Buddhism has existed in the world for more than 2,500 years. It has gone together with Vietnamese nation for 2000 years, many lessons that are drawn from Buddhist philosophy have been being applied. The superiority of these lessons is promoted more and more. On the occasion of Vesak, we should look back the important values of Buddhism that can be considered as good methods for the development of our country.
The spirit of self-control
The self-control is one of Buddhist values. This is actually necessary for everybody, not only for Buddhists. People need to have self-control to better their lives. In the history of
Developing intelligence
The main characteristic of all religion is to advise people to do beneficiation. Buddhism specially advocates intellectual exercise and development of compassion. For Buddhism, intellectual exercise is to know the true (such as observing) and Buddhist believers are encouraged to participate in all social activities. Their intellectual ability and compassion will be developed in community.
Mahayana tradition accesses to human beings as an entity and it is represented on the cause and effect relation.
Mahayana Buddhism helps people to overcome obstacles in all conditions, and creates the basis for people to enter the world to help others (incarnation) and have good identity (Dharmakaya). The theories of reincarnation, universal suffering, retribution, affliction ... are the situations that people lose of identity. Intelligence is value that can be apply for the process of building and developing economy. Intelligence will become a prerequisite element for the success or failure of the country.
Solidarity
Buddhism always encourages Buddhist believers to approach to real life for practicing the methods of the Buddha. This is the reason why Sangha- the organization of monks and nuns- was born and developed. So solidarity is an important element in all activities of Buddhist communities. This is an important value for many countries.
One of the basic spirits of solidarity of Buddhism is shown by the concept of “six points of reverent harmony” in Sangha’s activities. They are: Thân hoà đồng trụ “Living concord” (always living together in peace); Khẩu hoà vô tránh “Speech concord ” (never arguing); Ý hoà đồng nguyên “Think concord” (Mental unity in faith); Kiến hoà đồng giải“ Idea concord” (discussing and observing the Dharma together); Giới hoà đồng tu “Precept concord” (Moral unity in observing the commandments concord).; Lợi hoà đồng quân “Beneficial concord” (Economic unity in community of goods, deeds, studies or charity). This concept is the foundation for building a strong unity from family, each organization to community, nation ... it can be applied to create a living environment. It helps us to resolve difficult problems with spirit of harmony and sharing.
Looking back the history, three lessons contribute to creation of values of Vietnamese nation. In the future, these values will continue to be promoted on new aspects for developing our country.
Lam Diền
