Indian Society for Buddhist Studies

Author(s): Prachya Vidyapeeth
Publisher: Prachya Vidyapeeth

Page 83

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teachings of Buddha mostly consist of non-violence (Ahimsa), compassion, and love for all. It is because in Buddhism it is believed that all living creatures are our mother, therefore we must always help, love, respect every form of life. The main attempt of Buddha was to approach a life which aims towards the end of suffering. According to him, one should always have love, compassion in his heart and further he must be rational also in order to control their unwanted desire and passion. It is because this passion increases greed and selfishness in human beings, due to which he takes extreme steps and becomes violent in order to accomplish them. According to the teachings of Buddha, it is impossible to win people by means of wars and battles. One can only win a piece of land or territory through battles but not heart of people.
According to Buddha one should avoid extremes of any action. One should always choose the middle path because this path is the right path. If one follows middle path then he will be able to control his unnecessary desires and can easily distinguish between right and wrong. By following this path the individual will act in intelligent way and will get enlighten. As a result, he will be to detach himself from feeling of hatred, greed, delusion and thus will be able to accomplish what should be done (social works), by doing this he not only improve himself but he can also help others who are still suffering in the darkness of ignorance. Buddhism is known for changing the personality of individuals since very beginning. One of the famous examples was famous dacoit Angulimala, who killed many people for his self-interest but after encounter with Lord Buddha he realised the real course of life and joined the Buddhist order. Another famous example was set by great emperor Ashoka who completely transformed himself by following the path of Buddhism and helped Buddhism to expand not only in India but also outside India. Finally won hearts of many and is still remembered today. The paper will be focusing on Buddha's teachings as a solution to today's problem.
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