Socially Engaged Buddhism
Socially Engaged Buddhism advocates religion as a means of reform. He states, “Religion is at the heart of social change, and social change is the essence of religion." Sulak advocates environmental protection and environmentally sustainable ways of life through the use of Buddhist principles. Sivaraksa calls for the “value of simplicity,” and connects this with the Buddhist idea of “the freedom from attachment to physical and sensual pleasure.”
Sivaraksa chooses to highlight the universal and rational aspects of Buddhism and eschews ritualism and mythology in order to make Buddhism more applicable to contemporary global issues. By presenting Buddhism in this fashion, people of all faiths can relate to, and interpret his work in a universally spiritual light. Though he is both a Buddhist and Thai nationalist, he makes it clear in his work that all religions should be tolerated and respected.
Read more about this topic: Sulak Sivaraksa
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