The Relationship between Buddhist Doctrine and the Social Activities of Buddhists: Considerations from the Debates in Buddhist Social Welfare Studies

Abstract

“Why do Buddhists engage in social activities?” The purpose of this study is to respond to this question and clarify the Buddhist doctrinal position on social activities. From the perspective of the study of Buddhist social welfare, we can examine these issues from the following three standpoints: Buddhist teaching as a philosophy for social welfare; Buddhist teaching as the motive for social activists; and Buddhist teaching as “technical support” for welfare.

The first uses Buddhism as the basic philosophy for providing social welfare to the recipient of the care. The second suggests that Buddhist teaching provides social activists with the motivation to act. The third proposes that Buddhist teaching can be used as spiritual and religious care in general. In order for Buddhists to practice social welfare activities according to the teaching, it is also important for Buddhists to develop interprofessional collaborations and build trust with communities.