Abstract:
The Buddhist statement “ārogyāparamālābhā” means a healthy life is the
best gain, and there are a number of facts which provide evidence to prove
it. According to the article 25 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of
Human Rights 1948, everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate
for the health and well-being of himself and of his family. In this paper, I wish
to discuss the Buddhist contribution to healthy living in three main areas such
as 1) Physical health protection, 2) Mental health protection and 3) Natural
resources as voluntary protectors of humans. Physical health protection is
fulfilled with the combination of self-clean, essential nourishment method,
pure water supplement to the body and self-protection from social diseases
such as sexual diseases and other infectious diseases. The Buddhist approach
provides an avenue to reduce physical problems.
1. Increasing morality, importance of counselling and providing the
knowledge of gender equality increase mental health protection. Buddhist
suttas also point out the importance of the development of inner peace.
2. Buddhism has a close relationship with the environment. Human existence
depends on the way we use natural resources.
3. Ensuring environmental sustainability according to Buddhism provides
friendliness for mankind.
To conclude, global responsiveness to develop the health level of the Third
World countries has become a special requirement of the current world.
Buddhism which has more than 2,500 years of proud history still contributes
to the development of a better human existence in a modern technical world.
