The advent of Buddhism marks the beginning of historical period in India. The meteoric rise of Siddhartha to the enlightenment proves beyond any doubt that the realization of truth is quite possible for any sincere seeker endowed with vairaagya even without external help. The Buddha belonged to that genre of the enlightened who were not content with what they had achieved for themselves but also strove to help the humanity to get deliverance. Out of compassion towards the sorrowing millions, the Buddha showed them Dhammapada, a sure way of liberation from sorrow. The core of His Dhamma may be agreeable to all major religions of the world which might vary in their ritual practices. These religious practices may change from time to time but the principles of Dhamma defy time and clime. Buddha Dhamma is universal transcending all barriers--territorial, political, cultural etc.
Buddha's teachings are more relevant in the contemporary scenario of moral degradation, religious terrorism, chaotic politics, mutual distrust, skyrocketing consumerism, growing arrogance and engulfing ignorance, than ever.
The present collection of much researched papers from academics, practitioners and social activists on various aspects of Buddhism may help understand the teachings of the Buddha in a proper perspective to inspire modern man. |
