Buddhism – RCS

Pavel Dmitrievich Lenkov PhD of History, assistant professor, Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Department of the history of religions and theology (naberezhnaya reki Moiki, 48/20, Saint-Petersburg, Russia, 191186)
p-lenkov@yandex.ru

Lenkov P. D. Social ministry in Buddhism: analysis of relevant concepts, Religiya. Tserkov’. Obshchestvo. Issledovaniya i publikatsii po teologii i religii [Religion. Church. Society: Research and publications in the field of theology and religious studies], Saint-Petersburg, 2019, vol. 8, pp. 136–159.

doi: 10.24411/2308-0698-2019-00008

Language: Russian

This article tries to answer the question, whether the concept of «social ministry» is applicable in the case of Buddhism. The article analyzes some examples of the consideration of «gift/giving» and «social ministry» in the Buddhist canonical and post-canonical texts, and draws a comparison of the ideas of social ministry in Buddhism and Christianity is made. Since the basic doctrinal points of Buddhism radically different from the Christian, the Christian concept of social ministry and comparable Buddhist concepts differ considerably. Thus, the social ministry in Buddhism is not understood as a service to God. However, the social service in the sense of charity and works of mercy has always been present in Buddhism. Conceptually, the Buddhist «social ministry» can be seen as a doctrine of gift/giving and the ministry of an exemplary Buddhist ruler. These concepts are considered on the basis of Buddhist canonical and post-canonical texts, namely the sutta «Lion’s roar of the world-holder» from the Pali Canon and Vasubandhu’s treatise «Encyclopedia of the Abhidharma» («Abhidharmakosha», 4–5th centuries). The Mahayana ideal of the Bodhisattva and the concept of great compassion (mahakaruna) also had a significant impact on charity and mercy in the countries of the spread of Buddhism. Between Buddhism and Christianity, if we consider them in the aspect of social ministry and charity, there are also similarities. First and foremost is the idea of compassion and mercy towards those who suffer. Both the Christian and Buddhist texts say about the value of such actions and the reward for them.

Key words: social ministry, Buddhism, Christianity, gift, giving, model of society, Dharma, chakravartin, Mahayana, great compassion (mahakaruna)

URL: http://rcs-almanac.ru/en/lenkov-2019-en/

pdf

Irina Valerievna Aster, PhD in philosophy, assosiate professor, The Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia (Moika Embankment, dom 48, korpus 20a, St. Petersburg, Russia, 191186)
iaster@inbox.ru

Aster I. V. Monasticism as social and cultural phenomenon, Religiya. Tserkov’. Obshchestvo. Issledovaniya i publikatsii po teologii i religii [Religion. Church. Society: Research and publications in the field of theology and religious studies], Saint-Petersburg, 2012, vol. 1, pp.50–60

DOI: 10.24411/2308-0698-2012-00010

Language: Russian

The article observes the purpose of monastic service and various aspects of singleness (chastity, continence, celibacy). Y. Lotman in his papers clarifies the differences between the perspectives of «Ego-Id» (with «Id» implying the outer world) and «Ego-Ego». The author notes taken as an ideal model monastic service is efficient for deeper world perception and creative activities on account of less need of interpersonal relationships and social stereotypes susceptibility.

The article focuses on monastic functions performed for centuries: worldview, ecology, integration, ethics, communication, information and education, economics, social work, art and aesthetics, spiritual healing. The author maintains monasticism is of cultural character, since all the above functions are commonly attributed to human culture as such.

In the matter of education, the author points to a highly successful model «mentor-disciple». Personal example was of primary importance in such kind of relationships; the modern educational system adopts it to a degree, wherefore it is necessary to avoid didactic approach and «bring along a likeness» instead, that is personal dignity of everyone. Social work of the Russian Orthodox Church should be determined by the proper intentions; some of its forms are mentioned in the article.

Key words: monk, monasticism, Y. Lotman, Eastern Orthodoxy, Russian Orthodox Church, Catholicism, Buddhism

Permanent link: http://rcs-almanac.ru/aster-i-v-2012-en/