UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 2025 15th october

UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 2025 15th october

Question

What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss.(150 words, 10 Marks) 

Model Answer

Approach: Introduction:  

  • Discuss briefly the problems associated with contemporary societies. Mention four noble truths of Buddha and the eightfold path. 

Body :  

  • Mention Buddha’s teachings. 

  • Explain how the relevance of Buddha’s teachings can be seen in various aspects of society. 

Conclusion :  

  • Conclude suitably. 

 Introduction: In an age marked by moral decline, inequality, and environmental distress, Buddha’s timeless teachings of compassion, peace, and mindfulness offer enduring guidance for building a harmonious, ethical, and fulfilling life—both for individuals and for humanity at large. Body: Here are some of Buddha's teachings: 

  • Four Noble Truths:   

  1. There is suffering and the entire world is inflicted by it 

  2. There is a cause for suffering, which is not one entity, but a cycle of twelve links, with ignorance being the root cause. 

  3. There is end of suffering if the root cause of suffering, i.e., ignorance is dispelled.  

  4. There is a path that leads to the end of suffering, known as the eight-fold path. 

  • 'Eight-Fold Path’ (Path to the end of suffering): Right- Views, Aspiration, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness and Concentration. 

  • He advocated a ‘Middle Path’, a simple, virtuous life between extreme austerity and luxury. 

Contemporary Relevance of Buddha’s Teachings to India and World: 1. Addresses Consumerism and Material Greed: 

  • Emphasized inner contentment over material pursuit. 

  • Counters mindless consumerism and supports sustainable lifestyles under Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). 

2. Promotes Scientific Temper: 

  • Focus on mindfulness, concentration, and right understanding nurtures critical thinking and a spirit of inquiry. 

     3. Citizen-Centric Governance: 

  • Right Speech, Conduct, and Livelihood encourage ethical, service-driven, and inclusive administration. 

  • Helps curb corruption and promote accountable governance. 

4. Forest and Environmental Conservation: 

  • Monastic rules forbidding cutting of trees reflect ecological sensitivity. 

  • Relevant for community-based forest management and habitat protection. 

5. Path to Sustainable Development: 

  • The Middle Path advocates moderation, simplicity, and balance. 

  • Offers solutions to climate change and resource overexploitation. 

6. Just and Egalitarian Society: 

  • Sangha open to all, including courtesan Amrapali, embodies non-discrimination. 

  • Promotes social justice and dignity for women, transgender persons, and sex workers. 

7. Peace, Harmony, and Coexistence: 

  • Emphasis on love, compassion, and karma discourages war, terrorism, and extremism. 

     8. Inter-Faith Harmony: 

  • Buddha’s non-theistic approach focused on ethical conduct over belief in God, promoting religious tolerance. 

     9. Ethical Guidance in Technology Era: 

  • Teachings of moderation, simplicity, and reverence for life guide ethical use of AI, biotechnology, and frontier technologies. 

    10. Peaceful Conflict Resolution: 

  • Rejected violence, advocated dialogue and understanding to resolve disputes. 

  • Personally mediated conflicts between neighbouring kingdoms. 

 Conclusion: Buddha’s teachings can transform the societies into their better and more humane forms as reflected by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama “the 20th century was a century of war and violence, now we all need to work to see that the 21st century is of peace and dialogue.