Family Ethics and Child Rearing Reflected in the Thought of Wonbuddhism

원불교(圓佛敎)의 가정윤리(家庭倫理)와 아동교육(兒童敎育)에 관(關)한 연구(硏究)

The purpose of this essay is to review family ethics and child rearing reflected in WonBuddism and to suggest hypothetical model of family ethics and child rearing appropriate to modern society. WonBuddist family ethics hasits roots in the concept of "Grace" specifically, the essence of all relationships in the world as characterized by "Grace". WonBuddist family ethics based on this world view emphasizes mutual support, harmony and service for the public. The purpose of WonBuddist child rearing is to bring up children who recognize the world order mention above while, at the same time, developing the capacity to support oneself, ultimately resulting in individuals who are balanced both morally and practically. A WonBuddist model of family ethics and child rearing appropriate to modern society includes: (1) the concept of "Grace as a principle" for the restoration of essential humanity, (2) the principle of "mutual support" and "essential humanity" for the restoration of the feeling of family community (i.e., the cohesion of the family), and (3) the moral principle, "capacity for self support and public service" as a way of moderating the family oriented value system.