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VOL. 12, ISSUE 12 (2025)
Empowering social cohesion in society: Insights from Buddhist philosophy and practice
Authors
G K Y S Siriwardana, Dr. Manoji Harischandra
Abstract
This study explores how core Buddhist
teachings can effectively strengthen social cohesion in contemporary societies
marked by polarization, inequality, and rapid transformation. Drawing from key
doctrinal principles such as interdependence (paṭicca-samuppāda), non-violence
(ahiṃsā), mental cultivation (bhāvanā), and the ethical foundations of the Five
Precepts, the paper highlights Buddhism’s capacity to nurture harmonious social
relationships. Textual sources—including the Saṅgaha-vatthus, Brahmavihāras, Siṅgālovāda
Sutta, Upāli Sutta, Cakkavatti Sīhanāda Sutta, Kūṭadanta Sutta, and Aggañña
Sutta demonstrate how Buddhist thought promotes equality, mutual
responsibility, just governance, and moral accountability. By addressing the
roots of social conflict through the framework of the Three Poisons (greed,
hatred, and delusion), Buddhism offers practical strategies to cultivate
compassion, empathy, and collective well-being. The study adopts a qualitative
methodology based on secondary sources to examine how these teachings can be
applied meaningfully within modern political, economic, and cultural contexts.
The findings suggest that integrating Buddhist ethical principles into social
structures and community practices can play a transformative role in reducing
division, enhancing trust, and fostering sustainable social harmony.
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Pages:140-143
How to cite this article:
G K Y S Siriwardana, Dr. Manoji Harischandra "Empowering social cohesion in society: Insights from Buddhist philosophy and practice". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 12, Issue 12, 2025, Pages 140-143
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