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Buddhism: Religion, Peace and Conflict

Buddhist teachings on forgiveness and reconciliation

  • 3 things to know
  • Component Group 2

Overview

Why there is no divine forgiveness, Dhammapada 3–4, the stories of Angulimala and Prince Dighavu, the Buddha and the monks of Kosambi, loving-kindness meditation, compassion and wisdom, and forgiveness in society.

What you need to know

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Key term

What does forgiveness mean for Buddhists?

Key term

Why is there no divine forgiveness in Buddhism?

Key term

What do Dhammapada 3–4 teach about forgiveness?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What does forgiveness mean for Buddhists?

    Model answer

    Forgiveness means letting go of anger and resentment towards someone who has caused harm. Buddhists forgive for their own peace of mind as well as for the other's good.

  2. 2

    Why is there no divine forgiveness in Buddhism?

    Model answer

    Buddhism has no God to pardon wrongdoing, and kamma still bears its fruit. Buddhists forgive one another, but forgiveness does not cancel kamma.

  3. 3

    What do Dhammapada 3–4 teach about forgiveness?

    Model answer

    Hatred never ends in a person who dwells on being abused, struck, beaten or robbed. Hatred ends in someone who lets such thoughts go.

  4. 4

    How does the story of Angulimala show forgiveness?

    Model answer

    Angulimala was a murderer whom the Buddha calmly converted, and he became an arahant. The Buddha accepted him into the sangha despite his past.

  5. 5

    How does the story of Prince Dighavu teach forgiveness?

    Model answer

    Prince Dighavu had the chance to kill the king who murdered his parents but spared him. Dighavu remembered his father's words that hatred is not ended by hatred.

  6. 6

    What does reconciliation mean for Buddhists?

    Model answer

    Reconciliation means restoring harmony between people or groups after conflict. Buddhists see a harmonious sangha as a model for society.

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