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Buddhist Principles for Peace and Conflict Transformation

  • Religions of Korea
  • 2019, 45(), pp.273~299
  • Publisher : The Research Center of Religions
  • Research Area : Humanities > Religious Studies
  • Received : January 14, 2019
  • Accepted : February 2, 2019
  • Published : February 15, 2019

Karma Lekshe TSOMO 1

1University of SAN DIEGO

Candidate

ABSTRACT

The Panmunjeom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification of the Korean Peninsula that was signed in April 2018 created a unique opportunity for dialogue between North and South Korea. As a consequence of this groundbreaking initiative, a wide variety of insights and expertise are being mobilized to create optimal circumstances for finding a resolution to years of conflict and estrangement. The principles and practices of the world’s Buddhist traditions are among the resources that are being tapped for ideas and methods to heal antagonism, prevent violence, and create peace. The moral principles that the Buddha taught his followers in ancient India and Buddhist practices for cultivating a peaceful mind are among the resources that can serve as a foundation for creating social harmony and international cooperation. The most basic Buddhist principle is to cultivate an ethical sensibility that avoids harm to any living creature. In addition, numerous methods are taught for transforming resentments, resolving conflicts, and engendering loving kindness and compassion toward friends and enemies alike. These methods for preventing violence and promoting peace are not only taught both as ways to transform thoughts of anger and aversion in the minds of individuals, but also as means of transforming human relationships in order to build peaceful, caring communities. Methods such as reflection on the adverse effects of harboring preconceptions that harden ideological divides and practices of mindful listening that help open up opportunities for a respectful open dialogue can help nurture skillful, mutually satisfactory solutions. This paper explores Buddhist methods for engendering peace and compassion, on both the personal and collective levels, that contribute to contemporary conversations about how to build a peaceful world for the benefit of human society.

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