Bridging Inner Cultivation and Social Transformation: A Buddhist Framework for Sustainable Peace
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Abstract
Buddhist teachings are frequently associated with inner peace, emotional regulation, and the reduction of personal suffering. Yet the assumption that peaceful individuals will automatically create peaceful societies remains theoretically underdeveloped. Personal transformation occurs within social, political, economic, technological, and ecological systems that shape behaviour, distribute power, and determine whether ethical intentions influence collective conditions.
This conceptual article addresses that gap by proposing a Buddhist Framework for Sustainable Peace. Drawing on suffering, dependent origination, ethical restraint, mindfulness, wisdom, loving-kindness, compassion, and right speech, the framework comprises six interrelated dimensions: awareness, critical understanding, ethical reflection, compassionate communication, collective action, and sustainable peace. These dimensions operate across intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, societal, and ecological levels.
The article argues that contemplative practices should not replace clinical care, legal protection, structural reform, accountable governance, or environmental policy. Their contribution lies in strengthening the capacities through which individuals and institutions recognize suffering, evaluate consequences, communicate responsibly, and act collectively. Inner cultivation becomes socially transformative only when it is translated into ethical relationships, institutional accountability, and measurable change.
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