1. Buddhist Beliefs: Religion, Peace and Conflict

2. You MUST learn two contrasting religious views about VIOLENCE.
Violence, violent protest and terrorism the Buddha said that a great man is one who ‘hurts not any living being’
Most Buddhists will not use violence or violent protest as it goes against the first moral precept and the principle of ahimsa: life is precious and always to be respected.
But some Buddhists agree with using violence in self-defence – the Dalai Lama said that it would be reasonable to shoot someone who was trying to kill you. This is an application of skilful means (an action applied with wisdom and compassion that helps people achieve enlightenment): in war the number of civilians saved outweighs the soldiers killed.
Buddhism teaches that terrorism should be countered with acts of love and compassion – retaliation only leads to more violence. We should try to understand the causes of terrorism, which may be caused by suffering. But terrorists should be imprisoned to prevent more harm to society.
Exam question: Explain two contrasting beliefs in contemporary British society about VIOLENCE. You should refer to ‘the main religious tradition of Great Britain (Christianity) and one other religious tradition’ (Buddhism). (4 MARKS)
- Give a belief/teaching, explain how it applies to the issue and how it affects a person’s decision about that issue.
Buddhist Beliefs: Religion, Peace and Conflict

3. You MUST learn two contrasting religious views about PACIFISM.
Pacifism and Peacemaking the Buddha said that Buddhists should try to develop compassion for all beings and avoid violence – against 1st Precept and ahimsa
Buddhists may actively resist oppression in a non- violent way in order to reduce suffering. Creating a peaceful environment means encouraging skilful attitudes – so many Buddhists try to improve society.
True peace starts from within – having the right attitude. Meditation can be used to dissolve anger: we should not act from hatred.
The Parable of the Saw: even if bandits were to ‘tear you limb from limb with a monstrous saw’ you should not give in to hatred but should show loving-kindness.
Exam question: Explain two contrasting beliefs in contemporary British society about PACIFISM. You should refer to ‘the main religious tradition of Great Britain (Christianity) and one other religious tradition’ (Buddhism). (4 MARKS)
- Give a belief/teaching, explain how it applies to the issue and how it affects a person’s decision about that issue.
Buddhist Beliefs: Religion, Peace and Conflict

4. You MUST learn two contrasting religious views about WMD.
Nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction the Buddha said that Buddhists should not harm or kill any living being (the first moral precept)
Most Buddhists believe that nuclear weapons should be abolished since there is always a risk that they will be used.
The attitudes of anger and fear that support possession of nuclear weapons are the real problem that needs to be addressed
The Dhammapada states: ‘All living things fear being put to death. Putting oneself in the place of the other, let no one kill nor cause another to kill’.
Exam question: Explain two contrasting beliefs in contemporary British society about WMD. You should refer to ‘the main religious tradition of Great Britain (Christianity) and one other religious tradition’ (Buddhism). (4 MARKS)
- Give a belief/teaching, explain how it applies to the issue and how it affects a person’s decision about that issue.
Buddhist Beliefs: Religion, Peace and Conflict

5. Peace, Justice, Forgiveness, Reconciliation the Buddha said that peace comes from within and violence comes from people’s minds
Buddhism promotes peace: Buddhist teachings say there are no justifiable reasons for war – war encourages hateful and greedy attitudes and behaviour which lead to suffering
To prevent violence, people must develop a sense of inner peace – peaceful minds will lead to peaceful speech and peaceful actions
Forgiveness is important in preventing war, establishing peace and reducing suffering (in helping people to let go of anger) – it can be developed through loving- kindness meditation
Buddhist Beliefs: Religion, Peace and Conflict

6. Reasons for war the Buddha said that all violence should be abandoned & people should cultivate compassion for all beings – therefore war can never be justified
Wars fought for greed are wrong – greed is one of the three poisons and one of the main causes of suffering
Some Buddhists would agree with war in self-defence to prevent harm. Others believe that they should develop compassion for those who wish to harm them in order to break the cycle of violence.
Wars fought for retaliation are wrong – retaliation is an expression of hatred, one of the three poisons, and causes more suffering
Buddhist Beliefs: Religion, Peace and Conflict

7. Religion as a cause of war the Buddha said that all violence should be abandoned & people should cultivate compassion for all beings
The idea of holy war does not exist in Buddhism because of the commitment to non-violence
Buddhist Beliefs: Religion, Peace and Conflict

8. Religious responses to victims of war the Buddha said that
Buddhists believe that all suffering should be stopped – so Buddhists want to help victims of war. They may help them to cultivate compassion towards aggressors and let go of hatred since hatred is self-destructive.
The perpetrators of war also deserve compassion – they are causing suffering because they themselves are suffering.
The Bodhisattva goal is to help all beings become free of suffering and ultimately reach enlightenment.
Buddhist Beliefs: Religion, Peace and Conflict