The importance of Sigālaka sutta in a competitive world

Abstract

Buddhism is a unique practice that is not only reflected as a religion to follow but also a tremendous path to achieving enlightenment and escaping from the human birth cycle. Buddhist thoughts have been imbued in every aspect of people’s lives which steeps through state affairs, domestic and social life. Most importantly, its ethics and values are aided immensely to shape society and remarkably impacted on people’s day-to-day lives. The research draws attention to how discipline can be maintained in the contemporary society by fulfilling one’s duties, and responsibilities as Buddha described in the Sigālaka Sutta. However, most scholars have focused on the six directions of duties, which Buddha has explained in the Sutta, without paying attention to how it could be applied to the contemporary human life. Thus, specifically, this study tries to understand how crucial it is to follow the social ethics and discipline discussed in the Sigālaka Sutta in a competitive world since its validity in the context of modern society cannot be denied or disputed as Venerable P. Gnanaram has stated. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to explore how imperative it is to apply the reciprocal relations among various members of a society in a competitive world as Buddha emphasized in the Sigālaka Sutta which leads to harmonious society. The secondary objective includes a critical analysis of why bilateral commitments of mutual interest are necessary for every social unity as Buddha advocated. Accordingly, secondary data is used, obtained from both published books and articles, with special reference to the book ‘Buddhist Rules for the Laity’ by D. J. Subasinha and the book ‘Buddhism and Confucianism’ by Dr. Gallelle Sumanasiri. As further data were gathered, it was brought to light that the Buddhist rules contained in the Sigālaka Sutta for laity are by no means outdated but it incredibly guides individuals to have a fruitful and happy life by practicing reciprocal relations among various members of a society.