2007-01-18 18:53:45 · 14 answers · asked by Harry Merkin 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Not a bait question. I just have not seen or heard of a Buddhist commiting violent crimes against people.
I am sure there are criminals but...
Some of my friends met the Dalli Lama (sp) and said he was very cool
2007-01-18 19:05:55 · update #1
Buddhist tribes and nations have waged war on their enemies as have any other religious group in history. The story of South-East Asia consists of attack and counter-attack between the Thai, Lanna, Burmese, Khmer and Loatian armies at a time when they were all nominally Buddhist. Great massacres have occured over nationally significant Buddha statues stolen by one racial group from another. Nationalism whether real or fabricated often takes priority over the Buddha's teaching.
The quote about non-violence is that 'no-one has been converted to Buddhism by the sword', not that they don't mind a bit of blood shedding when the mood is right!
2007-01-18 19:03:56 · answer #1 · answered by Bart S 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
1
2016-06-12 02:25:33 · answer #2 · answered by Delores 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obviously never heard of the Khmer Rouge, have you? One of the worst genocides ever, especially since it was practiced on their own people. However, study Chinese history. There's a lot there too. Though if your point is that there hasn't been much from Buddhists lately, you're right.
2007-01-18 19:09:56 · answer #3 · answered by Save the Fish 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buddhist in Sri Lanka. They constantly at war with the Hindus and both sides have violated many international law which include genocide etc.
2007-01-18 18:57:29 · answer #4 · answered by jemmie_2004 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Religions don't start wars governments start wars. Many Buddhist Countries have started wars. Korea, Vietnam, Japan, China many Buddhist countries have started wars. OO
2007-01-18 19:07:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
a true buddhist would not take the role of the aggressor. many of us are 'buddhists' by name, who are still learning about buddhism, & have not reached a certain level of understanding/ wisdom yet.
however, take for example, ordinary buddhists in thailand & tibet, may have to take up arms to defend their country or their ideals.
furthermore, buddhist monks had been known to self-immolation/ starvation for certain causes they believed in.
and in feudel japan, samurais are 'buddhists' too. they fought for land, plunder & kill recklessly.
2007-01-18 19:40:07 · answer #6 · answered by sista! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is a silly question - you place monks above others for their life choices, when they, monks, are just as human as anyone else and are subject to the same mistakes, cruelty and misfortunes as anyone. But then is this a bait question or legitimate?
2007-01-18 18:59:42 · answer #7 · answered by karadansu 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I understand the rhetoric nature of your question. Buddhism is probably the only religion not to start wars in it own name, or even to protect itself. As opposed to Christians and Muslims, who clearly have killed non-believers in large numbers.
Good question.
2007-01-18 19:06:42 · answer #8 · answered by Terracinese 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well they have. Its just not associated with the religion in any manner. Except the suicide. Set self on fire to prove strong belief in reincarnation
2007-01-18 19:04:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Keanu Reaves
2007-01-18 18:55:55 · answer #10 · answered by tony r 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