The Principles of Brahmaviharas and Women's Rights

Abstract

Women and girls play an important role in our society, whether directly or indirectly. On many occasions, these women are treated unfairly; for example, they are not only subjected to sexual harassment and domestic violence, but they are also not given certain opportunities and rights. Therefore, the researcher has applied the four Buddhist principles of brahmaviharas, including loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity to apply to society in order to treat women fairly. That is, to have the loving-kindness, the compassion, and the empathetic joy in appreciating and sincerely feeling satisfied with women’s roles. This includes trusting neutrality in allowing women to perform various roles for the public as well as applying Buddhist principles to lull the minds of the people in society for greater recognition of the roles and rights of women. These women, on the other hand, should apply the approach of Brahmaviharas principles to develop society as well. With this being said, they have to apply the principle of loving-kindness and compassion to demonstrate goodwill and assist society in moving in the right direction, as well as have dignity in appreciating others without allowing personal emotions or feelings to influence helping or judging others. This also includes accepting the truth of women's limitations with equanimity and neutrality. In this study, we propose guidelines for the application of the principle of Brahmaviharas to be considered, including the importance of compassion and kindness toward women, the elimination of violence against women, and the promotion of women to play important roles in society. Last but not least, access to opportunities and rights as a driving force for the further development of society and the country.