Understanding Social Conflict: Causes and Solutions

Understanding Social Conflict: Causes and Solutions

By Dr. Nivitigala Sumitta (Bhante Sumitta)

In the context of social conflict, the Buddha was once queried by Sakka, the King of Devas, about why conflicts and violence persist among beings despite their desire for peace. The Buddha explained that conflicts arise from fundamental roots such as desire, selfishness, jealousy, and biased views. These issues are deeply rooted in ignorance, greed, and hatred (Sakkapanhasutta, DN). To address conflicts effectively, one must tackle these core issues rather than merely addressing surface-level symptoms.

The Buddha's teachings suggest that the path to resolving social conflict involves addressing these deep-seated causes directly. For example, the Buddha emphasized that conflicts are often exacerbated by selfishness—marked by a focus on personal gain or perspective—and ignorance, rather than by merely managing external disputes (M 139). This perspective underscores the need to root out internal biases and misconceptions that lead to conflict.

Further, in the "Exposition of Non-conflict," the Buddha advised that one should focus on understanding and appreciating the Dhamma itself, rather than praising or criticizing individuals. By doing so, one avoids the pitfalls of prejudice, conceit, and further conflict (M 139). The Buddha also identified six specific roots of disputes, including anger, contempt, envy, deceit, ill will, and rigid adherence to one’s own views. Such traits, he noted, lead to discord and suffering in the community (AN VI, 36).

The Buddha highlighted three primary negative roots—greed (lobha), hatred (dosa), and delusion (moha)—which manifest in ten harmful actions such as killing, stealing, lying, and slandering. These actions contribute to the perpetuation of social conflict. To counteract these tendencies, Buddhism advocates for restraint and the practice of virtuous deeds (Dhammapada 5, 131).

In situations where conflict arises, addressing its root causes is crucial. The Buddha outlined principles of cordiality to foster unity and reduce disputes. These include showing respect, promoting helpfulness, and maintaining non-contentious attitudes (M 48). Importantly, Buddhism rejects violence as a means of resolving conflict, asserting that "Hatred is never appeased by hatred. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased" (Dhammapada 5). This approach encourages individuals to seek peaceful and compassionate resolutions rather than resorting to aggression.

Overall, the Buddha's teachings on social conflict emphasize the importance of addressing underlying causes, fostering mutual respect, and maintaining a compassionate approach to achieve lasting peace and harmony.

References:

Canonical Sources:

1 Digha Nikaya, translated by Maurice Walshe. Buddhist Publication Society (BPS), 1996. Kandy, Sri Lanka.

2 Majjhima Nikaya, original translation by Ven. Nanamoli, revised by Bhikkhu Bodhi. BPS, 1995. Kandy.

3 Samyutta Nikaya, Burma Pitaka Association, Yangon, Myanmar.

4 Anguttara Nikaya, translated by Mr. Rhys Davids. Pali Text Society (PTS), London.

5 Mahavagga Pali, translated by Mrs. Rhys Davids. PTS, London.

6 Khuddakapatha, translated by Ven. Nanamoli. PTS, Oxford, 1991.

7 Dhammapada, translated by Ven. Achriya Buddharakkhita. Sukhi Hontu Publication, Malaysia.

Non-Canonical Sources:

1 A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma, translated by Narada Thera, revised by Bhikkhu Bodhi. BPS, Kandy.

2 The Compendium of Buddhism, Burma Tipitaka Association. Inward Path Publication, Penang, Malaysia, 2000.