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War and Buddha- From Devastation to Peace

April 25, 2026

‘War and Buddha : From Devastation to Peace’
Anil Barsagade

The 39-day intense war between the United States, Israel and Iran has created severe tension in West Asia. Although Iran suffered heavy losses in this conflict, it did not retreat. Instead, it retaliated with missile attacks on U.S. military bases in the Middle East and on Israel. In this war, the United States and Israel also faced significant damage. Although a ceasefire was reached through Pakistan’s mediation, no concrete solution has yet emerged from the discussions. India, (a messenger of peace), remains neutral!

Even though the ceasefire has been extended, ongoing movements suggest that both sides are still prepared for war. Meanwhile, tension continues along the Israel-Lebanon border, and the role of Hezbollah raises the possibility of further escalation. At present, global attention is focused on two potential war zones in West Asia. The deployment of around 10,000 U.S. naval personnel has made the situation even more serious. New tensions are also arising over keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, indicating that the shadow of war still looms despite the ceasefire.

The tension between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran has created a serious situation in global politics. This conflict is not limited to just three countries; its impact is being felt across the Middle East and the world. The hostility between Israel and Iran is longstanding, and the U.S. support for Israel intensifies the conflict. Suspicion over Iran’s nuclear program and the struggle for regional dominance are considered the main causes. This situation has led to war-like conditions, with increased air strikes, naval attacks, cyber warfare, and proxy conflicts. Its impact is also visible on the global economy – especially rising oil prices, trade uncertainty, and worsening migration issues and stocks too. Ordinary citizens suffer the most, and violations of human rights are increasing. We live in a time when science has reached its peak, yet humanity remains trapped in conflict. Wars, violence, and tensions are rising across the world. The question is: Is this progress leading us toward peace or toward destruction?

The Russia-Ukraine war, ongoing since 2022, continues to create tension in Europe and has affected the global economy, fuel prices, and food supply. The Israel-Palestine conflict (Gaza war) has intensified, causing massive human loss and sharp international divisions. The Israel-Hamas conflict has worsened the situation in the Middle East, with repercussions for other countries as well. Ongoing tensions in regions like Iran, Lebanon, and Yemen could escalate into a larger war at any time. Similarly, tensions between China and Taiwan, and in the South China Sea, may have global consequences in the future. New forms of conflict-such as terrorism, cyber warfare, and economic warfare- are also emerging. In essence, the current situation reflects the “shadow of a global war.”

In this context, the importance of peace, dialogue, and coexistence becomes even more important. History shows that war does not provide long-term solutions; rather, human values, diplomacy, and cooperation offer a sustainable path. In such times, the philosophy of the Buddha becomes highly relevant.

Today, the world needs dialogue, understanding, and peace more than war. War does not solve problems; instead, it creates new crises. Therefore, the international community must intervene to strengthen dialogue. Otherwise, this conflict may expand further and pose a serious threat to global stability.

Against the backdrop of current global conflicts, the relevance of Buddhist thought becomes undeniable. Ours is an age of contradictions- on one hand, science, technology, and the economy are advancing rapidly; on the other, war, violence, and instability are increasing. These conflicts raise a critical question before humanity: despite such progress, why are we still so far from peace? In seeking answers, Buddhist philosophy offers a deep and humane perspective.

Thousands of years ago, Lord Buddha expressed an eternal truth:- “न हि वेरेन वेरानि, सम्मन्तीध कुदाचनं; अवेरेन च सम्मन्ति, एस धम्मो सनंतनो” which means “Hatred is never stopped by hatred; it is only stopped by love and compassion.” When we observe today’s wars, we see revenge, ego, and the desire for power. But the path of Buddha teaches us that true victory is not the defeat of the enemy, but the end of hatred. His message is clear – hatred cannot end hatred; it can only be overcome by compassion, friendship, and understanding. This principle is not limited to personal life; it applies equally to global politics. In the context of current conflicts, Buddhist and Ambedkarite ideologies offer not just moral guidance but also a practical and sustainable path to peace.

The Middle Path and the Eightfold Path proposed by Buddha can serve as practical tools to prevent conflict. Decisions based on right thought, right speech, and right action can reduce tensions among nations. However, today’s world shows more conflict than dialogue and more competition than cooperation, that is the real problem. The root causes of global conflicts include inequality, economic disparity, dominance, and injustice. Powerful nations often resort to war to protect their political or economic interests, leading to the greatest suffering for weaker nations and ordinary people.

Let us now look briefly at history. The Second World War (1939–1945) was not merely a global power struggle; it was also a test of human values, democracy, and social justice. In this context, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s role was remarkably visionary, rational, and socially responsible. He considered Nazism and Fascism to be dangerous for humanity. The dictatorships of Hitler and Mussolini, based on racial hatred and suppression of individual freedom, were unacceptable to him. He saw the conflict as a fundamental struggle between democracy and dictatorship and therefore supported the Allied Powers. Dr. Ambedkar’s decisions were not emotional but based on reason and foresight. He upheld democratic values while laying a strong foundation for the rights of marginalized communities in India. His perspective on war was clear and practical- he opposed violence and emphasized resolving issues through constitutional and democratic means. According to him, lasting peace is built not on power but on justice. This principle remains relevant in today’s global order. He emphasized that society and the world must be built on the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The root causes of today’s global conflicts are inequality, dominance, and injustice. Where there is no justice, peace cannot exist. Babasaheb Ambedkar showed us the path of resolving issues through dialogue, democracy, and constitutional methods. Even at the global level, institutions like the United Nations should function on these principles – fair, impartial, and human-centered.

Leo Tolstoy’s message on war and peace centers on humanity over heroism. He rejected the idea that great leaders control history, arguing that it is shaped by countless ordinary people. In his masterpiece novel ‘War and Peace’, he portrays war as chaotic, cruel, and unnatural, stripping away its glory. In contrast, he presents true peace as rooted in love, family, empathy, and inner moral growth.

Mahatma Gandhiji’s message of Ahimsa (non-violence) against war was a firm, principled stance that violence and war are fundamentally immoral, representing a “law of the brute” rather than a law of humanity. War is not a solution, he argued that war represents the failure of human relationships and diplomacy, dehumanizing individuals.

Emperor Ashoka, after the Kalinga war, strongly denounced war and violence. He believed that war does not bring true victory, only destruction. Therefore, he embraced “Dhamma Vijay” – winning hearts through love, compassion, and non-violence – as the real victory. His message is clear : peace and humanity are the true path, not war.

Nations may win, power may win; but humanity loses. Innocent lives are destroyed, families are shattered, and the future becomes uncertain. The greatest victim of war is the common person. That is why Buddha, Ashoka, and Ambedkar all place the human being at the center. For them, human life and dignity are more important than religion, nation, borders, or power.

After the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the great scientist Albert Einstein deeply regretted the devastation. He said: “The splitting of the atom has changed everything except our way of thinking, and thus we drift toward unparalleled catastrophe.”

Today’s situation tells us a harsh truth: no matter how advanced technology becomes, progress without human values is incomplete. Weapons and power cannot ensure safety; instead, they pave the way for destruction. The path to peace lies not through war but through a transformation of thought. If we choose dialogue over hatred, cooperation over dominance, and justice over injustice, only then can we build a peaceful and equitable world.

If we want to change the world, we must change our thinking, not wage war.
If we want to save the world, we must transform our values, not our weapons.

Therefore, today the world needs the compassion and friendship of Buddha, the peace and humanity of Ashoka, the equality and justice of Ambedkar, Ahimsa of Gandhi.

Namo Buddhay !