Socially Engaged Buddhism

The main content of Socially Engaged Buddhism is structured into three broad thematic movements. Part I, “Creating a Buddhist Culture of Peace,” lays the foundation for Sulak Sivaraksa’s engaged Buddhist vision, presenting Buddhist identity in the modern world, non-violence, structural violence, war and peace, education for human security, and the responsibility of monks and Buddhist communities in contemporary society. Part II, “A Buddhist Response to Development, Globalization and Modernism,” applies Buddhist ethical analysis to modern economic and social systems, challenging consumerism, materialism, exploitative development, ecological destruction, and the dominance of global capitalism while proposing alternatives rooted in mindfulness, local culture, trust, quality of life, simplicity, and inner transformation. Part III, “Siamese Identity through History and Personality,” situates engaged Buddhism within Thai/Siamese history by reflecting on kings, reformers, monks, intellectuals, activists, and personal encounters that shaped Sulak’s understanding of Buddhism as a force for cultural renewal and social responsibility. Across the book, Sulak argues that genuine Buddhist practice cannot be separated from the suffering of society; personal transformation, moral courage, non-violent action, ecological awareness, and the creation of just communities are all part of the Dhamma in action.