A Qualitative Study of Buddhist Altruistic Behavior

Abstract

Mahāyāna devotees assert that helping other people is the practice of the bodhisattva path. This qualitative inquiry explores how Buddhists apply the bodhisattva spirit in modern society. It recruited 38 participants for in-depth interviews and analyzed data using interpretative phenomenological analysis, with the aid of ATLAS.ti 7, a software package. Its rigor is warranted by different levels of triangulation, including member checking and peer analysis at an interrater reliability of 92%. The lived experience of participants reveals that Buddhist altruistic behavior enables helpers to accomplish personal growth and, conclusively, self-benefiting altruism that is motivated by the enlightened mind and the four immeasurables. These attributes not only indicate the practicability of bodhisattva spirit, but also inspire civic participants how to encourage social integration that constructs and sustains an inclusive society.

Keywords:

• Bodhisattva path
• bodhisattva spirit
• compassion
• empathetic joy
• equanimity
• loving kindness
• self-benefiting altruism

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to express my gratitude to the 38 participants; Dr. Wei Rui Xiong, the peer analyst; Mr. Lozang Hau, the Tibetan interpreter; Dr. Sandra Tsang, who assisted in recruiting participants; Professor Edward Ian Bailey for his comments and suggestions on an earlier draft of this article; and Professor Samson Tse, who supervised this research project.