Reclaiming Indigenous Wisdom: A Subaltern Critique of Buddhism and Jainism as Alternatives to Mainstream Ethical Frameworks

Abstract

In an increasingly globalized world marked by environmental crises, social inequalities, and moral disillusionment, ethical frameworks based on material progress, individualism, and economic growth have proven inadequate in addressing these pressing challenges. Dominant ethical systems, both in the Western world and mainstream Indian thought, prioritize economic development and individual success, often neglecting the long-term consequences of these pursuits on the environment and social harmony. In contrast, indigenous philosophical systems, particularly those of Buddhism and Jainism, offer ethical teachings that prioritize non-violence (Ahimsa), interconnectedness, and mindful living—values that resonate with contemporary global concerns.