Why does Buddhism frown down on anger at social injustice?

Question

I don't mean violence. Even if I, say, give an angry speech against sweatshops, fascism or racism, why does this make me less enlightened?

So it's wrong to be mad at Nazis? I'm wrong just for hurting someone's feelings. Obviously I'm in the right if I denounce Hitler

Answer 1

I think that it is the attachment to the emotion of anger. Many Buddhists are "engaged" Buddhists which means that because of the interconnection of all sentient beings and the earth they work for just conditions and compassion for all. So it is the anger that is the problem, not the commitment to social justice.

Answer 2

I am also asking a lot of questions about budhhism because it is one of the religions that tried to bring an end to hinduism.

And to come back to your question, well how can that be.

The Dalai Llama did not stay in Tibet and is now in India as an exile. If he frowned on anger at social injustice, he would not be fighting to get tibet back. He would do nothing because if in budhhism, life is about nothing and murder and rape etc which we call social injustices are nothing, then he should not be doing anything. He should be a recluse just meditating. He should not be flying around the world giving talks on budhhism.

This is not meant in a negative way. It is a question that has remained in my mind for a long time.

No budhhist should be taking any action at all whether for justice or injustice.

In hinduism that is what karma and dharma is. Dharma is your duty. If you see injustice you must take action.

Karma is the action you take in this life or situation which will make your future.

Answer 3

Good point. It is my impression that when Buddhists try to attain enlightenment it is by withdrawing from engagement in making a change in real world social justice issues. I am willing to live with a little anxiety, a little anger, a little annoyance and indignation about issues caused by those consumed by the seven deadly sins and inflict poverty, disease, and starvation on millions in order to live extravagantly wealthy lives and create family and friend dynasties. Kind of like the Bushes and Kennedys. World poverty can be eliminated. We have the resources but the greed of a few gets in the way. Buddhists, particularly those who are enlightened, do far too little to alleviate pain and suffering.
The value of enlightenment may be exaggerated.
Epictetus' students wrote in the Enchiridion that some things are within our power and those issues are our business. Some things are beyond our control and we should not worry about those matters. The problem is that it is now possible to extend and enhance ones power scientifically and the line between my current business and future business of helping my fellows is shifting. I am becoming more powerful, more skillful, more able to affect change, thus, I am able to do more to advance social justice. It seems to me that Buddhists are not interested in pressing issues of social justice.

Answer 4

Probably because they hate injustice - Be glad they don't kill when they get angry like some others we know.

They are human too - they have the right to have feelings like other humans - Love, Anger, lust, fear etc. But the beauty is that they are taught how to control the feelings - Isn't it wonderful ?

The misconception is that some believe that just because a person is a Buddhist that person should be perfect - They should look at them selves first, then look at the world in which no body is perfect - Buddhists are not Buddhas or Arihath's to be near perfect.

Answer 5

Because Buddhism teaches that life is ultimately meaningless. Even sweatshops and murder are meaningless, and there's no point in doing anything to stop it because all your efforts will have no effect. Buddhism teaches that life is suffering, and the only thing you can do is ignore it and destroy yourself. Not a very positive religion, is it?

Buddhism teaches that the only way to overcome suffering is to enter into the extinction of Nirvana. In this Nirvana, your self is completely destroyed and you exist as nothingness. It teaches nonattachment as a way of minimizing suffering, but still teaches that sickness and death are inevitable. Buddhism is a religion of resignation, of saying "Might as well make myself as comfortable as possible until I die" or trying to destroy yourself entirely.

Please note that I am called an ignoramus not because I am ignorant, but because I am distilling the fundamental basis of the religion and exposing its cold, heartless essence. These facts are downplayed by many Buddhists for public relations purposes and because it makes them uncomfortable to seek their own destruction. They cling to this religion because it relieves them of a great deal of personal responsibility and of taking a stance on issues. Buddhism allows you to be very complacent, and many are afraid of being challenged.

Answer 6

Buddhism is a pretty passive religion. It makes believers very tolerant of almost everyone else' beliefs, but too soft to say anything against beliefs that go against it. It's all about keeping the universe in balance, and conflict can upset that balance, and add negative karma to your account.

Answer 7

I know what you mean. that's why i follow the precepts so loosely. this day and age its hard not to get angry. I should meditate more it helps with the anger management.

for the ignoramus below me Buddhism teaches you Can overcome suffering. dont comment on something you know so little about. it makes you look stupid.

Answer 8

Dude, no religion is perfect. Take the good from all of them. Leave the horse sh*t behind. Like this concept for instance.

Answer 9

The National Hockey League has yet to break into predominantly Bhuddist countries. . .that'll get em' "hooked" on violence~!~

Answer 10

not directly.... but don't you think being so vocal about it is kind of pointless? I mean, no one is going to change unless they want to change, and just hearing someone voice their opinion is not going to change their mind. Further, in a way, it is influencing their spiritual path to try and change their opinions. Hmm my brain hurts....