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Main Concern of the Development of Buddhism in Social and Spiritual Aspects

Dr. Ashin Dhammapiya

ABTRACT

The fundamental doctrine of Buddhism is within the reach of everyone, regardless of race, sex, age and nationality. The philosophy of Buddhism is to enlighten those who are intellectual. In reality, it is far beyond the intellectual speculation. Buddhism engages for those who listen to its advice which is fundamentally related to the Middle Way or the Middle Path. The doctrines of Buddhism embodies in the original sources, regarding to the way of peaceful living. Since the hearers involve different social and traditional background, the interpretations of Buddhism will vary in many circumstances based on their historical, social and traditional engagement. Yet the main concern of Buddhism is far beyond the aspects of historical, social and traditional engagement.

Buddhism promotes the fundamental aspect of wellbeing for all beings. In this regard, which one is more important than the other, either social or spiritual development? Buddhists suppose to understand the doctrine of the Midway Way/the Middle Path and all sentient beings suppose to realize the absolute peace (Nirvana/Nibbana). Yet some interpretations of the doctrines are contradictory to one another. Therefore, the hearers mislead themselves on the path of liberation. There is a statement of Buddha which leads us to have a second thought, “if the Sangha (the Order) wish it, the Sangha can abolish the lesser and minor precepts (monastic rules). If the statement is true, how does Buddhism lead its followers in way of harmony and unity among the conservative and the liberal; how will Buddhists properly understand the interpretations of the doctrines of Buddha? Indeed, the teachings of Buddha are still harmony and unity in the social and spiritual aspects though the Buddhists are difficult to understand some interpretations.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr Ashin  Dhammapia was born in June 4, 1955, in Mynamar (Burma). At the age of eight, he became a novice monk (Samanera) and a fully ordained monk (Bhikkhu) of Theravada Monastic Order at the age of twenty. In 1980, he received the degree, Sasanadhaja Dhammacariya (master of Dhamma) in Pali scriptures. He became a Vapassana meditation teacher at Mahasi Meditation Center, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma) in 1982.

In 1997, Dr Ashin Dhammapia received BA (Comparative Religions) and MA (Philosophy) in 1998 from San Jose State University, California, USA. He completed his PhD (Philosophy) from California Institute, San Francisco, California in 2003.

Since 2004, Dr Ashin Dhammapia is teaching and supervising the students at International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma).  He is also conducting Vipassana meditation retreats nationally and internationally. He wrote a few books: “Realization of the Dhamma”, “Understanding Vipassana Meditation”, “Buddhist Ethics in Daly Life” and “Nibbana in Theravada Pespective”.