Violence and Conflict – GCSE Religious Studies OCR Revision

Buddhism strongly advocates for Ahimsa (non-harm), with the first of the Five Precepts instructing followers to avoid taking life. Violence, therefore, does not align with Buddhist principles.
The doctrine of Karma underlines that harmful actions, such as violence, will have negative spiritual consequences, further discouraging such behaviour.
Warfare and violence induce suffering, contravening the Buddha’s teachings on the eradication of Dukkha (suffering). Compassion, understanding and dialogue are promoted as alternatives to violent approaches.

Buddhism underlines the need for mindfulness and meditation to handle conflict effectively. These practices promote self-awareness and a balanced state of mind, essential to prevent and address disputes.
The Middle Way, a core teaching of Buddhism, advises avoidance of extremes and encourages balance. This principle could apply to managing conflict, suggesting compromise and negotiation rather than aggression.
The Buddhist concept of Dependent Origination helps to understand the interconnectedness and interdependence of all phenomena. It encourages one to consider the complexities and multiple causes of conflict, promoting a comprehensive and empathetic approach towards resolution.

Buddhism’s emphasis on peace and non-violence implies a condemnation of warfare. The Jataka Tales, stories about the Buddha’s previous lives, often contain themes of peacemaking and conflict resolution.
However, there are instances of wartime participation by Buddhists, often justified by the idea of ‘Defensive War’. Nonetheless, such instances are widely viewed as divergences from the core Buddhist teachings.

Buddhism advocates forgiveness, compassion and understanding in the face of violence or terror. It promotes dialogue and non-violent means to address issues.
In line with the teachings on Karma, Buddhism discourages retaliation or revenge, as these actions result in further suffering and negative repercussions.
The label of ‘terrorism’ would be viewed with anatta (non-self) in mind, understanding it as arising from multiple causes and conditions, rather than attributing it to an inherent or fixed ‘evil’.

Buddhism’s stress on inner peace translates into efforts towards world peace. Tranquillity and awareness cultivated through meditation can contribute to calm and productive dialogue in conflict resolution.
Buddhist teachings on empathy and compassion are essential for reconciliation efforts post-conflict.
Interconnectedness (Paticcasamuppāda) reminds us that harmony in society is deeply linked with the well-being of its individuals, reinforcing the importance of collective peace-building efforts.