Encyclopaedia of Buddhism: A World Faith, Volume 15: A Vehicle of Social Change

The volume begins by situating Buddhist thought within wider discussions of society, philosophy, religion, and human development. It explores the relationship between Buddhist ethical principles and social phenomena, emphasizing such concepts as compassion, non-violence, selflessness, interdependence, morality, social responsibility, and service to others. The author repeatedly connects individual moral transformation with the construction of a harmonious social order, arguing that social reform cannot be separated from the ethical development of the individual. The introductory chapters also discuss Buddhism in relation to sociology, social philosophy, value education, democracy, and contemporary social problems.

Across twenty-six chapters, the work addresses themes including Buddhism and social phenomena, socialism, Buddhist sociology, the Saṅgha and Tripiṭaka, socio-political and spiritual engineering, social interaction, human relationships, loving-kindness and compassion, morality, non-violence, human rights, economic responsibility, the status of women, globalization, social welfare, world brotherhood, religious convergence, and the reformative role of Buddhism. The organization of the volume therefore reflects an attempt to interpret Buddhism as a practical ethical resource for both personal cultivation and collective welfare.

A recurring thesis of the book is that Buddhist social ethics proceeds from the transformation of consciousness. Social peace cannot be established merely through institutional or political mechanisms; it requires the cultivation of ethical conduct, compassion, self-restraint, responsibility, and awareness of human interdependence. The volume accordingly portrays Buddhism as a potential “vehicle of social change,” linking classical Buddhist ideals with contemporary questions of democracy, equality, peace, welfare, human rights, social justice, and global fraternity.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Buddhism and Social Phenomena

3. Advent of Socialism

4. Buddhist Sociology

5. Buddhist Sangha and Tripitaka

6. Socio-Politico Spiritual Engineering

7. Edifice of Social Life

8. Social Interaction and Self Development

9. Buddhism: A Requiem for Human Relationship

10. Loving Kindness Compassion: Impetus for Social Service

11. Dharma Upholds the Society

12. Morality Knits the Society

13. Non-Violence and Peaceful Society

14. Society Bereft of Religion

15. Ritam Satyam Base Society

16. Selfless Service of the Society

17. Self Selflessness and the Lord of Self

18. A Propounder of Human Rights

19. Money and the Social Responsibility

20. Women and Social Reform

21. Globalisation and Social Welfare

22. World Brotherhood

23. Spiritual Convergence of Truth

24. Silence the Language of Truth

25. A Missionary Reformist

26. Appraisal and Sum Up