Editing Theravada (section)

== Impact on modern society ==
[[File:Meal_Blessing_at_Birken_Forest_Monastery.webm|thumb|Theravada monks meditating and practicing mindfulness over simple things like the meal they are about to have]]
Theravāda Buddhism's emphasis on mindfulness and meditation practices has influenced modern society by promoting mental well-being and stress reduction techniques leading to the integration of mindfulness in various therapeutic and self-improvement programs. Additionally, its teachings on ethical conduct and compassion continue to inspire individuals and organizations to prioritize moral values and social responsibility in their actions and decision-making.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Schober |first=Juliane |date=2009 |title=The Theravāda Buddhist Engagement with Modernity in Southeast Asia: Whither the Social Paradigm of the Galactic Polity? |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-southeast-asian-studies/article/abs/theravada-buddhist-engagement-with-modernity-in-southeast-asia-whither-the-social-paradigm-of-the-galactic-polity/243846ECB251224A3F069C5D8BF75BFA |journal=Journal of Southeast Asian Studies |language=en |volume=26 |issue=2 |pages=307–325 |doi=10.1017/S0022463400007128 |s2cid=146408897 |issn=1474-0680 |via=Cambridge Core}}</ref> The emphasis on ethical conduct in Theravada Buddhism encourages individuals to lead virtuous lives. This includes refraining from actions that harm others, such as lying, stealing, and harming living beings. These principles promote personal integrity and honesty in modern society. Buddhism encourages the cultivation of compassion and loving-kindness ([[Maitrī|metta]]) towards all sentient beings. In contemporary society, these teachings inspire individuals and organizations to prioritize social responsibility, charitable activities, and humanitarian efforts aimed at alleviating suffering and promoting the welfare of others.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Love |first=Thomas T. |date=1965 |title=Theravāda Buddhism: Ethical Theory and Practice |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1459491 |journal=Journal of Bible and Religion |volume=33 |issue=4 |pages=303–313 |jstor=1459491 |issn=0885-2758}}</ref> Theravada Buddhism places significant emphasis on self-awareness and self-transformation. Practitioners are encouraged to explore the nature of the self ([[Anattā|anatta]]), impermanence ([[anicca]]), and the nature of suffering ([[Duḥkha|dukkha]]). These teachings have inspired individuals in modern society to embark on journeys of self-discovery, self-improvement, and personal growth. The teachings on mindfulness and the impermanence of life have provided individuals with effective tools for coping with stress and life's challenges. In today's fast-paced and often stressful world, these teachings offer valuable strategies for maintaining balance and emotional stability.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Malalasekera |first=G. P. |date=1964 |title=The Status of the Individual in Theravāda Buddhism |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1396982 |journal=Philosophy East and West |volume=14 |issue=2 |pages=145–156 |doi=10.2307/1396982 |jstor=1396982 |issn=0031-8221}}</ref> This journey of mindfulness and mental health has been strengthened by top institutions encouraging the idea of mindfulness and the effects it has on people. The mindfulness classes/courses/programs provided by many top universities and institutions such as Yale, Stanford, etc. to their students, staff, and general public have benefited them<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dhiman |first=Satinder K. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5C34DwAAQBAJ&dq=mindfulness+and+mental+health+in+top+institutions&pg=PT375 |title=The Routledge Companion to Mindfulness at Work |date=2020-09-08 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-429-53486-7 |language=en}}</ref>