Buddhism and Social Work

Abstract

The ideology of Buddhism and social work concepts are compatible in many ways. Buddhist teachings that can very well be used to reinforce the practice of social work are for example: -the Fourfold Norms for Kind Treatment ( Gift, Pleasant Speech, Useful Conduct and Impartiality ) ; -the Four Noble State of Mind (Kindness, Compassion, Sympathetic Joy and Equanimity); -the Four Paths of Accomplishment (Aspiration, Energy, Active Thoughts and Investigation). Social work emphasizes self dependency and the state of mind of a person in the process of helping him to solve his problem. Both Buddhist doctrines and social work principles reassures a clients’s individuality, dignity, confidentiality, self-determination, and participation. Buddhist monks are presently helping people in the areas of education, physical health, mental health and moral development. The social work role of the monks is well accepted by the people, especially in the rural areas. The author contends that Buddhist monks should be encouraged to perform more social work duties, especially in the field of spiritual reliefs. Two distinguished monks who have been recognized by Professor Pakorn Angsusingh Foundation as “Outstanding Social Workers (Religions Affairs)” of 1981 and 1983 are mentioned in this article.