Buddhism: Attitudes to Peace and Forgiveness

This section explains Buddhism’s attitude to peace and forgiveness, focussing on: Attitudes to Peace, Pacifism in Buddhism and Forgiveness in Buddhism. Buddhism offers profound teachings on peace, non-violence, and forgiveness, all of which are integral to its ethical framework. The Buddha's teachings emphasize that the path to Enlightenment is a peaceful one, marked by self-control, kindness, and a rejection of harmful actions. Central to Buddhist practice is the idea that peace is essential for personal and societal well-being.

Attitudes to Peace

In Buddhism, peace is seen not only as the absence of conflict but as a deeper state of inner harmony. Achieving peace is not simply about avoiding war but about cultivating a peaceful mind and compassionate actions. The Buddha taught that peace within the individual leads to peace in the world, as each person’s behaviour affects the collective harmony of society.

In the Dhammapada (6), the Buddha says:

“Many do not know that we are here in this world to live in harmony. Those who know this do not fight against each other.”

This highlights that true peace is not just about the cessation of violence but also about understanding our interconnectedness with all living beings and fostering compassion and respect.

Additionally, the Buddha recognised that causing harm to others hinders one’s spiritual progress. In the Dhammapada (103), he teaches:

“It is better to conquer yourself than win a thousand battles.”

This emphasises that personal mastery over negative emotions such as anger and hatred is far more important than any external victory. Self-discipline, therefore, is a cornerstone of Buddhist teachings, with peace being achieved through self-control and understanding.

The Buddha encouraged his followers to practice the Five Moral Precepts, which guide Buddhist behaviour. These precepts include refraining from killing, stealing, lying, and indulging in harmful actions, speech, and thoughts. By adhering to these principles in everyday life, Buddhists believe they can cultivate peace both within themselves and in their relationships with others.

Pacifism in Buddhism

Pacifism is the belief that violence, including war, is unjustifiable and that all disputes should be resolved through peaceful means. In Buddhism, pacifism aligns closely with the principle of Ahimsa (non-harming), which calls for compassion and non-violence in all actions.

The Dhammapada (270) speaks to this ideal when it says:

“People are not great because as warriors they fight and kill living beings, but because they hurt no living thing.”

This indicates that true greatness in Buddhism comes from avoiding harm to others, not from the ability to cause destruction. Buddhists believe that violence creates suffering, not only for those who are harmed but also for those who inflict it, as it leads to negative karmic consequences.

However, there are varying views on pacifism within Buddhism. While many Buddhists take an absolute pacifist stance, rejecting all forms of violence, others may adopt a more relative pacifist approach. This means they may believe that violence can sometimes be justified, especially in situations where it is necessary to prevent greater harm or suffering. For example, they might accept self-defence or the protection of others as justifiable reasons for resorting to violence.

The Buddha himself highlighted the importance of controlling one’s mind and emotions even in the face of great suffering. In the Majjhima Nikaya 1, he taught:

“Even if thieves carve you limb from limb with a double-handed saw, if you make your mind hostile you are not following my teachings.”

This passage underlines the Buddhist principle of maintaining a peaceful and loving attitude, even in the face of extreme provocation or violence. The Buddha advocated for maintaining inner peace, regardless of external circumstances, and emphasised that responding with hostility only perpetuates suffering.

Examples of Pacifism in Buddhist Practice

Throughout Buddhist history, there have been examples of Buddhist leaders and practitioners who have embraced pacifism in their actions. For example, Mahatma Gandhi, though not a Buddhist himself, was heavily influenced by Buddhist ideas of non-violence and used these principles to lead India’s independence movement. His commitment to non-violent resistance was rooted in the teachings of Ahimsa, which is central to both Buddhism and Hinduism.

Another example is the work of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lama has consistently advocated for peaceful solutions to conflicts and has strongly opposed the use of violence, even in the face of aggression from the Chinese government during the Tibetan occupation. He continues to promote dialogue, compassion, and peaceful resolution to global conflicts, encouraging others to do the same.

Forgiveness in Buddhism

Forgiveness is another key aspect of Buddhist teachings. The Buddha taught that harbouring anger and resentment only leads to more suffering for oneself. To truly find peace, one must practice forgiveness, letting go of grudges and the desire for revenge. This is part of cultivating metta (loving-kindness) and karuna (compassion) towards all living beings, even those who may have caused harm.

In the Dhammapada (223), the Buddha says:

“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.”

This highlights the self-destructive nature of holding onto negative emotions and underscores the importance of letting go of anger through forgiveness. Buddhists believe that forgiving others is essential for freeing oneself from the burden of hatred and suffering. It is not about excusing harmful behaviour but about releasing the negative emotions that can arise from it.

Buddhism places a strong emphasis on peace, non-violence, and forgiveness. The teachings of the Buddha encourage followers to cultivate peace within themselves and to spread that peace to others through compassionate actions and words. While some Buddhists adopt absolute pacifism, others may accept violence as a last resort in extreme situations, such as self-defence. Regardless of the approach, the ultimate goal is to reduce suffering, both for oneself and for others. By practising forgiveness and refraining from harm, Buddhists believe they can make progress on the path to Enlightenment, leading to a more peaceful and harmonious world for all.