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FACE TO FACE | EASTERN HORIZON 43

Buddha’s teaching is based on reasoning that is
applicable in today’s world of science and technology.
The basis of Buddhist education is to encourage us
to be open-minded, inquisitive, and critical when
investigating phenomena just like science. Buddhism
also teaches us to be non-dogmatic and allows science
the opportunity to test or verify whatever is found in
the teachings. The Buddha believed that the truth can
be found after careful investigation but not through
blind faith or belief, just like what modern education
would encourage us to do.

What would young Indonesians want to learn from
Buddhism?

In my opinion, the youths of today are existentially
linked to the digital age. Their lifestyle is heavily
influenced by technology, especially the internet. As
such their learning is no longer through the traditional
way, but mainly through social media and other forms
of e-learning. Buddhist leaders, both monastic and lay,
must be able to provide the Buddha’s teachings through to address. The teaching of the Buddha is not aimed
technology if they want the young to study the Buddha at merely fulfilling one’s intellectual interest. The real
Dharma. At the same time, young people today lead a purpose of the Buddha, out of his compassion and
very stressful and hectic life. This is where Buddhist wisdom, is to assist all sentient beings understand
meditation, especially mindfulness, will assist them to reality so that they can live a happy and harmonious
understand their emotions and develop peace of mind. life. For instance, the essence of the Four Noble Truths
Then they will find the ancient wisdom of the Buddha must be contextualized with contemporary issues
very relevant in their daily life. in the modern world. Buddhist education can utilize
the approach of the Four Noble Truths in assisting
As an educator yourself, what do you regard as Buddhists on effective problem solving. Thus, the
the key challenges facing Buddhist education in orientation of Buddhist education must be revisited and
Indonesia? revitalized especially in the way the teacher presents

the Buddha Dharma to the students in a manner that
The need to transform Buddhist education from merely they find Buddhism practical and relevant to their life
a pedagogy to a principle of life is the paramount issue today. EH