Buddhism and Conflict Resolution

Position Statement

We see conflict as a positive dimension in our everyday lives and a life without encountering conflict would deprive us of creative energy, impetus for progress and the opportunity to deepen our experience in life. However, the important thing is to be able to deal with the emotions which arise in ourselves and in others when faced with conflict.

To contact us please email conflictresolution@amidatrust.com

Choices; Living Consciously

Here's an interesting site with an article by Sulak Sivaraksa on a Buddhist approach that requires concentration and the practice of mindfulness.

Buddhism and Non-violence

Introduction

The guest authors conceived this weblog as a consequence of their personal difficulties in applying Buddhist principles in situations involving the resolution of conflict.

We aim for this weblog to be a source of guidance and inspiration for those people following the dharma who seek to resolve confict situations. Effective resolution is characterized by finding an agreement between two opposing ideas which engenders commitment, avoids harmful emotions and actions, and safeguards principles and relationship.

This weblog has been created to present material and information on conflict resolution from a Buddhist perspective. This is a new project that we have just started and so there is very little information on it at the moment.

You will be able to monitor, track and comment on our entries as the project develops. Our aim is to update this weblog and keep the findings fresh and current.

Questionnaire

It would be very helpful to us if you could spare a little time to share with us your thoughts and experiences on the following:

1) What experiences of conflict have you encountered in your daily life?

2) What in your experience constitutes 'right attitude' for an individual seeking to mediate a conflict situation?

3) What in your experience constitutes 'right approach' for an individual seeking to mediate a conflict situation?

4) Can you tell us about a situation in which you resolved conflict using Buddhist principles?
4b) If you haven't got a personal example, then have you witnessed another doing the above?

5) Do you know of skilled exponents in this field? If yes, can you give us their names, any books they've authored, and videos of them in action?

6) Can you recommend any books/conference papers/articles/videos/websites/training resources etc. that you think would be helpful to others in this field?

Thank you in anticipation of your contribution and hopefully you will find the weblog itself useful in your life and something that you can recommend to others.

Criteria for other links

What is the application of conflict resolution

This is to help people who are interested in practical application of conflict resolution from a Buddhist perspective

Guide to additional sources of relevant information

The site itself will also have information from Buddhist groups

List of books