How Buddhism Regards Those Who Harm Others

This episode features a dharma talk given by Lisa Dale Miller at Marin Sangha in March 2019. The talk begins with a discussion of teachers and their fallibilities, and the ethical standards the Buddhist teachings require teachers to uphold. The second part of the talk focuses on human beings who spend their lives engaged in wrongdoing, realize their misconduct, endeavor to transform internal suffering, and consequently end further wrongdoing. How do we hold such individuals accountable for their actions without getting lost in generating hatred toward them and their wrongdoing? How can we develop a compassionate view of those who have been harmful are no longer a source of harm? The wisdom of how to accomplish this is a big part of the Buddhist teachings on wise view, wise intention, wise action and compassionate recognition of human suffering.

An example of the Buddhist teachings on transforming harm is found in a sutta featuring a teaching by Angulimala, a mentally disturbed murderer who became a monk, renounced violence, and then served as attendant to the historical Buddha.

"Who once did live in negligence

And then is negligent no more

Who checks the evil deed he did

by doing wholesome deeds instead

He illuminates the world

Like the moon freed from a cloud

There are some that tame with beatings

But I was tamed by such who has no rod nor any weapon

Harmless is the name I bear

who was dangerous in the past

The name I bear today is true

I hurt no living being at all."