Diggin' the Dharma Bhikkhu Bodhi and the War in Ukraine: Lessons for Buddhists?
Aug 7, 2022
The discussion explores how Buddhists can reconcile the precept of non-killing with the harsh realities of war. Bhikkhu Bodhi's insights on defensive violence challenge traditional views, while practical ethics are put to the test in wartime dilemmas. The hosts debate the karma of actions taken in conflict, the role of compassion post-war, and the moral complexities faced by both soldiers and monks. They also touch on the importance of intention and the emotional fallout for those involved, deepening the conversation around compassion and responsibility.
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Episode notes
Intent Matters In Wartime Ethics
- Bhikkhu Bodhi frames the moral question around intention when violence occurs in defense during war.
- The ethical weight depends on whether the actor's intent is protective rather than aggressive.
Bullet Ants Prompt Moral Reflection
- Jon Aaron recounts killing bullet ants in Costa Rica and then acknowledging taking life the second time.
- The story illustrates how ordinary killing (even of insects) prompts moral reflection on the precept.
Early Texts Offer Little Justification
- Early Buddhist texts present a stringent stance that violence is wrong regardless of circumstance.
- Later Mahayana sources offer more room for defensive violence, but early texts show little support for justification.
