Topic: Knowledge, Logic and Exercise: Three Fundamentals of Buddhism in the Process of Globalization

Lecturer: Prof Ravindra Kumar

Dr. Ravindra Kumar is a universally renowned Indologist and the former vice chancellor of Meerut University, India.

Date: 23 June 2009
Time: 13.00 - 15.00 hours
Room: 707, Boromratchakumari Bldg., Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University
Public talk, no fees whatsoever.

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Abstract

Knowledge, Logic and Exercise: Three Fundamentals of Buddhism in the Process of Globalization

Buddhism, derived from the word ‘Buddha’, is a way of life shown by Buddhas [Awakened]. It has accorded exemplary dimensions to social and political philosophies in general and spiritual thinking in particular. It calls upon the man not to become indifferent from the realty of life, but to live it well, and make it purposeful. It stresses upon making the life dynamic, and not simply having it based on ideals. Moreover, by making morality and ethics an essential part of human practices, it is in favour of bringing pre-established welfaristic rule and system within the range of inevitable ‘Law of Change’. Doubtlessly, this call of Buddhism is important to make the life meaningful. But, accepting knowledge, logic and exercise to be the fundamentals of his philosophy of life by Gautama Buddha himself, and his call of taking these fundamentals too within the scope of ‘Law of Change’ is of utmost importance. This call of Buddha has proved to be significant for centuries. It has been a subject of study and analysis from time-to-time, and remains so till today. Particularly, in these days of constantly increasing process of globalization it could play a vital role in its strengthening and also to grant it a unique and long memorable dimension if accepted accordingly.




 

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