Strengthening the Network of Buddhist Community Leaders by Buddhist Peaceful Means in the State of Maharashtra, India
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Abstract
The research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate context, problems, and requirements, as well as the Buddhist peaceful means conducive to the strengthening of Buddhist community leader network in Maharashtra, India; and 2) to develop the guidelines for strengthening the network of Buddhist community leaders in Maharashtra, India. The study used a participatory action research (PAR). The instruments used for the study were an in-depth interview with 19 key informants and a participatory action package for 15 local researchers from a network of Buddhist community leaders in Maharashtra, India. The obtained data were analyzed by inductive method.
From the study, the following results were found: 1) Although the Buddhist network in India is known to significant leaders after the rebirth of Buddhism by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in 2499 BE, the need to strengthen it arises from the fact that, despite overcoming caste differences by becoming a Buddhist, many people still do not understand the fundamental teachings of Buddhism. The Sangha organizations, which serve as spiritual leaders of Buddhists, are insufficiently powerful, resulting in a lack of unity among Buddhist groups in mobilizing their work. The Buddhist peaceful means conducive to the strengthening of Buddhist community leader network are Brahmavihāra (the four sublime states of mind) referring to inner peace of leaders, Pāpaṇikadhamma referring to the Buddhist management for leaders, Sārāṇīyadhamma referring to affection and unity among leaders in order to strengthen Buddhist community network, and Apārihaniyadhamma referring to the strengthening of Buddhist leader network; and 2) A participatory action package for strengthening Buddhist community network includes 9 activities based on “P-A-O-R” cycle. The outcomes of organizing activities concretely lead to a strong Buddhist community leader network that can flourish sustainably. A body of knowledge from the study is called “Buddhabhūmi Framework”.
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