What is evil in Buddhism?

What is evil in Buddhism?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight March 17, 2023 Duration: 23:22

Bright on Buddhism - Evil - What is evil in Buddhism? How does the conception of evil change over time? According to the Buddhist scriptures, what ought to be done about evil?

Content warning - This episode contains descriptions of violence and killing. Listener discretion is advised. 

Resources: Curley, Melissa Anne-Marie, Jessica L. Main, and Melanie Coughlin. “The Self-Awareness of Evil in Pure Land Buddhism: A Translation of Contemporary Kyoto School Philosopher Keta Masako.” Philosophy East and West 67, no. 1 (2017): 192–228. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44135555.; Whitley R. P. Kaufman. “Karma, Rebirth, and the Problem of Evil.” Philosophy East and West 55, no. 1 (2005): 15–32. http://www.jstor.org/stable/4487934.; Gregory, Peter N. “The Problem of Theodicy in the ‘Awakening of Faith.’” Religious Studies 22, no. 1 (1986): 63–78. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20006258.; Sharma, Ursula. “Theodicy and the Doctrine of Karma.” Man 8, no. 3 (1973): 347–64. https://doi.org/10.2307/2800314.; Gray, David B. “The Rhetoric of Violence in the Buddhist Tantras.” Journal of Religion and Violence 6, no. 1 (2018): 32–51. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26671557.; Silk, Jonathan A. “Good and Evil in Indian Buddhism: The Five Sins of Immediate Retribution.” Journal of Indian Philosophy 35, no. 3 (2007): 253–86. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23497451.; James W. Boyd. “Symbols of Evil in Buddhism.” The Journal of Asian Studies 31, no. 1 (1971): 63–75. https://doi.org/10.2307/2053052.; Dalton, Jacob P. “Evil and Ignorance in Tantric Buddhism.” In The Taming of the Demons: Violence and Liberation in Tibetan Buddhism, 23–43. Yale University Press, 2011. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt5vkw2s.5.; ZIPORYN, BROOK A. “TIANTAI ETHICS AND THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO.” In Emptiness and Omnipresence: An Essential Introduction to Tiantai Buddhism, 235–72. Indiana University Press, 2016. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt1bmzm9d.15.; Wakabayashi, Haruko. The Seven Tengu Scrolls: Evil and the Rhetoric of Legitimacy in Medieval Japanese Buddhism. University of Hawai’i Press, 2012. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt6wqm13.; Dobbins, James C. “D. T. Suzuki, Amida Buddha, and the Problem of Karma.” The Eastern Buddhist 1, no. 2 (2021): 89–98. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48711024.; MacIntyre, Alasdair (1984). After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory (2nd ed.). Notre Dame, Indiana: University of Notre Dame Press.; Batchelor, Stephen (2015). After Buddhism: Rethinking the Dharma for a Secular Age. Yale University Press.; Gombrich, Richard. “Buddhist Karma and Social Control.” Comparative Studies in Society and History 17, no. 2 (1975): 212–20. http://www.jstor.org/stable/178004.; Kalupahana, David J., and G. P. Malalasekera. “Karma and Rebirth.” In Buddhist Philosophy: A Historical Analysis, 44–55. University of Hawai’i Press, 1976. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt6wqjnw.11.; James P. Mc Dermott. “Is There Group Karma in Theravāda Buddhism?” Numen 23, no. 1 (1976): 67–80. https://doi.org/10.2307/3269557.

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Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host


Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

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