The Role of Buddhism in Promoting Peace and Harmony: A Multidimensional Review of Philosophical Foundations, Historical Applications, and Contemporary Relevance

Abstract

Buddhism, one of the world's great spiritual traditions, offers a highly developed philosophical and ethical system focused on non-violence (ahimsa), compassion (karu??), loving-kindness (mett?), and the interdependence of all phenomena (prat?tyasamutp?da). Drawing on doctrinal frameworks, historical case studies, and contemporary empirical studies, this narrative review argues that core Buddhist teachings including the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and the Five Precepts provide a systematic basis for non-violent conflict resolution, ethical governance, and social cohesion. Figures such as Emperor Ashoka, the Dalai Lama, and Thich Nhat Hanh demonstrate how Buddhist peacebuilding has been put into practice across centuries. Beyond these examples, the review examines Engaged Buddhism, the Sarvodaya Shramadana movement, mindfulness-based interventions, interfaith dialogue, Buddhist economics, and environmental ethics. It also critically investigates the tension between Buddhist peace ideals and episodes of Buddhist nationalism and ethno-religious violence in Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Research gaps are identified, and future directions are suggested. The paper concludes that Buddhism presents a genuinely integrative path toward peace one that tackles the root causes of conflict through inner transformation, going beyond empathy and forgiveness, while also offering practical frameworks for social, economic, and ecological harmony.