The Buddha And the Terrorist

by Satish Kumar, Thomas Moore (Foreword), Allan Hunt Badiner (Afterword)

“A challenging story, beautifully written, most pertinent and relevant to our time.” —Deepak Chopra

Not every book will change your life, but any book can. Not every discussion will make a difference, but a conversation can change the world.

In this timely retelling of an ancient Buddhist parable, peace activist Satish Kumar has created a small book with a powerful spiritual message about ending violence. It is a tale of a fearsome outcast named Angulimala ("Necklace of Fingers"), who is terrorizing towns and villages in order to gain control of the state, murdering people and adding their fingers to his gruesome necklace. One day he comes face to face with the Buddha and is persuaded, through a series of compelling conversations, to renounce violence and take responsibility for his actions.

The Buddha and the Terrorist addresses the urgent questions we face Should we talk to terrorists? Can we reason with religious fundamentalists? Is nonviolence practical? The story ends with a dramatic trial that speaks to the victims of terrorism—the families whose mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters Angulimala has murdered. It asks whether it is possible for them to forgive. Or whether it is even desirable.

No one can read The Buddha and the Terrorist without thinking about the root causes of terrorism, about good and evil, about justice and forgiveness, about the kind of place we want the world to be, and, most important, about the most productive and practical way to get there.

Genres: Buddhism, Fiction, Philosophy, Spirituality, Religion, Self Help, Mythology

116 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Satish Kumar is an Indian, currently living in England, who has been a Jain monk and a nuclear disarmament advocate, and is the current editor of the magazine Resurgence, founder and Director of Programmes of the Schumacher College international centre for ecological studies and of The Small School. His most notable accomplishment is a "peace walk" with a companion to the capitals of four of the nuclear-armed countries-- Washington, London, Paris and Moscow-- a trip of over 8,000 miles. He insists that reverence for nature should be at the heart of every political and social debate. Defending criticism that his goals are unrealistic, he has said, "Look at what realists have done for us. They have led us to war and climate change, poverty on an unimaginable scale, and wholesale ecological destruction. Half of humanity goes to bed hungry because of all the realistic leaders in the world. I tell people who call me 'unrealistic' to show me what their realism has done. Realism is an outdated, overplayed and wholly exaggerated concept."

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique perspective on Buddhism and terrorism. That which terrorizes is (often) a reflection from within: the projection of it is (often) ideated beyond the control of reasonable dialogue. This can lead to a (particular) stance that is distorted; and this distortion can lead to a cycle of misunderstanding that will nurture the very ideological conflicts that reasonable dialogue could have prevented.

[Zak · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very basic primer on some key Buddhist concepts, told through the ancient story of Angulimala. As a book, I cannot say that it was well-written. What could have been a very moving story of transformation, compassion and forgiveness instead came out as stilted, lifeless and unconvincing. Pity.

[Skylar Burris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Were it not for the obvious political slant and intention of the author (made clear in the introduction and afterword), I might have been more receptive to this fable as a fable. It's not poetically told, but it is concise and moves quickly and has some memorable insights.

As a Christian, I am familiar with such spiritual teaching as "resist not evil" and "turn the other cheek" and "overcome evil with good." I understand that we should not seek personal vengeance, and that a failure to forgive only injures us. So there are points of the Buddha's teaching in this book with which I cannot disagree, but my problem rests with the implied parallels and applications the author makes of this teaching. It is one thing for a man to, as the Buddha does in this story, risk his own life to show compassion to a murderer; but it is quite another thing for a man to risk the lives of his family, his neighbors, or his nation to do so. These are two quite separate moral issues that must be struggled with individually, and the ease with which the author combines the two is much too facile for me. It is the same ease he uses in his introduction when drawing a complete parallel (and drawing no moral distinction whatsoever) between a terrorist who intentionally targets innocents and "our terrorism" which employs armies to fight wars. And thirdly, there is an implied conflating of forgiveness of the man who has fully repented (as is the case of the "terrorist" in this tale) with the forgiveness of men who have not repented at all. There are sins we have the power to forgive (the sins against ourselves), and the sins we do not have the power to forgive, unless we are God (the sins against others). So while the tale itself may possibly stand as a wise moral fable, the use to which the author clearly means to put it taints it somewhat for me.

