Dhammaratana, T. See all items with this value

2004

5

118-127

1530-4108 See all items with this value

To understand Humanistic Buddhism, in terms of present day interest, it is important to examine the Buddhist concept of equality taught by Sakyamuni Gotama, the Buddha. The Pali Tipitaka provides evidence for the Buddha’s. Universal Law of egalitarian principle, and his total rejection of inequality which prevailed in his days. The Buddha’s revolution against inequality between human beings is a new episode in the human history. The teaching of equal human rights for each and everyone benefited many millions of followers, since the foundation of the Buddhist religion. The Buddhist concept of equality is mainly oriented to the realisation of the Four Noble Truths, which leads to one’s own highest spiritual goal ‘nibbana’. The same principles of the universal law of ‘equality’ contributes to the development of social wellbeing.

Sciences and technology made enormous progress in the 20th century, but human nature has not changed much. Therefore, discrimination in education, professions, religions, culture, politics, gender and all other fields of human activities has continued. Human classification leads to social inequality which brings indignity and curtailment of freedom. Therefore, in this study we examine the following: (a) Early classification of human society, (b) Pali Canonical references to the Buddha’s rejection of social inequality (c) The Buddhist way of equality and (d) United Nations initiatives to combat social inequality.