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Facing the problems of the family: a Buddhist perspective Wetara Mahinda ABSTRACT The integrity of the human family is under threat now, more than ever before. The reasons for this trend are varied. However in this paper I confine myself to understanding the necessity of developing and establishing harmonious relationships among the members of a family as an essential condition especially for the existence of the family members as an integral family. Here, I propose to introduce several of the qualities to be adopted by the members of the family for a peaceful and lasting relationship among the members based on the fundamental principles advocated by the Buddha. They are namely:
In addition, I also would wish to point out the importance of the concept of noble friendship, which is crucial in understanding and helping each other without making enemies of the closest members in the family setting. I will be dealing with this topic in the light of changing social patterns of the modern world. In elucidating the topic of my submission, I will have recourse to Thereavada Buddhist texts such as Sigalovada Sutta. BIOGRAPHYWetara Mahinda
Office ( Mailing Address): Department of Archaeology, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka Tel. (94) 81 2392583, Mobile 94 77 3995926 Email: wmahinda2000@yahoo.com; wmahinda@pdn.ac.lk
Personal Information:
Date of Birth: November 16, 1950 Place of Birth: Colombo, Sri Lanka Citizenship: Sri Lankan Civil Status: Single (Buddhist monk) Academic Qualifications1994 Master of Arts (Archaeology) Research Degree University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka Dissertation: ‘Medical and psychological treatment of the Buddhist monastic tradition in Sri Lanka ( a study based on archaeological, literary and epigraphic evidence from 3rd c BC to 12th c AD)
1982 Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Buddhist Studies 1982 Dharmacakra Vidyapitha, Rajopvanaramaya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, formerly an affiliated institute of the Puget Sound University , Tacoma, Washington, USA
1976- 1980 Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology Special) Degree (First Division) University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
1971-1976 Tepitakavedi (a degree in Theravada Buddhism) Buddha Sravaka Dharma Pitha (University for Buddhist Monks) Nandana Mawata, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
I am currently attached to the University of Peradeniya as a senior lecturer. I have worked as the Head of the Department for over five years. I functioned as chairman of the Arts Faculty Research Committee of my university for over three years. Buddhist view for Practical issues affecting humans is one of my research interests. I have made presentations for a number of countries both in the east and west based on the above themes. Have a number of publications in English and Sinhala language. Overseas Experience: Thailand (1983 and 1999), India (1991,1994 and 2005), Singapore (1991,1992,1993,1995,1998, 2002, 2004 and 2007), Malaysia (1991), Indonesia (1991), England (1992-1993, 2002 and 2006), Germany (1992), France (1993), South Korea (1995), Hong Kong (1998), Cambodia (1999), USA (2004 and 2005-2006,2007), Pakistan (2005), Canada (2005 and 2006) Switzerland (2006) |
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