Buddhism is often thought of a pacifist. Yet (my understanding anyway) if we let an aggressor act violently we are abetting their bad karma. Better to stop them. By any means necessary
A desire to make peace has merit. But it has to be peace, not just the official lack of war.
If someone wants an end to war but doesn't care about the details, such people killed by occupation forces, they're being swayed by aesthetics over substance.
With every new headline comes the gut punch—the reality that as Americans, we need to look elsewhere to see what the defense of freedom and democracy looks like.
I believe your reasoning is sound, but the example is flawed. Ukraine fought against the Nazis because they were in Germany's way, not just because they were part of the Soviet empire, so it was in their own interest. There are other valid examples I think, just lately the brutal conscription of men in the Donbas to fight with other Russians against Ukraine.
Buddhism is often thought of a pacifist. Yet (my understanding anyway) if we let an aggressor act violently we are abetting their bad karma. Better to stop them. By any means necessary
A desire to make peace has merit. But it has to be peace, not just the official lack of war.
If someone wants an end to war but doesn't care about the details, such people killed by occupation forces, they're being swayed by aesthetics over substance.
https://chakhoyan.substack.com/p/when-wishing-for-peace-brings-war
With every new headline comes the gut punch—the reality that as Americans, we need to look elsewhere to see what the defense of freedom and democracy looks like.
Exactly!
I’d be surprised if anyone would find fault with your logic. Pacifism only works in an ideal world, sadly.
I believe your reasoning is sound, but the example is flawed. Ukraine fought against the Nazis because they were in Germany's way, not just because they were part of the Soviet empire, so it was in their own interest. There are other valid examples I think, just lately the brutal conscription of men in the Donbas to fight with other Russians against Ukraine.