Ethics and Moral Development in Education: Connecting Buddhist Philosophy with NEP 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrjss.2024.v04.n01.008Keywords:
Buddhist ethics, NEP 2020, moral education, value-based education, mindfulness, holistic development, educational philosophyAbstract
In order to better understand how NEP 2020 will influence the formation of students’ moral character and ethics in the classroom, this research looks at how Buddhist philosophy relates to NEP 2020. The article contends that the two models agree on a goal of human flourishing that goes beyond IQ testing and includes teaching students to live with compassion, emotional stability, and an understanding of the importance of ethics. By stressing that moral behaviour stems from the caliber of human cognition, Buddhist philosophy offers a profound ethical framework based on awareness, proper behaviour, and inner development. The need of maintaining mental discipline in leading a moral life is emphasized by the Buddhist tenet that mind is the forerunner of all states. Contrarily, NEP 2020 formalizes value-based education by incorporating constitutional ideals, empathy, and accountability within the educational system. Aiming to foster good human beings capable of rational thought and ethical action, the strategy reflects a move toward a more comprehensive and student-centered instructional approach. Character development, awareness, and social responsibility are central to both NEP 2020 and Buddhist ethical ideals, according to this research. Taking a conceptual approach, the research analyses how value education under NEP 2020 might be strengthened by including Buddhist ethical notions. It implies that students’ moral reasoning, emotional intelligence, and reflective learning can be improved by incorporating Buddhist philosophy into modern pedagogy. This convergence, according to the study’s findings, presents a game-changing paradigm for teaching modern citizens to be wise, compassionate, and ethical.
References
Buddha. (1987). The Dhammapada (J. Carter & M. Palihawadana, Trans.). Oxford University Press.
Buddharakkhita, A. (Trans.). (1985). The Dhammapada: The Buddha’s path of wisdom. Buddhist Publication Society.
Carter, J. R., & Palihawadana, M. (Trans.). (1987). The Dhammapada. Oxford University Press.
Dewey, J. (1897). My pedagogic creed. The School Journal, 54, 77–80.
Giri, K. B. (2025). Value education and ethical development in light of NEP-2020. Journal of Research & Development, 17(11), 172–174.
Harvey, P. (2000). An introduction to Buddhist ethics. Cambridge University Press.
Keown, D. (2005). Buddhist ethics: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
Ministry of Education. (2020). National Education Policy 2020. Government of India.
Porayska-Pomsta, K., Holmes, W., & Nemorin, S. (2024). The ethics of AI in education. arXiv preprint.
Rahula, W. (1974). What the Buddha taught. Grove Press.
Shah, A. (2023). Value education and NEP 2020. AG Publishing House.
Soni, A., & Singh, J. (2025). NEP 2020 and value-based education: A study in the Indian perspective. Career Point International Journal of Research, 2(4), 123–131.
Vivekananda, S. (1902). Complete works of Swami Vivekananda (Vol. 4). Advaita Ashrama.