How can Brahmajala Sutta 1 be used against capital punishment?

The Buddha set aside all weapons and killing, so a follower should not support killing even by the state. Execution is killing, whoever carries it out.

Why might some Buddhists accept the death penalty?

Some Buddhists argue that a state has a duty to protect citizens from the most dangerous criminals. Japan and Thailand, both with Buddhist majorities, still had the death penalty in the mid-2020s.

What did Nagarjuna advise a king about punishing serious criminals?

Nagarjuna's Precious Garland advises a king to banish dangerous criminals rather than execute them. The king should act out of compassion, even towards murderers.

Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B 1RB0

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Buddhism: Crime and Punishment

Buddhist attitudes to the death penalty

3 things to know
Paper 2

Overview

The Brahmajala Sutta on the Buddha's own conduct, Nagarjuna's advice to a king on serious criminals, Ashoka and the condemned, why a few Buddhists accept execution, and Humanist, atheist and situation-ethics arguments.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

What is capital punishment, and what is it meant to achieve?

Key term

Why do most Buddhists oppose the death penalty?

Key term

What does the Brahmajala Sutta say about the Buddha's own conduct?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is capital punishment, and what is it meant to achieve?
Model answer
Capital punishment is the execution of a person by the state for a serious crime. Supporters say it deters crime, gives retribution and protects society.
2
Why do most Buddhists oppose the death penalty?
Model answer
Execution deliberately takes a life, breaking the First Precept. Execution also removes any chance for the offender to reform in this life.
3
What does the Brahmajala Sutta say about the Buddha's own conduct?
Model answer
The Brahmajala Sutta says the Buddha has given up killing and laid aside the rod and the sword. The Buddha lives with kindness and compassion towards all beings.
4
How can Brahmajala Sutta 1 be used against capital punishment?
Model answer
The Buddha set aside all weapons and killing, so a follower should not support killing even by the state. Execution is killing, whoever carries it out.
5
Why might some Buddhists accept the death penalty?
Model answer
Some Buddhists argue that a state has a duty to protect citizens from the most dangerous criminals. Japan and Thailand, both with Buddhist majorities, still had the death penalty in the mid-2020s.
6
What did Nagarjuna advise a king about punishing serious criminals?
Model answer
Nagarjuna's Precious Garland advises a king to banish dangerous criminals rather than execute them. The king should act out of compassion, even towards murderers.

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