Principles and Aims of Buddhism Philosophy of Education with its Educational Implications
Back to: Educational Studies UGC NET – Unit 1
Principles and Aims of Buddhism Philosophy of Education with its Educational Implications
Philosophy and education are closely related. The term philosophy has been derived from two Greek words- Philo means “love” and Sophie means “wisdom”. Philosophy means love of wisdom. Education is a part of philosophy. Education and philosophy differ in nature. While education is practical, philosophy is theoretical. Education is a planned activity with aims and goals of its own. As said by Thomas Ogwara,
“Philosophy points out to the society what. . . is to be achieved through education.”
Philosophy helps in determining how the goals can be achieved. Philosophy sets goals and education works on fulfilling them. The aims of education depend on the aim of life. Philosophy is crucial in education as well as in life.
Principles and Aims of Buddhist Philosophy
The Buddhism philosophy was founded by Lord Gautama Buddha. It promotes the all round development of an individual i.e., physically, mentally and morally. The principles and aims of Buddhist Philosophy are:
i). The main aim of Buddhism philosophy is to attain Nirvana.
ii). Spread Buddhism and follow the virtues of the religion.
iii). Lead individuals in living a disciplined life.
iv). Make humans independent and solve solutions to various problems in life by themselves.
v). Achieve human satisfaction through knowledge and meditation.
vi). Promoting peace and harmony in the world.
vii). Focus more on improving society rather than the person.
viii). Make Buddhism open to all castes, religions and races with equality.
Educational Implications of Buddhism Philosophy
i). It emphasises on discovering the potential of a man that is already within him which leads to his perfection.
ii). Education should improve man in all aspects. It aims to develop man to the fullest.
iii). Create a peaceful teaching and learning environment.
Buddhists theory of life is to get ‘Nirvana’ from suffering depends on the accompanying eight fold path:
1) Right Faith
2) Right Resolve
3) Right Speech
4) Right Action
5) Right Living
6) Right Thought
7) Right focus
8) Right Effort
Noble Truths of Buddhism
The four Noble Truths of Buddhism are:
1) There is suffering
2) There is cause of suffering
3) There is cessation of suffering
4) There is a way to cessation of suffering
Buddhism Philosophy helps widely in determining the education system and its way of functioning. It benefits the teachers in teaching and the students in learning.
