The power of happiness: A Buddhist approach to secular education

The power of happiness: A Buddhist approach to secular education

Author: Ethical Schools August 5, 2021 Duration: 48:30

We speak with Drs. Isabel Nuñez and Jason Goulah, editors of “Hope and Joy in Education: Engaging Daisaku Ikeda across curriculum and context.” According to Ikeda, the internationally-famous Buddhist philosopher, education should first and foremost engender happiness and instill habits of global citizenship. Drs. Nuñez and Goulah talk about implications for teachers’ classroom practice.

Overview

00:00-00:52 Intros
00:52-02:14 Daisaku Ikeda
02:14-05:10 Ikeda’s central ideas on education
05:10-09:30 Relevance of his ideas to non-Buddhists
09:30-14:41 Concept of global citizenship and teachers’ practice
14:41-20:26 Self-love
20:26-25:35 Inner transformation and social change
25:35-29:57 Relationships of humans to other animals and to future generations
29:57-33:35 Ikeda’s Buddhist humanism and John Dewey’s pragmatism
33:35-36:46 Religion and spirituality
36:46-42:50 Bringing hope and joy into classrooms in 2021-2022
42:50-45:31 Teachers working collectively to create hope and joy
45:31-48:30 Outro

Transcript

Click here to see the full transcript of this episode. 

References


Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 240

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