Introduction

"Applied Buddhism" is the application of Buddhist teachings in our daily lives. This is a broad umbrella under which all essential aspects of life as physical, mental scientific, social and spiritual welfare, as well as philosophical, bio-ethics, and modern financial incorporated. This includes Buddhist ideas practiced by the three major Buddhist schools of thought in the modern era, namely the Theravada, Mahayana and Tantrayana (Tibetan) traditions. Besides the commonly discussed philosophical and psychological aspects, more emphasis is given here in the traditional culture and social aspects of Buddhism.

"Applied Buddhism" also shares valuable information on Buddhist contributions to modern science, health and welfare. As our concept of welfare is directly related to our mental and spiritual, Buddhist meditation practices are given the utmost importance for the prevention of mental illness and recommended for inclusion in the regular regime of psychotherapy and curriculum of primary and secondary prevention as part of paramount.

Importance Applied Buddhism

No disrespect to the importance of religious rituals, myths and traditional local beliefs and practices ceremonial associated with Buddhism are, however, carefully removed and excluded from this field of "Applied Buddhism". This is done intentionally to Buddhists make ideas more acceptable to people who belong to other domains religious and cultural backgrounds. The idea behind this is to allow people practiced Buddhism without becoming a Buddhist. One should understand that Buddhism is not just a religion but a way of life.

In order to incorporate Buddhist ideas in everyday life, you do not renounce their own religion. Only one can be spiritual without being religious, in the same way, one can practice Buddhist teachings, although not formally a Buddhist.

Applied aspect of Buddhism: the integration of Buddhist philosophy, with activities in daily life
Thus, the term "Applied Buddhism" explains how each person can relate Buddhist ideas into their daily lives and in the profession. The main objective of this new concept is to spread Buddha's teachings into every nook and corner of society, so that all living beings, irrespective of religion, culture and beliefs can benefit it. In recent times, are dedicated to some new concepts that have evolved in Buddhism, Buddhism, Buddhism Social, Green socially engaged Buddhism and Buddhism. Like the "string theory" of quantum physics, "Applied Buddhism" is an effort to integrate all these aspects of Buddhism spread under a single unified concept to make it more attractive to the global community. Through the Applied Buddhism, one must be able to follow Buddhism, although not a Buddhist.

Evolution of the concept of Applied Buddhism

The term "Applied Buddhism" was coined by an eminent Buddhist scholar from India, the Dr. Dipak Kumar Barua. He was elected Dean of the Faculty Council of Graduate Studies in Education, Journalism and Library Science at the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, India (1987-1991) and Director of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda (deemed University) in Nalanda, Bihar, India (1996-1999). It has been argued long and hard about this new concept of "Applied Buddhism" in his book entitled, "Applied Buddhism: Studies in the Gospel of Buddha from Modern Perspectives."

This book was first published in 2005 by the Center for Buddhist Studies under the aegis of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies Banaras Hindu University in India. However, due to the publications of limited circulation and limited this book in the country, the new concept of "Applied Buddhism" could not be popular outside India for quite some time. However, in recent years, this new concept was widely appreciated by renowned scholars intellectual in the various forums around the world. The common people of diverse religious backgrounds also found comfort in the easy understanding of the teachings principle of the Buddha.

Conclusion

This new concept in the practical aspect of Buddhism is to close the gap of understanding that exists because to misinterpretation of the teachings of Buddha by people from diverse religious backgrounds. Once popular and accepted, would pave the way for promote peace and harmony in society. Applied Buddhism is also a noble task to integrate Buddhist philosophy with modern science and technology. This philosophy applied is an integral part of our daily lives and is expected to be accepted by all without discrimination.

I am Dr. Ankur Barua from India. I had graduated from the Manipal University in India (MBBS-2000, MD in Community Medicine – 2003). I had also completed two other Master Degrees; one from Sikkim Manipal University (MBAIT, 2007) and the other from the University of Hong Kong (MBuddStud, 2009), which I had passed with distinction. I am currently enrolled as a final year PhD candidate in Community Medicine at the Sikkim Manipal University of India and also in Buddhist Studies at the Lumbini Buddha University of Nepal.

I am included in the reviewers’ list of the international journals such as ‘Bulletin of the World Health Organization’, ‘International Psychogeriatrics’ and ‘Journal of Neuroscience and Behavioural Health’. I had received the esteemed “Tung Lin Kok Yuen Postgraduate Scholarship in Buddhist Studies during the year 2008-2009″ by the Li ka Shing Foundation of the Centre of Buddhist Studies of the University of Hong Kong. I had received the prestigious “2007 Leelabati Bholanath Award for Research in Community Psychiatry” for the original research article entitled, “Depressive Disorders in Indian Elderly Population”.

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