Integrating Loving-Kindness to Protect the Values of Buddhism

Abstract

This article aims to study the integration of loving-kindness to protect the values of Buddhism in the modern world facing social, cultural, and moral conflicts. Loving-kindness is a fundamental virtue in the "Four Sublime States of Mind" (Brahmaviharas) principle, expressed through the practice of "The Four Bases of Social Solidarity" (Sangahavatthu) which include acts of generosity, kind speech, acts of service, and impartiality fostering peaceful social coexistence. This study is conducted through a review of relevant literature, case study analysis, and data derived from published interviews. It examines Rwanda's Gacaca process, emphasizing forgiveness and faith restoration at the community level after genocide for national reconstruction, alongside Thich Nhat Hanh's concepts of "Deep Listening" and "Loving Speech" for healing conflicts to create a peaceful society. It also studies the integration of loving-kindness through the King's Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy and royal projects initiated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX), which applied the principle of loving-kindness for sustainable development benefiting all ethnic groups in Thai society. From the Buddha-Mahametta Foundation case study, the article identifies giving as a strategy for disseminating Buddhism in three dimensions - material gifts (Vatthudana), forgiveness (Abhaya-dana), and the gift of Dhamma (Dhammadana), as well as the integration of loving-kindness through Dhamma khita (Dhamma music) in contemporary society as a tool for propagating Dhamma and cultivating faith and the application of social media in spreading Dhamma. The findings indicate that loving-kindness in various contexts, when integrated with the principles of Kalama Sutta and Yonisomanasikara (wise reflection) in the social media era, serves as an ethical mechanism protecting Buddhist values and promoting sustainable peace.