Inclusion – Virtue or Theory?
Buddhism and inclusion are two terms that do not seem to have much in common at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that inclusion is a central ethical value in Buddhism. In Buddhist teachings (Dharma), there is, on the one hand, the concept and practice of Metta, usually translated as ‘loving-kindness’ or friendliness. On the other hand,
Inclusion refers to the ability to welcome all people into the community and to show them appreciation and respect, regardless of differences such as skin color, gender, religion, age, health status, disability, or nationality. In Buddhism, the idea is emphasized that all living beings are equal and that it is important to cultivate and live with compassion and kindness towards all (including oneself). In this respect, inclusion in Buddhism is not a theoretical matter, but a virtue in the classical sense.
Where Are These Ideas Enshrined?
The Pali Canon is the most important and over 2000-year-old collection of Buddhist texts, which contains the fundamental teachings of the Buddha in various texts (suttas). Although the term ‘inclusion’ is not directly mentioned in the Pali Canon, there are some passages that show that Buddhism supports an inclusive attitude towards all living beings.
It should be noted that these texts do not explicitly address inclusion as such, but they show that Buddhism supports an open and compassionate attitude towards all living beings and that it emphasizes the importance of respect and understanding among people.
Here are some examples:
- In the Dhammapada, a collection of the Buddha’s teachings in verse form, it says: “All beings tremble before violence, all beings love life, see yourself in others, and do not kill, do not harm.” (Verse 130). Here, the empathy and equality of all living beings are expressed, a prerequisite for inclusion.
- In the Singalasutta, a text on ethical principles, the Buddha emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and understanding among the different social groups of that time. It also calls for structurally induced social inequality to be compensated for as much as possible.
- In the Metta Sutta, a text on the practice of ‘loving-kindness,’ the Buddha explains the practice of meditating for the well-being of all living beings, regardless of their kind or origin: “May all beings be happy. May they be safe and secure. May they be free from suffering.”
- In the Kalama Sutta, the Buddha emphasizes the importance of personal experience and critical thinking. He encourages people not to blindly believe teachings, traditions, or teachers, but to verify their practical applicability in life through their own experiences. He includes his own teaching (Dharma) in this critical examination.
As a pragmatic person, it was important to the Buddha that the practice he taught was useful in everyday life: If you have found that “…these things are suitable (and)… praised by wise people, when adopted (and) they lead to benefit and happiness, then you should adopt them and hold fast to them.”
In the Kalama Sutta, it is simultaneously emphasized that the fundamental ethical attitude and practice of compassion (Karuna), kindness (Metta), and Mudita, the joy in the well-being of others, must find expression in action.
Secular Buddhism and Inclusion
Secular Buddhism is a modern interpretation of Buddhism that focuses on the practical application of Buddhist principles in daily life. Secular Buddhism is based on a self-critical, scientific worldview. However, it does not adopt culturally conditioned Buddhist beliefs such as rebirth or reincarnation.
Regarding inclusion, Secular Buddhism emphasizes the idea that all people, regardless of their worldview, race, gender, or sexual orientation, are welcome and can be integrated into Buddhist practice. Inclusion is accordingly also expressed in the secular Buddhist community (‘Sangha’), where everyone is welcome in the hierarchy-free community of practitioners.
Traditional Buddhism and Inclusion
These inclusive values of Secular Buddhism are often not shared by traditional, hierarchically organized Buddhist groups, e.g., from Asia or Tibet. There, for example, women are not allowed, with reference to tradition, to lead a monastic life on an equal footing with men or to hold Buddhist offices.
Cultivating Mindfulness and Care for an Inclusive World
Secular Buddhism emphasizes the importance of compassion, care, and mindfulness as central principles that can contribute to the development of an ethical life and thus also to inclusion. The practice of mindfulness helps to recognize and transform negative emotions such as fear, anger, and prejudice towards others, which in turn can lead to greater understanding and acceptance.
Overall, Secular Buddhism emphasizes the idea that Buddhist principles and practices should be accessible to everyone and that inclusion is an important prerequisite for everyone to benefit from them. In this way, the principles of Secular Buddhism may contribute to transforming society and creating a more inclusive, compassionate, and mindful world.
