On Buddhist Democracy, Freedom, and Equality

By providing a closer look at the Buddha's teachings, Master Hsing Yun demonstrates the compatibility between Buddhist teachings and the values held dear by Americans. For example, on the Five Precepts, the summary of Buddhist morality, the Master writes: "Although there are five precepts, they are based upon a single principle: not infringing on someone else's rights. Only by respecting the rights of others can there be true freedom." Similarly, to recognize that all beings have "the right to an equal and respected life" and that "none should be harmed lightly" is to practice true equality. With clarity, the Master articulates parallels in Buddhist and modern American ideals.Yun, Hsing is the author of 'On Buddhist Democracy, Freedom, and Equality', published 2002 under ISBN 9780971561274 and ISBN 0971561273.