Love Not Just-War

A Buddhist response to the crisis in Afghanistan

From His Holiness the Dalai Lama to individual followers the Buddhist condemnation of the terrorist attacks in the US has been widespread. But equally widespread has been the Buddhist call for a restrained response to the events of Sept. the 11th and an end to the war in Afghanistan.

Initial responses

In his letter to President Bush the Dalai Lama said, "I personally believe we need to think seriously whether a violent action is the right thing to do and in the greater interest of the nation and people in the long run. I believe violence will only increase the cycle of violence."

The Director General of Soka Gakkai International, a Buddhist organisation who lost one of its US members on the ill-fated flight AA11 that crashed into the north tower of the WTC, also reiterated the message for temperance, "It is my deepest hope, however, that our nation's response will not be driven by the blind desire for vengeance, but rather a renewed determination to work for a peaceful and just world."

The bombing begins: Buddhists speak out

"Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world; it is appeased by love. This is an eternal law." (Dhammapada)

As the bombing of Afghanistan began Buddhist organisations and followers alike were unable to support the notion of a just-war. This condemnation of violence and war is based on the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) and the First Precept in which Buddhists strive to abstain from the taking of life. Buddhists also believe in the in the interdependence of all life, in which it is understood that any violent act is inevitably self-harming. See What is Buddhism? or listen to a Buddhist teaching on hatred and revenge.

While the war continued the Buddhist demand and support for a non-violent response and compassion was redirected towards the growing anti-war campaign and the request for humanitarian aid in Afghanistan. Addressing the European Parliament the Dalai Lama continued to insist that non-violence was the only viable approach for world peace, "all forms of violence, including war, are totally inappropriate means of settling disputes." His Holiness has donated $50 000 to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees for humanitarian aid in Afghanistan and $30 000 for the relief efforts in New York.

For ordinary Buddhists, however, the protest against the bombing took to the streets as many Buddhists participated in pro-peace rallies around the world. Online condemnation was also widespread as e-Buddhists voiced their opinion on discussion boards. To Amida Trust, an outspoken Buddhist organisation, the global protests were merely a continuation of their ongoing anti-war initiative. They were protesting outside the Excel Exhibition Centre in London against the holding of the International Arms Trade Fair on Sept. 11th when tragedy struck in New York.

Their reaction, although sympathetic was not one of surprise, "It felt disturbingly like a complete circle. Buddhist enlightenment means understanding such circles. What goes around comes around. Exporting death to all parts of the planet is sure to come home sooner or later."

Practical problems

The Buddhist teaching of non-violence, however, is often ignored in practice. In an atmosphere of fear, restraint is disregarded as religious tensions rise as evidenced in Burma recently when Buddhist monks destroyed Muslim-owned property in the town of Prome and religious riots between the two groups continues to be reported.

Is pacifism a viable option?

On the world stage military restraint has clearly not been exercised and the war continues in Afghanistan. The karmic cost remaining a concern to Buddhists worldwide. Too many though non-violence is just an ideal and its exercise demanding as the Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhidhamma reminds us, "pacifism demands sacrifice". Is the West prepared to endure the sacrifice that nations like Tibet have without due response? Apparently not. Will they ever? Can they afford not to? Or will the world continue to live in fear of further retribution from all sides?