Title and/or Abstract:
Terrorism From a Buddhist Perspective

by Martin Adam

This paper argues that Buddhist anti-essentialist doctrine (nih.svabhava, sunyata) implies an ethic of nonviolence. Such an ethic is not unique to Buddhism, but there is an important sense in which it can be considered essential to it. Terrorism is analyzed in terms of the Buddhist concept of nonviolence, which is situated within a web of interrelated Buddhist ideas: the three poisons, karma, awakening, the middle way, dependent origination and emptiness. The paper is co-authored and adopts an experimental two-part form. Section 1, by Martin Adam, is focused on considerations born from classical Indian Buddhist theory, as well as other Indian traditions known for their emphasis on nonviolence (Jainism, Gandhi). Part 2, by Wayne Codling, is a practice based reflection upon the theoretical considerations raised, framed in light of modern political realities.