This paper has examined a selection of Pali canonical sources, in particular，the Dhammapada and the Cakkavattisihanada Sutta in understanding Theravada attitudes towards violence. Though I have attempted to examine scriptures that support a non-violent path, I have not gone into detail how the acts of violence have actually occurred in modern Sri Lanka or whether there are strong connections between acts of violence in Sri Lanka and particular scriptures found in the Pali canon. The purpose has been merely to explore the vision of peaceful life as portrayed by Pali canonical sources. The canonical position explored here may be useful to know the ideal Buddhist way of life but those insights may have little to do with any modern emergence of violence. Nevertheless, exploring the Pali canon is important in understanding the current civil war and political violence in Sri Lanka and to see whether there is any relationship between the two. Since the Pali canon has been the basis and inspiration for Theravada understanding of religious life and the Dhammapada, the most popular scripture among Theravada Buddhists, I have used the Dhammapada as the foundation from which Theravada Buddhists draw inspiration for their actions in the world. This examination has demonstrated that Theravada Buddhism has a negative view towards violence and it rejects violence at any cost even as a skill-in-means. In the scriptures, while there is an analysis of violence and its causes as psychological as well as external，it does not recommend violence by any means even in solving human conflicts and social problems. In terms of violence in Sri Lanka, it is clear that roots of violence are based on economic factors and misunderstandings generated over the centuries. In this practical context，the role of the Buddhist will be to explore ways to get out of the violent context and bring peace to all religious and ethnic communities in Sri Lanka.
目次
Attitudes of the Dhammapada towards Violence 84 Other Considerations 87 Conclusion 91 Notes 92
