Prescribe the distinctive feature and objective of Buddhist social philosophy

The main feature and objective of the Buddhist social philosophy are dependent on its theory of reality and world-view. The Buddha’s primary aim was not to explore the systematic social theory but to reveal path of purification.

The social philosophy of the Buddha is grounded in the basic concept of unity of mankind. The Buddha considers all human beings are socially equal. He valued a person according to his moral behavior. Buddhist social philosophy traces the feasibility of service rendered to society for the betterment of the entire human race. The concept of equality was extended also to women. Women were not treated as inferior to men with regard to the potentiality of spiritual development.

Another objective of Buddhist social philosophy was to create a balance society. The Buddha has advised to avoid two extremes: luxurious life and self-tortures, which are the hindrances to find the highest happiness. If the economic social and political conditions are stable there we find a balance society. Thus, for this reason we can use the seven conditions, which the Buddha has stated to Vajjian country. These conditions are directly helpful to make a balance society. By practicing these seven conditions one can protect or promote his-own culture and tradition.

Another objective of Buddhist social philosophy is to establish a rational society. According to Buddhism rational faith is the first step towards realization. There are two sources for the arising of the right view of life; that is the propaganda of others and critical reflection. While talking about empirical experience and rational faith the Buddha explains the Kalamasutta, which set light on the basic norms, which create a rational society of Buddhist Social Philosophy. This Sutta clearly shows that the Buddhism accepts the right of others to express their own views in freedom way.

If one examines the teachings of the Buddha it appears that morality is the corner stone of his teachings. The Buddha considered the morality as the essential of social harmony. Buddhist morality has a practical nature.

Roughly speaking self-restrainment, tolerance, obedience, charity, love, sympathy, forgiveness, are directly involved in social harmony. According to Rahulovāda Sutta, instructions have been given to check one’s action whether it is affected for self-destruction or social destruction. Everyone has to do others regarding virtue or social virtue as to cardinal virtues with regard to others. Buddhism teaches four kinds of cardinal virtues or Brahmaviharas which can create an altruistic society.

Thus, because of active attitude one can create an important society. According to Buddhism, firstly one has to think of oneself in term of others, secondly to think of others in term of oneself. In these way his action is not only brings benefits to himself but also affected others. (455)