A Conceptual Synthesis of the Relationship between Inner Peace and Social Peace for Sustainable Peace

Abstract

This study aims to 1) study the inner state of the human mind according to Buddhism 2) study the concept of conflict and peace in societies 3) synthesize the relationship between inner peace and social peace for sustainable peace. This is documentary research, and the results found that:

The human mind comprises three categories of mental states: wholesome states or Kusala-dhamma (KusalamŪla 3 are Alobha: non-greed, Adosa: non-hatred, Amoha: non-delusion), unwholesome states or Akusala-dhamma (AkusalamŪla 3, Lobha: greed, Dosa: hatred, Moha: delusion) and Abyākata-dhamma (neutral dhamma). The dhamma principles that support the growth of wholesome dhamma to create a peaceful society are Puññakiriyā-vatthu 3 (the principles of the 3 meritorious actions: Dāna, Sīla, Bhāvanā), and Sikkhāttaya (Threefold Training: Sīla, Bhāvanā, and Paññā), especially the meditation practice, which makes the mind calm and stable, unshakable by AkusalamŪla 3. Being a person who does not cause harm therefore, it reduces conflict in society.

Peace can be categorized into positive and negative peace. To foster positive peace, it is crucial to strengthen the eight pillars of peace, which are Well – Functioning Government, Equitable Distribution of Resources, Free Flow of Information, Good Relations with Neighbours, High Levels of Human Capital, Acceptance of the Rights of Others, Low Level of Corruption, and Sound Business Environment. Using the methods of Creating Agents of Change (training people at all levels to become agents of peace) and Driving an Evolution in peace (creating factors in politics, social structures, dialogue, and leadership that support peace in society), resulting in higher positive peace values, and leading to a more harmonious and peaceful environment.

Analysis of the relationship between the inner state of mind, and external peace and conflict using 3 types of conflict analysis tools, there is no research that has applied these tools, which are conflict mapping, the onion, and the conflict tree, found that a predominance of inner peace (wholesome states) correlates with increased social peace. On the contrary, a predominance of inner conflict (unwholesome states) contributes to conflict. Therefore, new knowledge gained from this research is the ‘Positive Peace by Inner Peace’ model, synthesis the concept of sustainable approach to peace-building simultaneously at the internal (mental) and external (social) levels. Creating inner peace by cultivating morality in people in societies with the principles of Dāna (generosity), Sīla (precepts), Bhāvanā (Meditation), and Paññā (Wisdom), especially continuous meditation practice, which makes the mind strong and persist in the virtues. When the working groups that drive the structure of The Eight Pillars of Peace are strong, stable, and guided by wholesome virtues and sincere dedication to public benefit, resulting in steadily increase positive peace values sustainably, and fostering global peace (SDG 16) ultimately.