The Influence of Buddhism on a Nation: Reprinted from an Online Article

Thailand is a Buddhist nation, but unlike the sect prevalent in our country, they adhere to Theravada Buddhism. The primary distinction between Theravada and Mahayana lies in their respective pursuits: Theravada emphasizes self-benefit, while Mahayana prioritizes altruism. Mahayana holds that benefiting others is equivalent to benefiting oneself, as there is no distinction between self and others. This core philosophy aligns seamlessly with the Confucian ideal of family, nation, and universal harmony in our traditional culture. Consequently, the eventual convergence of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism within our context is deeply rooted in this philosophical kinship.

In contrast, Theravada Buddhism bears a closer resemblance to Western individualism. The debate between individualism and collectivism has long been a focal point of contention between Eastern and Western civilizations. However, facts speak louder than words. Collectivism may represent a chosen memory of immense contribution when diverse ethnic groups face major survival crises, though it often faces skepticism during times of peace and prosperity. Yet this year, in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, we delivered the most outstanding response in the human world. All this has demonstrated that, at the very least, it is not as flawed as Western vilification suggests.