Though rooted in ancient teachings, Buddhism today continues to inspire active responses to violence, oppression, and war. Across Asia and beyond, modern Buddhists have embraced peace not only as an inward discipline but as a social commitment. This expression of ethical engagement — often called Engaged Buddhism — blends timeless wisdom with timely action.
One of the most remarkable features of modern Buddhist peace efforts is their diversity of voices and contexts. In Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi emerged as a global symbol of non-violent resistance against military rule. Drawing on Buddhist values of compassion and equanimity, she stood firm against dictatorship, even when faced with imprisonment and house arrest .
In Thailand, Sulak Sivaraksa, a lay scholar and activist, has led grassroots efforts focused on peace, justice, and ecological sustainability. He founded numerous organizations promoting interfaith dialogue and community resilience. In times of political crisis, he has spoken against military coups, advocating for democracy through non-violent means .
Vietnam offers another profound example. During the Vietnam War, Zen monk Thich Nhat Hanh organized efforts to rescue and aid refugees, and later developed the philosophy of Engaged Buddhism — a form of socially responsible spirituality. In exile, he became a powerful voice for reconciliation and mindfulness-based activism .
The Dalai Lama, perhaps the most recognized Buddhist figure in the world, has tirelessly promoted peace and compassion even in the face of China’s occupation of Tibet. He insists on a peaceful solution to the Tibetan conflict, calling not for independence but for genuine autonomy within China — all through dialogue and understanding .
Peace work is not confined to individuals. Movements like the Sarvodaya Shramadāna in Sri Lanka embody collective action rooted in Dhamma. Founded by A. T. Ariyaratne, this movement integrates village self-help with non-violence, education, and interfaith harmony. During times of ethnic tension and civil war, Sarvodaya offered shelter, healing, and hope .
In Japan, Nichiren-based movements like Nipponzan Myōhōji have also emerged as outspoken voices against nuclear weapons and militarism. Their peace marches and prayer vigils are rooted in a belief that inner peace must be translated into public witness .
At the heart of these actions lies a shared conviction: peace begins in the mind, but must reach into the world. Cambodian monk Maha Ghosananda, who led walks for peace through war-torn Cambodia, taught: “There is little we can do for peace in the world without peace in our minds.” His teachings emphasize listening, mindfulness, and humility as keys to reconciliation. He once walked 175 kilometers with hundreds of monks and nuns through a region riddled with mines and gunfire, demonstrating the power of calm courage over fear .
What unites these peacebuilders is not just their Buddhist identity, but their unwavering commitment to non-violence, compassion for all sides, and a clear-eyed understanding of human suffering. Many, like the Dalai Lama and Aung San Suu Kyi, have received global recognition, while others, like Sulak Sivaraksa and Ghosananda, have quietly touched thousands of lives.
These modern efforts remind us that Buddhist ethics are not passive or withdrawn, but deeply relevant to the world’s crises. They challenge us to act with wisdom, to resist with gentleness, and to heal with love.