An Analysis of Class Concepts of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Buddhism

Abstract

The objectives of research were 1) to study the class concepts from the perspective of Buddhism; 2) to study the class concepts from the perspective of Martin Luther King, Jr; and 3) to analyze the class concepts of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Buddhism. The research article is qualitative research focusing on studying and analyzing data from various sources and employing documents from both primary and secondary sources. The content was analyzed and presented in a descriptive method.

             The results of research were found that;

             1) Buddhism held different perspectives about class which consisted of Priests (Bhramin), Kings (Kshatryia), Merchants (Vaishya), Commoners (Sudra), and Outcaste (Untouchables). Buddhism created equality through the teachings on Pañcasīla (Five Precepts), Pañca-dhamma (Five Ennobling Virtues), and Kusala-kammapatha (Wholesome Course of Action). Including, complying with the doctrine on Kamma by focusing on the action.

             2) Martin Luther King, Jr. was against racism which was the cause of hatred by demanding freedom and inspiration for equality. He was the leader of the equal rights movement of black people through his speech, “I have a dream”. He applied the principle of Avihiṃsā (Nonviolence), that was, the training and control of the mind not to hurt or revenge other beings, as well as the principle of Satyagraha (Holding onto truth through a non-violent resistance) by having tolerance instead of hatred. 

             3) From an analysis of class concepts in the perspectives of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Buddhism, it was found that when society had problems and conflicts about inequality, the peaceful means should be applied as a guideline, that was, creating love by abstaining from hurting or taking advantages of others, respecting others’ rights, honoring each other, not speaking ill about others, giving wisdom to others by using Yonisomanasikāra (Proper Attention), focusing on harmony and complying with the doctrine on Kusala-kammapatha  (Wholesome Course of Action), in order to reflect the goodness and evil, as well as reflecting the three aspects of the ways of peace, namely, physical peace, verbal peace, and mental peace.