Buddhist approach in constructing the basis of educational ethics

Abstract

Nowadays, it is essential to educate university students about educational ethics. Universities do not only focus on training a highly qualified workforce but also appreciate the importance of ethical education, which teaches students to live virtuously. In the history of Vietnam, Buddhism is a religion that always has a deep connection with Vietnamese culture and consciousness. Appreciating the compassion which helps people nurture their kindness and maintain their good conscience in life, Buddhism provides us with useful devices for ethical education in schools. The Buddhist approach in education, therefore, proves advantageous and suitable for students’ psychology and parents’ aspirations. Our research focuses on the case of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM (HCMUSSH). Many different subjects that relate to Buddhism in general and Buddhist ethics specifically are being taught at HCMUSSH. Besides, a number of Buddhist scholars from the Centre for Buddhist Studies and Buddhist Academy of Ho Chi Minh City have been invited to give lectures on Buddhism and participate in conversations with lecturers and students of HCMUSSH about the application of Buddhist ethics to social life. This paper is aimed to express our opinions on the importance of the Buddhist approach in the higher education system, which may answer the research question of whether Buddhism plays an essential role in constructing the foundation for educational ethics.