Papers by Daniel Ratheiser
Contemporary Buddhism, 2021
At first glance, a military life and practising Buddhism may seem like two pursuits at odds. Budd... more At first glance, a military life and practising Buddhism may seem like two pursuits at odds. Buddhism sets the moral bar very high and nowhere in its teachings can one find any evidence in support of violence, whether in word, thought or deed. One could therefore argue that Buddhism and the military are two strange bedfellows, and some may find it difficult to conceive of serving in the military whilst adhering to the ethos, values and standards of Buddhism. This article challenges this popular myth and resolves this apparent paradox between Buddhism and the military. By drawing on canonical Buddhist teachings as well as voices from the Sangha and Buddhist military practitioners, we demystify the 'Buddhist soldier' and clear common misconceptions regarding: the fundamental teachings of ahim _ sā, karma and skilful (kusala) action; Buddhist teachings being equated to pacifism; the duty of soldiers and the State to protect; soldiering as a 'right livelihood'; and the karmic implications of military professions. Using international humanitarian law, the body of law regulating the conduct of war, as a natural reference point, we explore what guidance Buddhist teachings provide to soldiers and how they potentially can contribute towards reducing suffering in war, including through application in military training. Buddhism endorses the concept of maintaining disciplined, virtuous and skilled military forces to protect what is good. At all times one needs to aim at not causing suffering to others, but never at the expense of preventing even worse suffering.
Contemporary Buddhism, 2021
This article stems from a project launched by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)... more This article stems from a project launched by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 2017 to examine the degree to which Buddhism might complement or enhance international humanitarian law (IHL), also known as 'the law of war' or 'the law of armed conflict'. Given that Buddhist teachings discourage violence, scholarship has critiqued Buddhists' involvement in armed conflict rather than considered how Buddhism might contribute to regulating the conduct of hostilities once war has broken out. Yet the Buddhist aim to reduce suffering is particularly relevant during armed conflict, and the empirical realism of early Buddhist texts shows that early Buddhist communities were very much aware of its grim reality. The article investigates the evidence for this empirical realism before exploring a range of concepts, doctrines and practices from within Buddhism that are pertinent to the recognition and implementation of IHL principles and the conduct of war. While IHL lays down explicit rules to follow during war, Buddhism emphasises broader ethical principles to be applied, so as not to dilute its ideal of non-violence. At a deeper level, it addresses the intention or motivation of parties to armed conflict, and possesses psychological insights and resources to help change their behaviour. Though one might conquer a thousand times a thousand men in battle, the greatest conquest is of just one: oneself Dhammapada v. 103 (translation Peter Harvey) CONTEMPORARY BUDDHISM
This publication offers you a complete resource on China's challenging job market for foreigners.... more This publication offers you a complete resource on China's challenging job market for foreigners. In addition to answering the most pressing questions, the guide features valuable insights ranging from logistics such as visa procedures and accommodation arrangements to cultural background information and inspiration for how to spend one's leisure time.
Overview on innovations taking place in the Indian hospitality industry.
This guide for students, graduates, and professionals who are interested in working in India feat... more This guide for students, graduates, and professionals who are interested in working in India features authoritative information on all important aspects of going to India for employment. With this publication Knowledge Must offers a complete resource on India's challenging job market for foreigners. In addition to answering the most pressing questions, the guide features valuable insights ranging from logistics such as visa procedures and accommodation arrangements to cultural background information and inspiration for how to spend one's leisure time.
This guide book covers all important aspects of studying as a foreigner in India. Life for intern... more This guide book covers all important aspects of studying as a foreigner in India. Life for international students will be so much easier once they figured out the logistical requirements and the Indian cultural environment. In addition to answering the most pressing questions, the guide features valuable insights ranging from logistics such as visa procedures and accommodation arrangements to cultural background information and inspiration for how to spend one's leisure time.
Teaching Documents by Daniel Ratheiser
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Papers by Daniel Ratheiser
Teaching Documents by Daniel Ratheiser