A Buddhist Perspective on a Global Human Rights
Keywords:
Buddhism, PhilosophyAbstract
There are two parts to this paper: (1) a response to Buddhist
concerns about the notion of human rights; and (2) a discussion of the
possibility of a global ethic from a Buddhist perspective. In these
remarks I aspire to make a strong Buddhist case for the support of
human rights and the articulation and endorsement of a global ethic
in harmony with Buddhist principles.! I will take each of these points
in turn.
References
William Ernest Hocking, The Comin(J Civilization; cited in Leroy S. Rouner" "Introduction", In Leroy S. Rouner, ed., Humin Rights find the, World's
Ral/glons, op. cit. Translated by Walpola Rahula. What the Buddha Taught. Revised edition (NYC Grove Press). p. 97.
Hans Kung and Leonard Swidler., "Editorial: Toward a 'Universal Declaration of Global Ethos", Journal of Ecumenical Studies 28:1 (Winter, 1991),123-124.
This version of the global ethic is available from: Dr. Leonard Swidler, Religion Department, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA.
Hlmmelawe Seddhatisse, Buddhist Ethics: Th" P.th to Nirvana. London: George Allen & Unwin. 1970. Reprint edition London: Wisdom Publication, 1987, p. 73.
Thich Nhat Hanh, Future. p. 20.
