The progress and decline in society

With regard to Buddhist view of the progression and the decline of society, there are two
main Suttas: MahAmaNgalasutta and ParAbhamvasutta The first one deals
with the progression while the next deals with the causes of downfall for oneself and
society.
MahAmaNgalasutta is the most important Sutta dealing with Buddhist social ethics.
t contains !" methods, which are helpful to develop an individual#s character, and will
lead to $etter social relations. %n the other hands they help to ma&e people good
mem$ers and will $ring peace, harmony and happiness to the society.
The association with the wise or virtuous friends and living in good environment are very
important for mutual society. 'or social harmony, one should respect those who deserve
respect and o$eyed. These show a virtuous way to the young.( )espect parents forms a
part of one#s responsi$ility to the family $ecause the interconnection among the parents
and children creates a valua$le and important social norm.( *harity is a great source of
peace and harmony in society. t $rings $etter understanding among individuals. The
practicing for$earance and o$edience can $ring harmony to society $ecause they will not
allow room for anger and $ad $ehaviour.
Thus, the development of one#s character could $e made more successful if one engages
in listening and discussing +hamma. That is to say one should devote a part of his leisure
to go to the religious or temple and engage spiritual discussions which will help to
understand the reality of life and finally will lead one to ,ibbAna.( -ccording to
Buddhist teaching, the first cause of downfall is said to $e the disinterest in +hamma.the
protection of life. f the righteous is not regarded properly, it certainly will lead one to
downfall.
The ParAbhavasutta indicates that association with evil friends, fond of sleeping,
fond of company, $eing la/y and $eing 0uic& tempered are the cases of down fall $ecause
they can $ring the ruin and misery to oneself and society. -lthough he is rich he does not
support his father and mother.( Selfishness, pride with regard to one#s $irth, wealth or
clan are also considered as anti.social individual. The addicted to women, intoxicants and
gam$ling will ma&e one to lose his wealth and also will lead to social conflict.
Being ill religion and cheating the religion will create misery for an individual. 'or
without the $lessing and guidance of religion an individual would not $e a$le to conduct
properly either his spiritual or material life.
Ta&ing the a$ove statements into consideration, it can $e assumed that Buddhist teaching
put emphasis the happiness and co.existence for the society.