Buddhist Perspective on Justice: Buddhist Texts and Western Theories of Justice

 Buddhist Perspective on Justice: Buddhist Texts and Western Theories of Justice

🪷 How Buddhism Views Utilitarianism

Buddhism emphasizes the alleviation of suffering for all sentient beings but does not support the utilitarian calculation of "sacrificing the few for the happiness of the many."

The "Amitābha Sūtra" describes the Pure Land as a place "where there is no suffering, only the enjoyment of happiness"【T0366】, reflecting a vision where all beings are free from suffering, rather than sacrificing some to benefit others.

The "Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra" clearly states, "Killing one to save a hundred is not the true conduct of a bodhisattva"—to harm individuals for the benefit of the majority is contrary to the spirit of compassion.

Buddhism posits that true justice is about allowing all beings to be free from suffering simultaneously and should not rationalize harm to individuals for the benefit of the majority.

🪷 How Buddhism Views Libertarianism

Libertarianism emphasizes individual freedom above all, while Buddhism respects personal autonomy but also points out that life arises from interdependence and coexistence.

The "Aṅguttara Nikāya" states: "If I have food but eat alone without sharing, this is called an evil deed." Freedom cannot be divorced from social responsibility; wealth should be used for generosity and to help others.

The "Lotus Sutra" promotes the idea that "all sentient beings possess Buddha-nature," emphasizing equal respect for every life, rather than viewing freedom and property as absolute private rights.

Freedom should be based on the principle of "not harming oneself or others," rather than extreme self-centeredness.

🪷 How Buddhism Views Kant's Moral Philosophy

Kant emphasizes pure motives, which aligns closely with Buddhist teachings:

The "Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra" states, "Intention is the precursor to all actions," indicating that whether actions are good or bad primarily depends on the purity of one's intentions.

However, unlike Kant's absolutism of "never allowing lies," Buddhism advocates for "skillful means": if a well-intentioned expedient can protect life and alleviate suffering, it can lead to wholesome actions. An example from the "Sūtra of the Collection of Treasures" shows an elder using a kind lie to deceive a thief in order to save someone from danger.

🪷 How Buddhism Views Rawls' Theory of Justice

Rawls advocates for the principles of equal liberty and the difference principle; similarly, Buddhism asserts the importance of respecting the equality of all lives and emphasizes helping the vulnerable:

The "Lotus Sutra" states: "I am like a father to the world, universally relieving all suffering," aligning the Buddhist perspective on justice with the spirit of the difference principle—social resources should assist those in greatest need.

The "Upāsaka Precepts" teach the spirit of generosity: upon seeing those in poverty, one should generate compassion and give according to one's ability, resonating with the idea of safeguarding the dignity of disadvantaged groups.

🪷 How Buddhism Views Aristotle's View of Justice

Aristotle believes that justice is about giving each person what they "deserve," distributing resources based on community goals. Buddhism also values "skillful means" and "appropriate teaching":

The "Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra" emphasizes that when giving and teaching, one should "observe conditions and teach accordingly," providing the most suitable help to sentient beings, much like distributing flutes to those best suited to play them, achieving the true meaning of education or compassion.

However, Buddhism further points out that even if beings currently seem to lack ability, they should be patiently guided, as every sentient being possesses Buddha-nature and the potential for enlightenment.

✅ Summary: The Core of Buddhist Justice

✔ Equal Respect: All beings possess Buddha-nature, and no one should be sacrificed.

✔ Compassionate Assistance: Upon seeing suffering, one should generate compassion and actively support the vulnerable.

✔ Pure Intentions: Good deeds should arise from selfless compassion, not from a desire for fame or profit.

✔ Skillful Teaching: Provide the most suitable help based on the different conditions of sentient beings.

✔ The Ultimate Goal of Justice: To relieve all beings from suffering and collectively move towards liberation.