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Buddhism: Crime and Punishment

Buddhist attitudes to punishment

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 2

Overview

When punishment counts as justice, Dhammapada 201 on victory and defeat, 202 on hatred and 197 on living among the hostile, punishment without anger, the kinds Buddhists accept, and situation ethics.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Why do Buddhists accept that punishment may be needed in society?

Key term

When can punishment be regarded as justice by Buddhists?

Key term

What does Dhammapada 201 teach about victory and defeat?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Why do Buddhists accept that punishment may be needed in society?

    Model answer

    Punishment protects people from harm and shows that wrongdoing has consequences. A society without any punishment could leave the vulnerable unprotected.

  2. 2

    When can punishment be regarded as justice by Buddhists?

    Model answer

    Punishment that is fair and proportionate gives a fitting response to the harm done. Buddhists accept it as justice when it is given without hatred.

  3. 3

    What does Dhammapada 201 teach about victory and defeat?

    Model answer

    Dhammapada 201 says victory breeds hatred and the defeated live in pain. The peaceful live happily, giving up both victory and defeat.

  4. 4

    How can Dhammapada 201 be applied to punishment?

    Model answer

    Punishment that humiliates an offender can breed resentment and further crime. Buddhists prefer punishment that aims at peace rather than triumph over the offender.

  5. 5

    What does Dhammapada 202 teach about hatred?

    Model answer

    Dhammapada 202 says there is no fire like lust and no crime like hatred. The worst wrong lies in the mind, not only in the outward act.

  6. 6

    What does Dhammapada 197 teach about living among hostile people?

    Model answer

    Dhammapada 197 teaches Buddhists to live happily and free from hatred, even among those who hate. Punishment should therefore never come from hatred of the offender.

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