Gurudev drew heavily from Buddha’s teachings on non-violence and respect for all life, which resonate deeply in a world starved for peace, offering tranquillity
The relevance of Buddha’s teachings in the contemporary world is profound. His principles of non-violence and compassion offer a path toward greater harmony in a world often plagued by conflict. The Buddha’s teachings also emphasise respect for all forms of life and interdependence, principles crucial for addressing today’s environmental challenges. Embracing these values fosters sustainable practices and a deeper connection with nature. Ethical living, as outlined in the Buddha’s Eightfold Path, remains pertinent in personal, professional and societal contexts, promoting integrity and cooperation.
Practitioners of this philosophy such as the Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, alias Thay have advanced the principles of non-violence, compassion and mindfulness to promote global peace. Their “Engaged Buddhism” encourages integrating mindfulness into everyday life and social activism, advocating for peaceful conflict resolution and environmental care. His teachings on deep listening and loving speech, help bridge divides and heal communities. Similarly, the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama promotes interfaith dialogue, compassion and ethical responsibility, inspiring global movements for human rights and sustainability. These leaders illustrate how ancient Buddhist principles can address modern challenges, fostering a culture of peace and understanding worldwide.
Nobel Laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore drew inspiration from Buddhism, which can be seen in his work. His vision of universal humanism aligns with the Buddha’s teachings of compassion and loving-kindness. Tagore’s works often reflect themes of inner peace and self-realization, akin to Buddhist concepts. His holistic approach to education also emphasised the development of the whole person and mirrored the Buddhist focus on the cultivation of wisdom.
Buddha’s teachings emphasise inclusivity, compassion and the inherent potential for enlightenment in everyone, regardless of social status. He rejected the caste system, asserting the importance of ethical behaviour over birthright. British Historian and author Karen Armstrong notes that Buddha challenged the social and religious norms of his time by not endorsing the caste system. Even Buddha’s monastic community, the ‘Sangha’, welcomed individuals from all backgrounds, promoting spiritual equality and inclusiveness.
In one of his plays “Chandalika,” Tagore articulates the notion of oneness through the character of Prakriti, a woman from the untouchable caste and Ananda, a revered Buddhist monk. Drawing inspiration from Buddhist scriptures, Tagore reimagines the narrative to explore the enduring struggle against societal divides, particularly the historical plight of untouchables in ancient India. Ananda’s humble acceptance of water from Prakriti poignantly rejects caste prejudice and acknowledges her intrinsic dignity. Despite Prakriti’s attempt to ensnare Ananda with a spell in a desperate bid for affection, his unwavering faith in Buddha’s teachings serves as a beacon of purity. Divine intervention ultimately frees Ananda from the enchantment, symbolising the triumph of spiritual integrity over worldly desires - which is one of the characteristics of meditation in Buddhism. Through Tagore’s lyrical prose, the story transcends its narrative framework, evolving into a profound meditation on the enduring power of love, redemption and the unity that connects all souls. This legacy, left by Buddha, urges his followers to break free from societal constraints, form a ‘Sangha,’ and become messengers of peace.
Further, Tagore uses Prakriti’s character elevating her to question societal norms restricting the freedom of women and thereby restoring her own identity. In his bid, Ananda’s compassionate attitude — a specific characteristic of the Buddhist philosophy — rekindles Prakriti’s sense of self-worth, asserting that all humans are fundamentally equal. The water she pours on Ananda’s hands symbolises her purity and love, as well as his boundless benevolence and humanity. Tagore explores the themes of spirituality and untouchability through the symbolic union (read elevation) of Prakriti through the medium of Ananda. This (union) represents the harmony between man and woman, purity and impurity and spirituality and passion. Tagore uses this synthesis to depict a balanced and civilised society.
Similarly, the Buddha emphasised the importance of compassion (karuna) and loving-kindness (metta) towards all beings, advocating for empathy and support within the community, especially towards those who are suffering or marginalised.
His First Noble Truth, addressing ‘dukkha’ (suffering), underscored the universal human experience of suffering, fostering a shared commitment to alleviating it for everyone. To this, Thich Nhat Hanh reflects, “Understanding suffering gives rise to compassion and from compassion, understanding deepens” (The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching). Buddha’s teachings on right livelihood and ethical behaviour promoted social justice and fairness, contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society.
In Buddhist philosophy, the ‘Middle Way’ focuses on avoiding extremes and finding balance, a principle reflected in Rabindranath Tagore’s works. For example, in his play “The King of the Dark Chamber,” (‘Raja’ in Bengali), Tagore explores the themes of light and darkness and ignorance and enlightenment, mirroring the Buddhist search for harmony. The main character’s journey to understand and accept both the light and dark aspects of life represents the Middle Way’s emphasis on balance.
(The writer is Programme Executive, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti; views are personal)
