Buddhism in Contemporary India

The rising culture of self-promotion, particularly driven by social media, and contrasts it with Buddhist philosophical teachings on selflessness. Recent scholarly works—like How to Lose Yourself by Garfield, Heim, and Sharf; Dust on the Throne by Douglas Ober; and Casting the Buddha by Shashank Shekhar Sinha—offer new insights into the Buddhist view of the self, its historical continuity in India, and the monumental legacy of Buddhist sites.

Buddhism, Selfhood, and Its Enduring Relevance in Contemporary India

• Rise of Self-Centric Culture
• Digital Identity and Obsession: Social media platforms have encouraged a culture of self-promotion and perfectionism, often at the cost of emotional well-being and social harmony.
• Psychological Consequences: The relentless pursuit of validation leads to anxiety, dissatisfaction, and a disconnection from authentic self-awareness.
• Buddhist Philosophy as Counter-Narrative:
• Doctrine of Non-Self (Anatta): Buddhism posits that the self is an illusion; attachment to ego leads to suffering. Letting go fosters clarity and compassion.
• Interdependence and Letting Go: The teachings advocate the recognition of interdependence in human experience, promoting humility and social responsibility.
• Re-examining Buddhist History in India
• Myth of Disappearance: Douglas Ober’s work Dust on the Throne contests the claim that Buddhism vanished post-13th century, asserting an ongoing but undocumented presence.
• Role in Reform Movements: Buddhism significantly influenced colonial and postcolonial reforms, including anti-caste activism, secularism, and identity assertion.
• Cultural and Monumental Legacy
• Living Buddhist Monuments: As per Shashank Shekhar Sinha, sites like Sanchi and Bodh Gaya serve as evolving socio-religious ecosystems, reflecting dynamic cultural narratives.
• Role of Communities and Patrons: Figures like J.K. Birla contributed to the preservation and revival of Buddhist architecture and pilgrimage sites, demonstrating elite engagement with the tradition.
• Buddhism and Modern Indian Society:
• Dalit Assertion and Ambedkarite Legacy: R. Ambedkar’s conversion and advocacy for Buddhism empowered marginalized communities and reintroduced Buddhist principles into public discourse.
• Continued Relevance: The ideals of classlessness, compassion, and ethical governance from Buddhist thought remain pertinent in addressing modern India's challenges like inequality and discrimination.