A THEORY OF BUDDHISM INTEGRATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF WISDOM AND VIRTUE IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Sanu Mahatthanadull; Ven. Phramaha Nantakorn Piyabhani; Ven. Neminda; Ven. Nguyen Anh Tuan; Ven. Ugyen Tshering; Dusanee Thanaboripat; Sarita Mahatthanadull

Authors

Sanu Mahatthanadull International Buddhist Studies College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2467-052X
Ven. Phramaha Nantakorn Piyabhani International Buddhist Studies College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
Ven. Neminda International Buddhist Studies College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
Ven. Nguyen Anh Tuan International Buddhist Studies College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
Ven. Ugyen Tshering International Buddhist Studies College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
Dusanee Thanaboripat Office of Academic Journal Administration, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology, Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand
Sarita Mahatthanadull Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, Bangkok, Thailand

Keywords:

Buddhism Integration, Sustainable Development, 21st Century, Theory, Wisdom and Virtue

Abstract

Background and Objectives: All things in the universe are mysteriously encrypted, subject to the rule of nature. Integrating knowledge is the only key to understanding them. In Buddhism, all objects contain microscopic elementary particles that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Theories of religious integration have been less visible despite the widespread integration of science and Buddhism. The Buddha sees all things with wise eyes. Likewise, a wise one should not solely look at the world and all things with just the physical eyes, but with wisdom. A person with a vision of wisdom can see nature as it really is. A holistic view is a key feature in deeply and wisely considering (Yoniso-manasikāra) the integration phenomena of different fields and disciplines. Integration reflects a study method that integrates Buddhism and modern science. This qualitative research work aimed to address that need. This paper aimed to achieve three objectives: To investigate the development of wisdom and virtue in the 21^st century according to Buddhism and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to create a theory of Buddhism integration for the sustainable development of wisdom and virtue in the 21^st century, and to validate a theory of Buddhism integration for the sustainable development of wisdom and virtue in the 21^st century.

Methodology: A qualitative research design was employed. Data were collected from documentary and field studies with 25 experts and scholars, from 11 countries, who were monks and Buddhist scholars from the three Buddhist sects, selected using the purposive and snowball sampling method. In-depth interviews with 15 key informants were carried out to create the theory. The theory was validated through the Focus Group Discussions FGDs among 10 specialists. The interview forms were examined with the CVI by five experts. Data were analyzed using content, thematic, discourse, narrative, and grounded theory analysis.

Main Results: The findings suggested that the wisdom-virtue framework from the three Buddhist schools reflected a holistic learning approach aligned well with the SDGs. The Theory of Buddhism Integration (BI) sustainably developed the wisdom and virtue of humankind in the 21^st Century. The Rule of Dual-Relational Integration (DRI) governed three principles, namely: First principle-integrating science into Buddhism, second principle-integrating Buddhism into science, and third principle-integrating Buddhism and science reciprocally. The Rule of Holistic-Relational Integration (HRI) governed four principles, namely: Fourth principle-three-Buddhist-school-based holistic integration, fifth principle-environment-mind-wisdom-based holistic integration, sixth principle-physical-environment-mind-wisdom-based holistic integration, and seventh principle-problem-solution-based holistic integration. The seven principles explained different phenomena of dual and multidimensional integration for Buddhism-multidisciplinary-based integrators around the globe. The goal of the BI Theory was the sustainable development of wisdom and virtue through an integral perspective.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: This breakthrough involves a scholarly engagement with the principles of wisdom and virtue through the reciprocal integration between Buddhadhamma and scientific inquiry. It harmonizes self-development, holistic insight, and environmental mindfulness, serving as a theoretical framework for sustainable human development aligned with the Buddha's epistemological and ethical vision of reality.

Conclusions: In the dynamic landscape of the twenty-first century, the cultivation of wisdom and morality within the three Buddhist sects reveals both shared and distinct characteristics unique to each tradition. These developments align harmoniously with the principles of the UN SDGs. The multidimensional integration of Buddhism, science, and other disciplines in this era is examined through the Seven Principles of DRI and the HRI rules within the framework of the BI Theory. By harmonizing theoretical contributions and practical implications for sustainable development, the theoretical novelty of the BI Theory advances beyond existing integrative or Wilberian models by minimizing conceptual overlap and clarifying theoretical boundaries.

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