The essays in this volume look at Buddhist doctrine, the Bodhisattva ideal and historical precedence in Buddhism for applications to modern peacemaking. For Buddhists, liberation is closed linked to wisdom and compassion. Like, in making rational decisions about what actions we should take in response to social conditions in our troubled world, we are wise to take into account the opinions of religious and political leaders as well as lessons from the past and present on ending war and bringing peace. These seeking the vision that comes with such instruction will find here, details of the struggles of Buddhist leaders from around the world and across the varieties of Buddhist traditions, all intent on preventing and ending war. In addition, social scientists and scholars from various academic backgrounds have contributed their knowledge of the connections between Buddhism and peacemaking. The reader will find in this book that among the leaders and lessons best suited for peacemaking are those arising from Buddhist traditions. Buddhists, among people of the strongest moral convictions, have stood firmly against wars of past and present and details of their struggles are highly instructive. The writers share their valuable ideas, textual traditions, practices and experiences in terms of Buddhism and peacemaking.
