The teachings of the Buddha, which genuinely acknowledge sufferings and a way out are relevant even today. In today's world, however, despite tremendous progress in many fields like science, technology, health and education the darkness of human sufferings appears to be increasing in shape of crime, violence and terrorism. The pace of modern life is creating more stress, strain and conflict.

Great sages and saints have encouraged people to "know thyself'. The Buddha, was one of them who discovered the truth and showed the "Middle Path" to come out of suffering. The Buddha, a great scientist, presented his discovery in his teaching of the Law of Dependent Origination. If one develops negativity by polluting one's mind the result will be suffering. This negativity and pollution, within each individual's mind leads to the creation of so many problems within the society.

The Buddha also showed the path, following which one learns to observe the changing reality within, with a calm and quiet mind, with an objective and balanced mind, the process of purification starts. As one starts coming out of the impurity of mind, the true nature of the mind, which is full of wholesome qualities such as loving kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), sympathetic joy (mudita) and equanimity (upekkha) begin to emerge. Individuals start becoming healthy and are able to make wholesome contributions to society. The Buddha taught people how to become good human beings. His teachings are applicable to one and all irrespective of caste, creed, gender, religious-belief, language or nationality. He taught us to move towards the inculcation of wholesome and sublime values leading to the upliftment of total humanity.

Proceedings of the first National Seminar present a rich collection of articles presented by eminent scholars from India who participated in the conference. I hope this publication will be of great interest and use for persons interested in the subject.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages