Buddhist Philosophy and Sustainable Social Development

Abstract

This article proposes a new body of knowledge under the concept of a “Model for Sustainable Social Development Based on Buddhist Philosophy.” It analyzes Buddhist philosophy as an integrated system of ethics and epistemology, grounded in core doctrines such as the Four Noble Truths, the Three Marks of Existence, and Dependent Origination. These teachings, while rooted in religious tradition, transcend the boundaries of doctrinal faith and can be applied as conceptual frameworks for holistic social development—particularly relevant in contemporary contexts where societies are facing moral decline, economic inequality, and the erosion of human and environmental values. The proposed model centers on human-centered development, emphasizing the cultivation of inner qualities—morality (sila), concentration (samadhi), and wisdom (pinna)—as essential spiritual mechanisms for shaping behavior and sustainable living. A core component of this model is the Middle Way (Majjhima Pati pada), which serves as a guiding principle to achieve balance across the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. In conclusion, the article argues that integrating Buddhist philosophical principles into social development is not merely about transferring religious doctrines into practice, but about cultivating deep moral consciousness through structural mechanisms such as public policy, education, and media. This transformative process aims to reconstruct a society founded on virtue, transparency, and collective responsibility—ultimately fostering a peaceful, equitable, and genuinely sustainable social order.