Note 1. - In terms of western academic perspectives, am I unaccomplished because I am a 'citizen of a poor third world country'. Do we?
When we adopt a disciplined Buddhist way of life within the context of Western academic studies, there are a few areas where we may encounter challenges or potential conflicts:
* Objectivity and Detachment: Buddhism encourages non-attachment and the cultivation of a clear, unbiased mind. In Western academic studies, however, there is often an emphasis on critical thinking, analysis, and objective observation. Striking a balance between being open-minded and detached while engaging in rigorous academic analysis can be a challenge.
* Concept of Self and Individualism: Buddhist thinking challenges the notion of a fixed, separate self, while Western academic studies often focus on individual contributions, achievements, and personal identity. It can be challenging to navigate the balance between recognizing the interconnectedness of all phenomena and meeting the expectations of individual performance and recognition within academic settings.
* Materialism and Consumerism: Buddhism emphasizes non-attachment to material possessions and the pursuit of inner peace and contentment. Western academic environments may sometimes prioritize material success, status, and consumerism. Remaining true to Buddhist principles in the face of societal pressures and expectations can require conscious effort.
* Competition and Ego-driven Motivations: In Western academia, there can be a strong emphasis on competition, personal achievement, and ego-driven motivations such as career advancement or recognition. Buddhist thinking encourages selflessness, compassion, and the welfare of others. Navigating these different value systems and motivations can be a challenge.
* Ethical Dilemmas: Buddhism places great importance on ethical conduct and compassionate action. However, Western academic studies may present ethical dilemmas or situations where personal or professional values are tested. Balancing the pursuit of knowledge with ethical considerations and the avoidance of harm can require careful reflection and decision-making.
It's important to remember that adopting a Buddhist way of thinking does not mean we have to completely separate ourself from Western academic studies or abandon their principles. Rather, we have to involves integrating Buddhist principles and values into our approach to learning, research, and interactions with others. This can involve being mindful of our actions, cultivating compassion, and seeking harmony between our personal beliefs and the requirements of our academic pursuits.
In order to raise the awareness of western academics to see what lies beyond their perspective, rather than just allowing them to think 'we westerns and our academic demands', we must penetrate their shells. It was attempted even by many westerners, including George Boole.
Note 2. Ground realities
During an archaeological exploration in Jaffna, I collaborated with a European colleague. Our focus was on recording surface ceramic scatters and other archaeological sites. While my colleague was proficient in advanced recording applications, we had a disagreement regarding certain site identifications. For a very basic example, the description of an abandoned chena farm we encountered lead to bitter argument. I identified it as an abandoned chena farm, but my colleague believed it to be a shrub forest. This disagreement escalated into an argument where my colleague expressed the view that we lacked knowledge about our own soil, country, and environment. This experience is not uncommon, as I have encountered similar situations with foreign colleagues in the past. The upper level of the situation are likely stems from a perception that Western credentials are more prestigious and influential within academic and professional circles, reinforcing the notion that Westerners often assert their expertise and claim to know everything. If we thoroughly examine their texts and recent publications, we find a substantial amount of information sourced from oriental thinkers and researchers, often presented as their own work. The promotion of recent publications often neglects the contributions of early pioneers and their significant efforts. The direction of this oversight is unclear.
