It might seem odd to think of the Buddha as a “warrior” given his association with peace, but Lieutenant Jeanette Shin, the first Buddhist chaplain in the US military, delves into his martial background. Buddha never supported violence against adherents of any religion and always promoted nonviolence.
Shakyamuni Buddha’s life and teachings, however, reveal a person raised to be an honorable warrior. Although he renounced his preordained path as a secular warrior-king, he used warrior terminology to convey the Dharma, stressing that following the Dharma path required virtues such as courage and determination akin to those of a warrior.
The Buddha, born Siddhartha Gautama, was part of the kshatriya caste, the warrior and ruler class of ancient India. He was trained in the Vedas, archery, swordsmanship, and horsemanship. Despite his privileged and seemingly indulgent upbringing, his father would have ensured this rigorous training for the presumptive heir.
Evidence of his martial training is seen in his use of terms like “charioteer,” “sword and shield,” and “war elephants” to describe the struggle against delusion. Buddha’s Enlightenment was depicted as a battle between himself and Mara, the personification of death and evil, drawing parallels to traditional combat.
Ancient texts emphasize that the qualities needed to follow Buddha-dharma—determination, sacrifice, and courage—are similar to those of a warrior. Being born a kshatriya, the Buddha had advantages in spreading his message, gaining support from his caste and local rulers, even during times of conflict, as seen in the story of King Virudhaka’s war against the Shakyas.
The narrative of King Virudhaka, who waged war against the Shakyas while the Buddha attempted to prevent it, underscores the complex nature of karma and the limitations of nonviolence. Despite the Buddha’s efforts, the war persisted, illustrating the difficulty of convincing everyone to embrace peace.
The Buddha also recognized that soldiers and rulers had roles that involved protection through force. However, he cautioned against glorifying war and violence, advocating for a life of peace as encapsulated in the Dhammapada:
“Victory breeds hatred. The defeated live in pain. Happily, the peaceful live, giving up victory and defeat.”
Buddhism places responsibility on individuals for their karma and actions. Those in the military, especially, must consider the karmic consequences of their actions, even as they accept the life and duties they have chosen.
The military life isn’t suitable for everyone; some can’t adapt, while others thrive. Buddhists in the military are faced with moral complexities regarding the use of force and must navigate these challenges individually, as their actions resonate with their karma.
The Buddha interacted with various individuals, including kings and warriors, without shunning them. He advised some to renounce their warrior life and admitted others to his Sangha only after they had completed their service. The Buddha embodied the virtues he preached, containing both the strength of a warrior and the compassion of a sage.