Page 11 - Applied Buddhism
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Foreword Divided into four sections, the first part of the book asks us
by Benny Liow to explore various aspects of modern living in terms of our rights
to water, vegetarianism, tobacco consumption among monastics,
issues in bio-technology, why the need to meditate, and lessons by
The term Applied Buddhism means that we can practice Steve Jobs from a Buddhist perspective.
Buddhism in our everyday lives, in the midst of our family, jobs,
community, and society. It also means that the Buddha’s teachings In Part 2, the author delves into inter-religious issues which are
can be applied in every circumstance in order to bring clarity and common in a plural society like Malaysia. The author discusses the
understanding, and solutions to problems in our world. When we importance of diversity, peace, global ethics and universal values,
apply what the Buddha taught, we will realise that it offers concrete and the threat of global evangelism.
ways to relieve suffering and bring peace and happiness in every
situation in our lives and in our society.
In the section on politics, the author discusses if monastics
should participate in politics, the ethics of political engagement,
Even though the Buddha attained enlightenment more than and the rise of secularism in the modern world.
2600 years ago, the teachings he left behind remain relevant to
people in the modern age. If we were to ask what is the essence The book concludes with an interesting discussion of the
of the Buddha’s teaching, it would be as follows: to understand challenges of Buddhism in the modern age and how they affect
suffering, and how to overcome it so that we can experience real contemporary Buddhist movements in Malaysia and overseas. The
happiness. The Buddha adopted a very practical approach to create author also discusses the relevance of lay Buddhism, significance
a happier and more peaceful world. He did not want his followers of a global organisation like the World Fellowship of Buddhists,
to merely believe what he said, but to put them into practice, i.e to socially engaged Buddhism and the success stories of the late
apply his teachings in their daily lives. He consistently mentioned Venerable K Sri Dhammananda, the icon of Malaysian Buddhism
that if we truly apply his teachings, we will find true peace and for many decades until his demise in 2006.
happiness.
The articles in this book bear testimony that the ultimate
In this excellent book, Ang Choo Hong, a learned and purpose of the Buddha’s teachings is to serve and benefit humanity
experienced lay Buddhist leader has compiled a total of 19 articles so that mankind can truly find peace and happiness when they apply
he wrote as well as lectures he delivered at local and international the Buddha Dharma in their daily lives. I am confident that the
conferences on various aspects of Applied Buddhism into a handy readers, after digesting all the chapters in this book, will find their
volume. As such, the selections in this book all have great bearing lives happier and more enriching.
on how we can apply the teachings of the Buddha in every aspect
of our lives.
v Applied Buddhism Applied Buddhism vi