Religion, peace and conflict (a) Outline what is meant by the phrase ‘Conditional pacifism’ - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 1

Buddhist communities endeavor to promote peace through various practical means. These may include:

1. Engagement in Dialogue: Participating in interfaith dialogues to foster understanding and cooperation among different religious groups.

2. Nonviolent Activism: Organizing peaceful protests and campaigns that promote social justice, such as the work done by groups like the Buddhist Peace Fellowship.

3. Education and Awareness: Educating communities about the importance of compassion, non-violence, and ethical living in line with Buddhist teachings. This may involve workshops, seminars, and community discussions.

4. Charitable Work: Supporting initiatives aimed at alleviating suffering, such as providing humanitarian aid in areas affected by conflict. Organizations like the Buddhist Global Relief exemplify this commitment.

Buddhists typically oppose terrorism because:

1. Adherence to Non-Violence: The core principle of Ahimsa (non-harming) in Buddhism directly contradicts the violent nature of terrorism. Buddhists believe that any form of violence leads to further suffering.

2. Compassion for All Beings: Terrorism inflicts pain not just on its immediate victims but also on their families and communities. Buddhism teaches compassion towards all, making the indiscriminate nature of terrorism morally unacceptable.

3. Impact on Society: Acts of terrorism disrupt societal harmony and create fear, which goes against the Buddhist goal of fostering peace and altruism within communities.

The relationship between religion and politics has been a contentious issue across various cultures and societies. From a Buddhist perspective, this statement can invoke several points of discussion:

1. Interdependence of Ethics and Governance: Buddhism teaches a moral and ethical framework which can guide political leadership. Leaders who embody compassion and wisdom can positively influence governance.

2. Social Responsibility: Many Buddhists believe that it is their responsibility to engage in political action that aligns with their values, such as promoting peace, justice, and compassion. This suggests that religion can and should inform political action.

3. Dangers of Political Manipulation: Conversely, the statement highlights the risks of politicizing religion, which can lead to conflict and sectarian violence. History shows that when religious groups seek to impose their beliefs on the state, it often results in oppression of minority groups.

In conclusion, while there is a strong case for the separation of religion and state to prevent abuse, the values inherent in Buddhism cannot be easily detached from social and political engagement.