LOVE IN THE AGE OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY: HOW ARE METTA AND KARUNA STILL POSSIBLE?*

Authors

  • Soraj Hongladarom

Abstract

The tremendous advances in science and technology today need not deter us in promoting and sustaining love. This may seem surprising to some, at least because such advances have resulted in pessimism concerning the survival of love. On the contrary, not only is love possible, but it has become more necessary in today’s world. The paper will focus on the kind of love that Buddhism pays particular attention to, namely metta (Skrt. maitri) and karuna. The two terms are generally translated as ‘loving-kindness’ and ‘compassion’ respectively. It is the teleological character of Buddhist thought that makes metta and karuna possible in today’s world.

Author Biography

Soraj Hongladarom

Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Downloads