The Social Dimention of Buddha's Teaching - By Bhikkhu Bodhi

Is renouncing the world the only way?
In the past, Buddhism has often been represented as an exclusively other - worldly religion, a doctrine directed solely to a transcendental goal without any concern for this world other than its abandonment. It is held by some writers that the only authentic way to follow the teaching of the Buddha is to renounce the world, become a monk, and retire to a forest in order to practice meditation. In the view of these writers Buddha does not offer any teaching that is of relevance to a person in the world for resolving difficulties of the social, economic and political life.

All these charges involve serious misunderstandings. At the outset, we have to stress that the ultimate aim of the Buddha's teaching underline the transcending of the world. On this point there can be no hedging or compromise, nor is there any need for apologies. But though the Buddha teaches that the transcendence of the world is the ultimate goal, he treats this goal in relation to the totality of human life in all its manifold aspects.

A doctrine for monks & nuns, laymen & laywomen
The Threefold Benefit of the Teaching
Material Well-being: the Foundation for Spiritual development
For one's own good and for the good of others
Foundation of Buddhist Social Thought
Specific Social Teachings of the Buddha
Family
Monk & Layman
Teacher & Student
Friends
Employer & Employee