and teaching the important of respecting the