A Project to Study of Body of Knowledge on Public Welfare in Buddhist Scriptures

Abstract

This research aims 1) to study the concept of public welfare, 2) to gain knowledge and operational approach about public welfare; and 3) to analyze the knowledge of Buddhism that is related to public welfare. This paper examines Buddhist scriptures and related documents as data sources. The result shows that the concept of public welfare originated in Buddhism when the Buddha communicated with 60 Arahants through his word that was called “Declaration of Buddhism for society”. Its idea was based on the Doctrine and the Discipline. In Buddhist approach, four bases of social solidarity (Sangahavatthu) is the basic principle of public welfare. In addition, the body of knowledge on public welfare consists of 2 main keys: 1) the concept and the ideal that reflect ideology and role model, and 2) the doctrine of public welfare is apparently linked between a principle and a practice principle. The research suggests that there should be brainstorming to make the Buddhist monks clear their roles in developing society as public welfare workers.