Buddhist Principles and the Building of Social Relationships

Abstract

This article aims to study Buddhist principles in relation to the building of social relationships. It highlights that maintaining positive interpersonal relationships is a fundamental factor in human life. Social development, cognitive processes, self-understanding, personal identity, career success, the discovery of life’s meaning, and mental health are all influenced by the quality of interpersonal relationships. Each individual is shaped by life experiences, resulting in differences in thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and values. Therefore, establishing relationships between individuals requires an understanding of the factors influencing interpersonal relations in order to successfully build and sustain positive connections.

The article proposes that the development of social relationships can be enhanced through the application of Buddhist principles. Human relations can be cultivated through positive attitudes, goodwill, sincere intention, continuous learning, and practical application. Thus, human relations do not arise naturally but are both a science and an art developed through learning and practice.

From a Buddhist perspective, building social relationships should begin with cultivating a mind grounded in loving-kindness and goodwill toward others, which forms the foundation of genuine friendship. Love and compassion naturally generate mutual goodwill and deeper understanding. This article presents Buddhist teachings related to human relations, the role of spiritual friendship (kalyāṇamitta), the promotion of harmony, and peaceful coexistence in society as guidelines for developing effective interpersonal relationship skills in accordance with Buddhist principles.