Decoding Buddha’s teaching in the modern context

Thai PBS World has explored the significance of the Buddha’s first sermon in the modern context. Despite being over two millennia old, its message, of inner transformation and sustainable development, remains strikingly relevant.

Ancient wisdom, modern relevance

Asalha Puja, one of the most important holy days for Theravada Buddhists, occurs on the full moon of the eighth lunar month. It commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, given over 2,500 years ago to five ascetics in the Deer Park of Sarnath.

This defining moment marked the establishment of the Three Treasures (Triple Gem), the Buddha, the Dharma (his teachings) and the Sangha (the monastic community), as one of the ascetics attained enlightenment.

Phra Brahmashakyavamsavisuddhi

(Anilman Dhammasakiyo)

The Buddha’s first teaching was far more than a philosophical cornerstone though, it was, in essence, sustainable development in action, according to Phra Brahmashakyavamsavisuddhi (Anilman Dhammasakiyo) of Bowonniwet Vihara Temple.

“If you go back to the etymology,” he explains, “Dharma means upholding, Chakka means development and Pavattana means practice.”

This is analogous to the United Nations’ goals, but where the UN emphasises physical and material development, the Buddha’s version goes deeper. It's about the sustainable development of the mind and soul.

Ending suffering from within

At the heart of the Buddha’s sermon is the age-old challenge of how we can end suffering. The answer, according to the Buddha’s teaching, lies not in the external world but within ourselves, through overcoming craving, ego and ignorance.

Rather than beginning with the Four Noble Truths, the Buddha introduced the Noble Eightfold Path, a practical guide that advocates moderation and inner awareness.

This is often called the Middle path, encouraging the right view, right action and other principles that steer people away from extremes, be it indulgence or self-denial.

“Once you have a problem, you look for its cause,” Phra Ajarn Anilman explained. “When you find the cause, you can end the problem. This is the core of the Four Noble Truths, truths based on cause and effect.”

Buddha's timeless teaching

In a world increasingly shaped by capitalism, digital technology and the rapid spread of artificial intelligence, where change happens at an unprecedented pace, one might wonder whether the Buddha’s teachings, delivered so long ago, still hold relevance today.

Phra Ajarn Anilman explains that the Buddha’s teachings are fundamentally timeless.

“In Buddhism, we call it Akaliko, which means the message is always relevant,” he said. “It’s not about a specific point in time, but rather about the present moment.”

Elaborating, he said, “When I say, ‘present moment,’ people might say, ‘well, that is still a point in time’ and ask, ‘When exactly is the present moment?’ The answer is, the present moment is different from the past or the future. It exists outside the timeline.”

For example, as soon as you read this sentence, that moment is already gone. So, the whole idea of the present moment is here and now.

On the issue of Buddhism’s perceived decline in Thai society, he prefers to focus instead on the impact that Buddhist values continue to have. He points to the ways in which Buddhism remains deeply embedded in Thai culture and social norms.

“Foreigners often ask why Thais are always smiling or why the phrase mai pen rai (never mind) is so commonly used,” he said.

“These are reflections of Buddhist values that have been instilled since childhood.”

Ultimately, the essence of Buddhism is about awakening, self-awareness and harmonious living with others and the environment.

In this light, Asalha Puja is not just a religious commemoration. It is a timeless reminder of sustainable development in action, starting from within.

By Att Boonyatus