ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the responses and innovations that are effected, as a result of awakening to the values of a world in need. In both "eastern" theory and practice it examines the remarkable movement of Sarvodaya, in Sri Lanka. Inspired by Buddhist philosophy and encompassing a constellation of village programmes – across a nation that has been wracked by civil society division and conflict, over several decades – Sarvodaya has sought to embody not only meaningful work but social reconciliation. Sarvodaya is a people-centred development process, involving a total awakening of the human personality, the family, and the community: local, national and international. The first three are micro, the second three macro-awakening. Sarvodaya thought or philosophy is put into concrete action by an integrated threefold program: an educational program, through Shrama/dana; a community development program, through Gramodaya; and a direct participation program.
