Social Development According to Saraniyadhamma Principles

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to present view and guidelines for social development according to Saraniyadhamma teaching. Social development means developing the quality of people in order to be able to develop society, communities, and the nation to advance both material and mental growth. The important guidelines for peace, fair of people and maintaining the identity of the nation, religion, culture and good values include: 1) giving importance to people who are resources of the community, 2) creating participation of people in community, 3) self-reliance of people in the community, 4) utilization of community’s resources, 5) Having initiative of people in the community and 6) cooperation between the state and the community. The guidelines for development according to the six principles of Saraniyadhamma, namely 1) Mettākāyakamma, managing group or community affairs with a willing heart. 2) Mettāvacīkamma or speaking beneficial things, such as teaching, advising, or warning with goodwill and using polite language. 3) Mettāmanokamma or developing goodwill by thinking and doing beneficial things, having a positive outlook, and smiling for one another. 4) Sādhāranabhogīta or sharing any received resources, no matter how small, so they are not kept for oneself but distributed for commune. 5) Sīlasamaññatā or acting with good conduct, adhering to proper regulations and discipline, and not becoming a source of dislike within the group. And 6) Diṭṭhisamaññatā or agreeing on teaching that lead to the cessation of suffering and solving problems together.