The Middle Path to Sustainability: A Sociological Study of Buddhist Ethics and Sustainable Development

In today's global discussions, sustainable development has emerged as a key issue due to the escalating environmental damage, ongoing poverty, and growing social disparities. Although the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a thorough framework to tackle these issues, the ethical underpinnings of sustainable development have not been thoroughly examined.This paper examines the relevance of Buddhist ethics to sustainable development from a sociological perspective. Drawing upon key Buddhist principles such as the Middle Path (Majjhima Patipada), compassion (karuna), non-violence (ahimsa), and interdependence (pratītyasamutpāda), the study argues that Buddhism provides a moral and cultural framework that aligns closely with sustainability objectives. Using qualitative textual analysis and secondary sources, the paper analyses how Buddhist ethics contribute to social equity, environmental responsibility, and alternative development paradigms.The study finds that Buddhist ethics cannot replace big changes in systems and institutions. However, they are important for encouraging lasting values, behaviors, and community growth.