Buddhist Affirmations of Human Rights
Robert Traer
Abstract:
The article begins by noting Ambedkar's view that Buddhism is concerned
with social justice, and follows this with a review of the suggestions
made by Abe, Inada, and Unno concerning the place of human rights in Buddhism.
These authors suggest that Buddhism views the question in a broader context
than the West, seeing human rights as arising from interdependency. Adopting
this perspective the article suggests that "human rights need to be grounded
in what today might be described as an ecological view of nature and humanity,
and rights need to be conceived for other forms of life and not just for
humans." In conclusion reference is made to Robert Thurman's proposals
concerning the basis for a Buddhist social philosophy, and to statements
on human rights issues by contemporary Buddhist leaders and organizations.
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