The book really should have been called "The Buddha and the Serial Killer," but that would not have allowed the author to draw the modern political parallel he obviously wishes to draw or to condemn the United States for retaliating for the terrorist acts of 9/11. His choice of version of this story is particularly telling. He does not make the "terrorist" a Brahmin, as in the traditional Buddhist tale, but an untouchable, because there seems to be no reason, he says, for someone of such a "privileged" class to become an indiscriminate killer. This is very much in line with the modern liberal notion that terrorism and crime are primarily the result of poverty and lack of education. But the reality is perhaps closer to the other storyline, in which the killer is a Brahmin. After all, studies have shown that the vast majority of terrorists hail not from the lower classes, but from the elite classes in their own countries and that they are often highly educated. The idea that people are evil only because they are mistreated is comforting, for then the problem of evil could be solved quite simply.

This book provides an excellent overview of Buddhism in a nutshell, and is particularly notable for presenting the clearest presentation of the Four Noble Truths I have yet read. As an overview, however, it brings me back to a recognition of the great divide between Christianity and Buddhism. Buddhism has no concept of "sin" as such, or of individual souls (unique creations) as such, or of God as such, and most certainly no concept of an individual relationship with a personal God. Of all the major world religions, I do not think there are two more different worldviews than Buddhism and Christianity, despite their many common virtues, and for some reason I am always surprised by that stark difference when I read Buddhist works.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just bought and finished this amazing book, part reflective application of Buddhist thought to the 9/11 debate, part wonderful narrative account of the famous Buddhist conversion of the murderer Angulimala.Absorbing, i was engrossed and read it within the hour.

[Bcoghill Coghill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read for anyone interested in the nature of violence and peace.

[Hiu Hiu · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Buddha and the Terrorist" is a short, but yet, profound story written by renowned former monk and peace environment activist, Satish Kumar. The teachings in this parable had been influenced heavily by the religious exposure Kumar had as a child and the experience he gained in India. Exploring and understanding many religions, Kumar professionally strings together "The Buddha and the Terrorist" as a piece that cleverly hints at the moral issues that many believers, religious or not, face and the even larger struggle between can one change the fundamental beliefs of another without resulting in violent or terrorist like actions? The premise of Kumar's story takes place in Northern India and revolves around the "terrorist" Angulimala. Ostracized and feared by all, Angulimala tries to gain power and control through violent murders in the villages in towns, and by wearing a "necklace of fingers" made from his victims. As many of the town people become concerned, the Buddha hears about this monster and agrees to meet with the him and to put an end to Angulimala's terror. The Buddha says, "Life lived in fear is no life. . . . I must reach out to those who are possessed with anger and ignorance." which demonstrates one of Kumar's key teachings in life too. It is revealed that the Buddha managed to change the way Angulimala acted, and his entire being through showing Angulimala the beauty that is love, forgiveness, friendship, compassion and change. Moved by Buddha's calming presence, and tenacious demeanor, the Angulimala ends his violent behavior and takes responsibility for the havoc that he had caused to the villages. However, once Angulimala decides to change, it is not well accepted by all. Despite becoming a monk and going by the new name, Ahimsaka which means 'non-violence', the King and other village people want revenge for what the monster had done before. Ahimsaka is put on trial by the people and everyone is ready to sentence him to death, but at the pivotal moment, the townspeople realize that no matter what punishment they inflict on Ahimsaka, their loved ones will not return. Ahimsaka is forgiven by the people, and a new age of peace becomes of Northern India.

The obvious parallel that the author, Satish Kumar is trying to draw here is the American's reaction to the tragic events that happened on 9/11. Although many years have passed since the fall of the twin towers, it seems that as a whole society and nation, America clings to the fleeting belief of restoration based on the statement, "an eye for an eye and a teeth for a teeth". This story brings to like the moral issues that arise from seeking out revenge. Is it right to punish someone despite the fact that the have completely changed and no longer resemble any part of their past existence? Does a change of mind for a good new mentality dismiss a lifetime of bad? Can someone fully change once he/she realizes that he/she has been doing wrong? And what is the reason and root origin or morally incorrect behavior? These questions are the ones prodding at America now and also in many countries in the world today. Kumar teaches us that no matter what, violence cannot be used as a problem solving principal. This prime Buddhist philosophy is so eloquently explained that it leaves a trickling feeling of hope in the readers mind after the story comes to an end. Hatred and fear are not the most powerful things in the world, and although they are strong motivational factors, positive ethics and moral behavior can combat this. Kumar teaches us through the Buddhist religion and through this story to love our enemy, and to preach in non-violence.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, powerful parable about the value of non-violence in response to the most heinous of human crimes. Certainly worthwhile reading in the wake of this week's events.

[Ash Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book to read in the span of a sitting.

