Peace Pursuit – The Jain and Buddhist Way

PEACE IS a universal goal, yet its meaning and achievement remain complex. Is peace simply the absence of war, or does it encompass a deeper state of harmony, balance, and coexistence? Are conflicts inherent to human societies, and can their resolution lead to sustainable peace? To address these questions, one may consider drawing on the wisdom of Jainism principles of non-absolutism (many-sided reality) and non-violence, complemented by Buddhist ethics, including mindfulness, compassion, and the Noble Eightfold Path. These philosophies offer philosophical and practical tools to manage conflicts, reduce the likelihood of wars, and promote a global culture of peace. By applying these principles to ongoing global conflicts and integrating them into educational systems, humanity can foster tolerance, dialogue, and respect for diversity, paving the way for harmonious coexistence.

Jainism’s Contribution to Peace: Non-Absolutism and Non-Violence Jainism, through the teachings of Lord Mahavira, provides a profound framework for conflict resolution. The principle of non-absolutism (many-sided reality, or Anekantavada In Sanskrit) posits that reality is multifaceted, and no single perspective can fully capture the truth. This idea recognizes the infinite complexity of reality, characterized by multiple attributes that cannot be wholly understood from one viewpoint.

Non-absolutism is supported by three core tenets:

1. Non-Absolutism of Perspective: No individual or group can claim absolute truth, as perspectives are shaped by unique experiences, knowledge, and contexts.

2. Relativity of Knowledge: Truth depends on context, requiring openness to alternative viewpoints and fostering tolerance.

3. Multiplicity of Truth: Reality accommodates diverse and seemingly contradictory perspectives, enabling their harmonious coexistence.

This philosophy is refined by the principle of conditional predication (known as Syadvadain Jainism), which uses a sevenfold approach to express the complexity of truth. By acknowledging the limitations of human understanding, non-absolutism promotes humility, dialogue, and mutual respect, making it a vital tool for conflict resolution. In modern democracies, it supports pluralism, encourages coexistence among diverse ideologies, religions, and cultures, and advocates dialogue over violence, aligning with the principle of “agreeing to disagree.”

Complementing non-absolutism is non-violence (known as Ahimsa in Jainism), the cornerstone of Jain ethics. Non-violence extends beyond physical restraint to include compassion, forgiveness, and the avoidance of harmful thoughts or words. Mahavira emphasized that non-violence is the highest moral virtue, applicable to all sentient beings. While strict adherence to non-violence—such as consuming only ripe fruits to minimize harm—may pose practical challenges, its broader application fosters empathy and respect.

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By cultivating non-violent thoughts and actions, individuals and societies can reduce conflict and build a foundation for peace. However, questions arise: Can non-violence be universally implemented, and is it the supreme moral virtue or one among many? These questions invite exploration, keeping the mind open to alternative ethical frameworks, as conditional prediction suggests.

Buddhist Ethics and Practices for Global Peace

Buddhist philosophy offers complementary tools for resolving conflicts and preventing wars through ethical principles rooted in mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom. The Four Noble Truths diagnose human suffering (distress or dukkha in Pali) as arising from attachment and ignorance, proposing the Noble Eightfold Path—right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration—as a guide to liberation and peace.

1. Mindfulness and Right Intention: Mindfulness (awareness or sati in Pali) cultivates conscious awareness of thoughts, emotions, and actions, enabling individuals to respond to conflicts with clarity rather than impulsiveness. Right intention fosters non-harm, goodwill, and renunciation of selfish desires, addressing the root causes of conflict.

2. Compassion and Loving-Kindness: Compassion (Karuna in Pali) and loving-kindness (Metta in Pali) practices, such as loving-kindness meditation, encourage extending unconditional goodwill to all beings, including adversaries, transforming adversarial relationships and fostering empathy.

3. Right Speech and Dialogue: Right speech—truthful, kind and constructive communication promotes mutual understanding and prevents disputes from escalating. In global conflicts, diplomatic efforts grounded in the right speech can bridge divides.

4. Interdependence and Non-Violence: The concept of interdependence (interconnectedness or pratityasamutpada in Pali) recognizes that all beings are interconnected, discouraging violence and supporting peacebuilding through cooperation. Buddhist practices, such as meditation and community-based spiritual gatherings (Sanghain Pali), foster emotional resilience and collective harmony, offering preemptive strategies to mitigate conflict. Leaders like the Dalai Lama exemplify these principles, advocating non-violent resistance and dialogue, as seen in the Tibetan struggle for autonomy. Integrating Buddhist ethics into education and policy can cultivate a proactive culture of peace.

Applying Jain and Buddhist Principles to Contemporary Global Conflicts:

The principles of Jainism and Buddhism provide practical and philosophical tools to address ongoing global conflicts, promoting dialogue, empathy, and non-violence. Below, we apply these frameworks to specific conflicts, demonstrating their relevance in modern peacebuilding.

1. Russia-Ukraine War: This conflict, driven by territorial disputes and geopolitical tensions, has caused widespread suffering. Non-absolutism encourages both parties to recognize the validity of multiple perspectives—Russia’s security concerns and Ukraine’s desire for sovereignty—fostering dialogue over military escalation.

