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.