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The Dharma of Non-Violence: Why Buddhists Should Oppose Coercive Political Systems

By Matthew Hayward Buddhists are committed to the principles of non-violence, compassion, and non-harm. Every living being has inherent worth and dignity, and our actions should be guided by a deep sense of empathy and responsibility for the well-being of all. For these reasons, it is antithetical to support any political organization or philosophy that relies on force or the threat of force to achieve its goals. This includes, but is not limited to, governments and political systems founded on the principles of coercion, domination, or control. The use of force is inherently violent and coercive, running counter to the core principles of Buddhism. Buddhism teaches that our actions should be guided by a deep sense of ethical responsibility and a commitment to non-harm. It encourages us to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and understanding and to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts whenever possible. Moreover, using force by governments and political organizations often leads to the viola...