How can violent conqueror's be Buddhist?

Question

I read that Kublai Khan became Buddhist. I just wonder how they can claim to be Buddhist when they have killed so many people?

Answer 1

hai
human beings either gret conqurors or the monks pocess a mind which have a positive and negative pole. the use make them different.
but when u add the harsh and tough scores of urs the tendancy to repell become stronger within you.
Kumblai khan or his father Chengiz khan become cruel only becoz their surroundings demand it. so when they are alone the soft or positive pole will question them. thus in the end most of them falls to be sorry about themselves(exceptions are there)

the example of Ashoka is also there.
more over the Kumblai khan accepted Budhism after all his conquest. after that he become a budhist. but he is known for the early acts.

anyway i have a doubt is my view is right, there is a chance to high temptation for those who live very saintly, to commit bad things. how is it?

Answer 2

The same way in which Kings of Great Britain were 'Defenders of the Faith' for the anglican chuch, the same way in which Charlemagne was acknowledged as the saviour of the Church and crowned Emperor in 800 AD.

You will find that throughout history, religions have looked to powerful rulers for protection. And in doing so conveniently turn a blind eye to the brutality and injustice that is being done to protect religion.

Religions that are supported by powerful rulers have a tendency to be very successful where those rulers have established control, as those rulers not only destroy the opposition, but also allow their religion to expand and convert new followers.

Even when Clovis, the King of the Franks, converted to Christianity, it did not stop Clovis from conquering and killing. And it did not stop Clovis's greatest admirer, the Catholic Archbishop of Tours - Gregory, from saying that Clovis was the greatest ruler in Europe.

Why should it be any different with Kublai Khan?

Answer 3

Even Ashoka the Great of India. After the Battle of Kalinga (a small state in East India), he was greatly saddened seeing all the corpses and the women burning in the pyres. Then he was wandering he met a monk and converted. After that all the works he did made him of the Greats.
Same way Bimbisara. For a dancer Amrapali he razed and entire kingdom. Then she would not have him and became a nun. So he too became a Buddhist.

Answer 4

And so are the Japanese...Ithis is one of the paradoxes of being a human - we know how things should be, but in fact they are not, however we still go on doing it as if they were....just perfect.
Ancient as well as modren philosophers and clerics (and Buddhist are no exception) profesized a Perfect State, which could be achieved if you follow their teachings. As a result, different leaders often times became obsessed with this Idea, and that led to more bloodshed Allow me to conclude with the words of Lao Tzu, "The perfect leader posseses, but lets go of his posession, and so the whole world voluntarily kneels to his will."

Answer 5

Buddhist by name and buddhist by faith are diff. stories!
You can claim to be a buddhist but people will judge you on what you do not what you say.
Being a buddhist did not promise you salvation - doing as a Buddhist will lead you to Niravana!

Answer 6

"How can A violent conqueror be A Buddhist?"
I think the more you read about conquerors throughout history the more you will find about their affiliations with religious groups.
"Praise the lord, and pass the ammunition!"

Answer 7

u sound surprised! strange things happen. people ve done strange things in the name of, for, and before accepting religion. but dont u start to wonder, that is what religion is for, reform people into better beings. but if u insist on stoning bad people who embrace(d) religion, i ve d words of Jesus to repeat to you, "He who has no sin, let him cast the first stone"

Answer 8

the same way as violent conquerors are able to be Christian.