Non-violence calls for de-escalation through peaceful negotiations, prioritizing human lives over territorial gains. Buddhist principles, particularly right speech and loving-kindness, can guide diplomats to engage in constructive dialogue, avoiding inflammatory rhetoric. Mindfulness practices could help leaders manage emotional reactivity, while loving-kindness meditation could foster empathy, encouraging both sides to see the shared humanity of their adversaries. International mediators, trained in these principles, could facilitate peace talks, emphasizing mutual respect and coexistence.

2. Israel-Palestine/Hamas Conflict: This longstanding conflict, rooted in historical grievances, territorial claims, and ideological differences, requires a pluralistic approach. Non-absolutism promotes understanding the diverse narratives—Israeli security needs and Palestinian self-determination—without absolutizing either perspective. Non-violence advocates for peaceful resistance and ceasefire agreements, minimizing harm to civilians. Buddhist compassion and right intention can guide peace processes by encouraging leaders to prioritize human welfare over retribution. Community dialogues, inspired by Buddhist spiritual gatherings, could bring Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities together to build trust. Mindfulness training for negotiators could reduce reactive decision-making, fostering a path toward reconciliation.

3. North-South Sudan Conflict: Tensions between Sudan and South Sudan, fueled by resource disputes (e.g., oil) and ethnic divisions, persist despite their 2011 separation. Non-absolutism encourages both nations to acknowledge the legitimacy of each other’s economic and cultural concerns, promoting equitable resource-sharing agreements. Non-violence calls for peaceful resolutions, such as mediated talks over border disputes. Buddhist interdependence highlights the mutual benefits of cooperation, encouraging joint economic initiatives. Right speech can guide diplomatic efforts to avoid divisive language, while loving-kindness practices could foster goodwill among communities, reducing ethnic tensions through grassroots peace-building.

4. Myanmar’s Internal Conflict: Myanmar’s civil conflict, involving military rule and ethnic insurgencies, has led to violence and displacement. Non-absolutism supports inclusive dialogues that respect the diverse ethnic and political perspectives within Myanmar, promoting power-sharing arrangements. Non-violence advocates for peaceful resistance and humanitarian aid to protect civilians. Buddhist principles, deeply rooted in Myanmar’s cultural heritage, can play a pivotal role. Right intention and compassion can guide reformist leaders to prioritize reconciliation over suppression, while mindfulness practices could help communities heal from trauma. Community dialogues, inspired by Buddhist spiritual gatherings, could rebuild trust among ethnic groups, fostering national unity.

5. India-Pakistan Tensions: The rivalry, centered on Kashmir and historical animosities, risks escalation. Non-absolutism encourages both nations to recognize the complexity of the Kashmir issue, acknowledging each other’s historical and cultural claims to foster dialogue. Non-violence calls for de-escalation through confidence-building measures, such as trade agreements or cultural exchanges. Buddhist right speech can guide diplomatic communications to avoid provocative rhetoric, while loving-kindness practices could promote people-to-people initiatives, such as joint cultural festivals, to build mutual understanding. Interdependence highlights the shared economic and security benefits of peace, encouraging cooperative frameworks like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

6. Other Global Conflicts: These principles can address other tensions, such as the US-China rivalry over trade and influence. Non-absolutism promotes mutual understanding of economic and strategic interests, while non-violence discourages aggressive posturing. Buddhist compassion and right intention can guide negotiations toward win-win solutions, such as climate cooperation. In Yemen’s civil war, non-absolutism and right speech can support inclusive peace talks, while non-violence and loving-kindness advocate for humanitarian ceasefires to protect civilians. These principles offer universal tools for peacebuilding across diverse contexts. By applying Jain and Buddhist principles, global actors can address the root causes of conflicts—ignorance, attachment, and absolutism—while promoting dialogue, empathy, and non-violence. These frameworks encourage preemptive measures, such as interfaith dialogues, community peacebuilding, and diplomatic training in mindfulness, to prevent escalation and foster lasting peace.

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Education as a Catalyst for Peace

To implement these principles, education must play a central role. Incorporating Jain and Buddhist values into global curricula can foster a culture of peace by teaching tolerance, pluralism, compassion, and dialogue. Educational programmes should emphasize:

• Respect for Diversity: Curricula should celebrate cultural, religious, and ideological diversity, drawing on non-absolutism to teach the value of multiple perspectives.

• Ethical Training: Lessons on non-violence and Buddhist compassion can instill peaceful attitudes and empathy from an early age.

• Conflict Resolution Skills: Training in mindfulness and right speech equips individuals with tools to resolve disputes peacefully.

• Global Citizenship: Education should promote human fraternity, aligning with initiatives like the UN’s International Day of Human Fraternity (February 4), encouraging unity across nations.

By embedding these values in education, societies can nurture generations committed to peace, reducing the propensity for conflict and war.

The pursuit of peace requires integrating timeless wisdom with modern practices. Jainism’s non-absolutism and non-violence provide a philosophical foundation for embracing diversity and peaceful coexistence, while Buddhist ethics offer practical tools for mindfulness, compassion, and dialogue. By applying these principles to contemporary conflicts such as those in Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, Sudan, Myanmar, and India-Pakistan humanity can address the root causes of strife and foster coexistence. Through global education and initiatives like the UN International Day of Human Fraternity, societies can cultivate a culture of peace, uniting humanity as a cohesive global family committed to harmony with all sentient beings.

The author is Professor, Department of Philosophy, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, India

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