Significance of Teachings of Buddha in the Contemporary World

Context: 

This editorial is based on the news “Teachings of Buddha are not relics of the past, but a compass for our future – Vice President of India” which was published in The PIB. Recently, the 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP) was inaugurated in New Delhi by the Vice President of India.

India: The Land of Buddhism

• Genesis of Buddhism: India stands as the homeland of Bhagwan Buddha, a nation that has contributed ‘Buddha’ to the world rather than ‘Yuddha’ (war). 
• Buddhist Structures: A number of Buddhist Stupas, Viharas, Chaityas, Pillar and Rock Edicts have been built during the reign of Mauryan kings, Gupta rulers and Satavahana rulers.
• Buddhist Population: Buddhism is the 4th largest religion in the world. 
  • Population: In China (50%), Thailand (13%), Japan (9%), Myanmar (8%), Sri Lanka (3%), Vietnam (3%), Cambodia (3%), South Korea (2%), India (2%) and Malaysia (1%).
• Buddha’s Teachings: It serves as inspiration for India’s service-driven governance, emphasizing citizen welfare and inclusivity, from farmers to the vulnerable and the differently-abled. 
  • It extends to environmental sustainability also.

Current Global Issues 

• Rising Global Conflicts: Such as between Iran and Pakistan, Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine. 
  • According to the Institute for Economics and Peace’s annual Global Peace Index, more than 238,000 people died in global conflict last year. 
• Climate Challenges: It is a “perfect moral storm“. It brings three major ethical challenges: 
• • Climate change is a truly global phenomenon with skewed vulnerabilities. 
  • Current emissions have profound intergenerational effects.
  • Theoretical tools are underdeveloped in many areas, such as international justice, intergenerational ethics, scientific uncertainty, etc. 
• Terrorism Trends: As per the 10th annual edition of the Global Terrorism Index-2023, attacks are more deadly with 26% more people dying in each incident – the first rise in lethality in five years.
• Growing Poverty & Inequality: Poverty, inequality and human deprivation are persistently rising. 
  • As per Oxfam’s findings, in 2022, nearly 670 mn people were living in extreme poverty. 
• Challenges of Youth: As per EY’s 2023 Gen-Z Segmentation Study, there is substantial anxiety and stress about jobs, long-term financial stability and the current economy and job market.

Relevance of Teachings of Buddha in the Contemporary World

• Addressing Existential Challenges:  By applying Buddha’s principles, nations can work collaboratively, adopting ethical practices to safeguard the existing challenges.
• Overcoming Individual and Global Conflicts: Buddha’s four Noble Truths and eightfold Paths provide a transformative roadmap for such challenges. 
• Overcoming Terrorism: Buddha’s teachings serve as an unwavering rejection of violence and hatred, providing a framework to counter terrorism with compassion and peace. 
• Tackling Climate Change: Buddha’s wisdom urges us to follow the light of tolerance, justice, and a shared commitment to peace, fostering a future where all flourish and virtues shine.
• Tackling Poverty and Inequality: Lord Buddha taught us, “Bhavatu Sabba Mangalam”. His teachings centered on the alleviation of suffering, inspire efforts to promote an equitable distribution of resources and work towards distributive justice. 
• Middle Path as the Compass for the Future: In a rapidly changing landscape, his Middle Path for all life presents a sustainable course for both humanity and our planet. 
• Coping With Stress: Teachings of Buddha provide practical ways such as breathing meditation (Ãnãpãnasati) for coping with various problems that cause stress with mindfulness and consciousness.

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