Modern society faces various conflicts and problems due to intense competition and increasing individualism. In particular, as the population living in multiunit dwellings increases, disputes between neighbors, especially parking problems, have become a persistent social issue. These problems go beyond mere inconvenience, causing mental stress and discord, and ultimately leading to a weakening of community spirit. This essay seeks solutions to neighborhood disputes and parking problems based on Buddhist values, particularly the healing vows of Bhaisajyaguru (the Medicine Buddha). The vows of Bhaisajyaguru, as described in the Bhaisajyaguru Sutra, encompass not only individual health but also the wellbeing and peace of society as a whole, offering significant implications for solving modern social problems.

1. Current Status and Causes of Neighborhood Disputes and Parking Problems

Neighborhood disputes arise from various causes, such as noise between floors, smoking, and pet issues, but parking problems are one of the most frequent types of disputes. A combination of insufficient parking spaces, disorderly parking behavior, and selfish attitudes exacerbate conflicts.

Insufficient Parking Spaces Parking spaces in multiunit dwellings are often insufficient compared to the number of households. Securing parking spaces is even more difficult in older apartments or multifamily houses.
Disorderly Parking Behavior Parking outside designated areas, double parking, and illegal parking in disabled parking zones cause inconvenience to other residents and become a source of disputes.
Selfish Attitudes Selfish attitudes that prioritize one's own convenience without considering other residents further worsen conflicts.

These problems cause not only physical inconvenience but also mental stress and dissatisfaction, and in severe cases, can lead to legal disputes. They also deepen distrust and animosity between neighbors, weakening community spirit.

2. Healing Vows in the Bhaisajyaguru Sutra

Bhaisajyaguru resides in the Eastern Pure Lapis Lazuli World, healing the diseases and alleviating the suffering of sentient beings. The Bhaisajyaguru Sutra records the twelve vows that Bhaisajyaguru made when he was practicing as a Bodhisattva in the past. These vows encompass various aspects, including healing sentient beings' diseases, as well as material abundance, mental stability, and social peace. The following vows are particularly noteworthy

The Second Great Vow To provide medicine and treatment methods for sentient beings suffering from physical illnesses and to help them escape from suffering. This implies pursuing the health and wellbeing of all members of society, beyond merely healing individual diseases.
The Eighth Great Vow When a sentient being born as a woman dislikes her female body and desires to become a man, if she hears the name of Bhaisajyaguru and sincerely takes refuge in him, he will transform her into a male body. This demonstrates Bhaisajyaguru's will to respect all beings without gender discrimination and treat them equally.
The Twelfth Great Vow To provide good clothes and ornaments to poor and unclothed sentient beings, and to provide delicious food and drinks to hungry and thirsty sentient beings to satisfy them. This reveals Bhaisajyaguru's compassion in resolving social inequality through material abundance and helping all sentient beings live happily.

Bhaisajyaguru's vows encompass not only individual health and happiness but also the wellbeing and peace of society as a whole, offering significant implications for solving modern social problems.

3. Solutions Based on the Healing Vows of Bhaisajyaguru

The following solutions are suggested for resolving neighborhood disputes and parking problems based on the healing vows of Bhaisajyaguru

Cultivating Mutual Respect and Consideration Bhaisajyaguru's vows emphasize respecting all beings and treating them equally. Disputes between neighbors often arise from a lack of understanding and consideration for each other. Therefore, it is important to cultivate mutual respect and consideration through Bhaisajyaguru's teachings.
Strengthening Communication and Empathy Bhaisajyaguru constantly strives to alleviate the suffering of sentient beings. To resolve conflicts between neighbors, efforts are needed to understand and empathize with each other's positions. It is important to activate communication channels and share each other's difficulties through regular resident meetings, online community operation, and other means.
Adhering to Rules and Cultivating a Sense of Order Bhaisajyaguru considers it important to maintain order so that all beings can live harmoniously. Parking problems often arise from disorderly parking behavior, so it is important to strictly adhere to parking rules and cultivate a sense of order. To solve the problem of insufficient parking spaces, measures such as expanding parking lots and introducing parking sharing systems can be considered.
Establishing a Conflict Mediation and Arbitration System Bhaisajyaguru plays a role in healing disputes and helping reconciliation. When conflicts arise between neighbors, direct dialogue between the parties may be difficult. Therefore, it is important to resolve conflicts amicably by training professional conflict mediators or seeking assistance from external mediation organizations.
Operating Community Spirit Cultivation Programs Bhaisajyaguru pursues the wellbeing and happiness of all members of society. It is important to operate various programs to strengthen the bonds between neighbors and cultivate community spirit. For example, opportunities for cooperation and exchange can be provided through community garden cultivation, environmental cleanup activities, and cultural events.

4. Modern Significance of Bhaisajyaguru Faith

Bhaisajyaguru faith encompasses not only praying for individual healing but also pursuing the health and peace of society as a whole. Despite material abundance, modern society is experiencing increasing mental suffering and social conflict. Bhaisajyaguru's healing vows offer significant implications for solving these problems. Bhaisajyaguru faith can contribute to practicing Buddhist values that pursue not only individual happiness but also the wellbeing of the community.

5. Conclusion

Neighborhood disputes and parking problems are chronic problems in modern society, lowering the quality of life of individuals and weakening community spirit. To solve these problems, various solutions must be sought based on the healing vows of Bhaisajyaguru, such as mutual respect and consideration, communication and empathy, adherence to rules and a sense of order, establishment of a conflict mediation and arbitration system, and operation of community spirit cultivation programs. Bhaisajyaguru faith can contribute to practicing Buddhist values that pursue not only individual happiness but also the wellbeing of the community, which offers significant implications for solving modern social problems. We must overcome conflicts between neighbors and create a harmonious community through the teachings of Bhaisajyaguru.

References

Bhaisajyaguru Sutra

Literature Details The Bhaisajyaguru Sutra is a Buddhist scripture that explains the vows and merits of Bhaisajyaguru, and contains teachings for healing sentient beings' diseases and promoting happiness.

Literature Keyword Healing, Vow, Health.