THE ISSUE OF ABLEISM AGAINST PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

A BUDDHIST PERSPECTIVE

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15603/2176-1078/er.v39n3pe2025-031

Keywords:

Budismo, deficiência intelectual, compaixão, bodhicitta

Abstract

Stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion against individuals with intellectual disabilities remain significant challenges in Brazilian society. Despite the implementation of laws and affirmative actions, people with intellectual disabilities still face limited access to employment, education, and healthcare services, and are more vulnerable to serious risks such as premature death, violence, and suicide, among others. Indian Buddhism offers a rich tradition of accounts detailing how Buddhist communities engaged with individuals with disabilities. One of the most inspiring examples is the story of Arhat Cūḍapanthaka, who received personal care from the historical Buddha. Through bibliographic and documentary research, this paper presents the Mahāyāna Buddhist perspective on intellectual disability and reflects on Buddhist teachings drawn from the story of Arhat Cūḍapanthaka that may serve as tools to deconstruct ableism toward individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Author Biographies

Magda Loureiro Motta Chinaglia, Instituto Pramana

Doutora em Medicina, área de Concentração Tocoginecologia, pela Universidade Estadual de Campinas (1993). Especialista em Ginecologia e Obstetrícia pelo Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), pelo Conselho Federal de Medicina (RQE 86977) e pela Federação Brasileira das Sociedades de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia (FEBRASGO, 2000). Mestre em Medicina, área de concentração em Ginecologia e Obstetrícia pela UFMG (1988). Graduação em Medicina pela UFMG (1984). Membro da Diretoria e consultora da Reprolatina - Soluções Inovadoras em Saúde Sexual e Reprodutiva. Estuda graduação em Teologia Budista no Instituto Pramana, Valinhos. Leciona no Instituto Pramana.

Maximiliano Augusto Sawaya, Instituto Pramāṇa

Degree in Art Education with a major in Fine Arts from the State University of Campinas (bachelor's degree in 2004 and teaching degree in 2006). Gratuation in Budology at the Pramana Institute (of Natural Buddhist Theologies) in 2018. Master degree in Religious Studies, specializing in Languages of Religion and researching Theology of Religions and Culture, from the Methodist University of São Paulo (2021). Graduation in bachelor's degree in Theology from Dom Bosco Catholic University (2022). Worked as a Social Art Educator in Campinas at the NGO Casa Guadalupana, a branch of the Promotional Association of Prayer and Work (APOT) (from 2007 to 2010), founded by Father Haroldo Rahm. Worked as an arts teacher in middle and high school at Colégio Casa do Saber, also in Campinas (from 2007 to 2013), where he ran a performing arts project called Grupo de Teatro Casa do Saber (from 2011 to 2013). Since 2011, he has been a PEB III Specialist Teacher - Art at the Campinas City Hall, at EMEFEI/EJA Raul Pila. There, he taught elementary school (2011 to 2014) and continues to teach middle school (2015 to present). At EMEFEI/EJA Raul Pila, he also teaches extracurricular projects in audiovisual production, known as RP Filmes (since 2017), and self-defense with a focus on Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, bringing ethical reflections to the project named Self-Defense and Ethics (since 2018). In addition, he has informally acted as a conflict mediator at the school (2015 to 2023). He participated, together with the Audiovisual Working Group (2015 to 2018), in the creation and implementation of the Raul Pila Cultural Exhibition (2017), which began as an Audiovisual Exhibition (2016) and became an annual school event (2018 to 2023). Also at EMEFEI/EJA Raul Pila, he served as Coordinator of Cycle III of Elementary School in the Final Years (2015 to 2019), as a Tutor (2023 to 2024), and as Management Support (2024), formalizing his work as a conflict mediator. At the same school, he also organized and is a trainer for the Study Group: Human Rights and Culture of Peace (2025). He volunteered in coordinating the Buddhist Natural Theology course at the Pramana Institute of the Buda Darma Association (ABD) (2021 and 2022), where he has also been a volunteer teacher since 2021. He participates in the social and educational activities of the Buda Darma Association. 

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Published

2025-12-19

How to Cite

Loureiro Motta Chinaglia, M. ., & Sawaya, M. A. (2025). THE ISSUE OF ABLEISM AGAINST PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES: A BUDDHIST PERSPECTIVE. Estudos De Religião, 39(3), e2025–031. https://doi.org/10.15603/2176-1078/er.v39n3pe2025-031

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 3 (2025): Estudos de Religião, set.-dez. (publicação em fluxo contínuo)

Section

Dossiê Budismo e Religiões Globais em Diálogo: Caminhos para a Justiça Social

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