What are some wars that involve Buddhists?

Answer 1

War, just like all types of negativity, is a result of confusion about what will create lasting happiness. We are very attached to pleasure, and very averse to pain or suffering, so we grasp after those things we think will bring pleasure. In actuality, it is the attachment and aversion which cause suffering, not the things we are attached to or averse to. Wars happen when groups of people convince each other that having something will bring them all pleasure or at least pleasure in success or achievement. Wars show that people are deluded about the true nature of reality.

Answer 2

Buddhism has had several conflicts in its history and there will always be conflicts when you put together a group of people. People will have different views on different matters.

In particular, the Wars of Japan's Sengoku Jidai Period involved many Buddhist Fanatics such as the Yamabushi Monks and the Ikko-Ikki Monks who fought as religious zealots during these wars. Most of the Japanese soldiers who served in World Wars I and II are Buddhist, but did not fight on account of Buddhism. Buddhist Warrior Monks were also common in Tibet during the 1700s and 1800s and would assist the Zhunghrar Confederacy with training their leadership in the ways of meditation and the sword. Since the Buddhists did not ride horses, however, they were never fully integrated in the Zhunghrar Armies. Both Tibetan and Japanese Buddhists now preach peace over conflict, which has given Buddhism its modern appearance of being pacifistic when it is actually not.

A current violent struggle that involves Buddhism is the conflict between the Hindu Tamils and the majority Buddhist Sinhalese that resulted in numerous violent and terrorist measures on both sides in Sri Lanka.

There are numerous violent actions that have been taken by believing Buddhists throughout history; they are just less publicized in the West than they are in Asia. Consider the Buddhist support of the Emperor of Japan in World War II for the reasons given in this answer. Consider the Tibetan alliance with the Zhungrar Confederacy, a Mongol Tribe that pillaged much of West China and the "Stans". Consider the current violence against the Burmese Muslims in Rohingya led by Buddhist monks. Consider that during the Sengoku Jidai Period in the Japanese history, nearly every major clan had Buddhist Warrior Monks and had Yamabushi Monks as lead commanding generals. Consider that the first suicide bombers in the world were Tamil Buddhists (who believed they would be reincarnated afterwards). Consider that the first to revolt against the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty in 1351 (Red Turban Revolt) were the Members of the White Lotus Society, a Buddhist movement.

Answer 3

Buddhism is a religion of PEACE!!! There has NEVER been any wars in the name or against Buddhism as a religion in the history of mankind.