The Importance of Salleka Sutta for solving contemporary social conflict

Abstract

A number of social conflicts arise in society and the impact of them on the social development can be clearly recognized. The Salleka Sutta introduces techniques to solve such social conflicts. As Salleka Sutta indicates there are three major roots of social problems such as lust, hatred and delusion. These three roots effects on every social problem also conflicts and they lead people to conduct a lot of unwholesome deeds. Furthermore, Salleka Sutta introduces forty four types of unwholesome behavioral patterns and mental states that can lead individuals to problematic and maladaptive behaviours. Every social problem and especially antisocial personality characteristics are based on these forty four types of behavioral patterns and mental states according to Salleka Sutta. Some of them are ignorant, lust, killing, stealing, misconduct, telling lies, gossiping etc. In addition, the Salleka Sutta mentions solutions for social problems that can be implemented to develop the quality of human society. Right vision, right concepts, right actions are some of those solutions mentioned in the Sutta. The hatred can be diminished from developing kindness, the Sutta suggests ways and means to purify the mind from those forty four types of unwholesome roots. In addition, the individual can follow five precepts, ten unwholesome deeds (Dasakusal), eight fold path for enhancing the mentality by diminishing antisocial behaviours of emotions. It is concluded that the Salleka Sutta can have a great influence on solving social problems and conflicts and also to develop a civilized society.