[Brielle Sweeten · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many teaches that are so simple yet so profound. Would recommend to anyone and everyone.

[Amjad Akram · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring short read that gives you a different perspective on violence and the idea of justice. The fact that this story has inspired correction centres in different parts of the world makes it an even more compelling read.

[Daniel Pusack · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Buddha and The Terrorist by Satish Kumar is an inspirational and eye-opening read that people today and people of the older times can understand. It combines Buddhist religious values with today's ongoing violence in the world, and promotes peace and forgiveness. This story is about the Buddha and his meeting with a terrorist, Angulimala. The Buddha inspires Angulimala after having a conversation, persuades the town member†ns which he killed to forgive him, and in the end Angulimala became known as the monk Ahimsaka. This literary masterpiece gives us a preview into Buddhist principles such as forgiveness and compassion, and allows an almost insane crazy man to become peaceful and embrace change. Here is a quote from Buddha regarding forgiveness and second-chances:

“Someone, somewhere, needs to take courage to break the cycle of violence. Forgiveness is superior to justice. Being kind and compassionate to those who are good to you is easy. True forgiveness and compassion come only when one is able to forgive even those who have committed barbaric acts. If Angulimala is capable of renouncing violence, then tell me, your Majesty: is your civilized society also capable of being truly civilized and renouncing violence?”

Satish Kumar teaches us about religion and forgiveness and all that good stuff, but also subtly gives us a lesson and a message to take from this: end violence around the world. He may not be saying that Buddhism is the way to ending violence however it most definitely is one way to bring peace and happiness to all.

One thing that I thought was very interesting was the the main character, an indian man, studied a branch of Buddhism most commonly attributed to Asians, such as the Chinese and Tibet peoples. This shows that most anyone can learn the teachings of Buddhism and transform themselves into completely different figures; Angulimala goes from a terrorist to a influential monk after noticing his wrongful ways, and having the dedication and self-reflection to change his attitude. The most lasting effect of this novel on me as a reader is that Buddha talks to the village people, and says that Angulimala should not be punished for the murders and atrocities he has committed, rather they should offer forgiveness and give Angulimala a chance to change himself. I thought this was so critical, as it best puts Buddhist values and traditions into play and shows us as people that with forgiveness, compassion and non-violence we can achieve peace and live happily amongst each other in a world created for us.

[160887-wr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Buddha and the Terrorist

This book was interesting. It was quick and fast read. The language and voice of the book was simplistic to convey the teachings of the Buddha effectively, which I think is greatly beneficial to reflecting on our own selves. This book integrates the central and core teachings into the context of the Buddha. For example the Buddha speaks of the Four Nobles truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

I think that the character, Angulimala is really present in modern day society. Today we are always have the law and justice judge the crimes of others who have committed bad things. But in this book, which takes on the more Buddhist perspective, is that everybody can be forgiven and they should renounce their crimes. I think the people in the book whose family members were killed at the hands of Angulimala were forgiving and accepting of his mistakes. Turn back to present day, this kind of compassion and forgiveness towards such a "inhumane and violent" character would not be present. This books also somewhat criticizes the Hindu caste system highlighting the flaws of untouchability, which I think is true as the untouchables in having a negative influence on society. We now live in a modern international world and this books teaches that we should accept everybody no matter who they are.

After reading this book, I gained a really through understanding of the teachings of the Buddha and how we can change, and that we are all cable of change.

[Anu Lal · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this innocence Vs arrogance show of the Post-9/11 world Colosseum, the parties that are the innocence group would use the same types of weapons and methods to contend the arrogance side. The motto of innocence would be ‘annihilation’. Anyone who has eyes to see can see a fundamental reversal of motives at this point. This is the central theme of The Buddha and the Terrorist: The Story of Angulimala by Satish Kumar.

The Prologue says, “If one person uses violence, and another calls it evil and then uses violence to stop the first, the second person also becomes evil because they are using the same means” (15). ’Talking to Terrorists’ is the title given to the prologue. It gives the idea that there is another route to approach the issue of terrorism and similar evil in the world—that is talks, or one-on-one communication. However, the question stands; can anyone talk with a terrorist, fierce in his demeanor and unflinching in his temperament? In our practical world, lead by television sets, and the internet, pundits say peace like war should be sponsored. Sometimes, they say, in order to achieve the desired order in the society, the use of a certain amount of power is necessary.

[Makenzie Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an incredibly quick and easy read, but that doesn't make it bad. This book is full of Buddhist teachings and proverbs, being a retelling of a traditional Buddhist story. It's written well, if sometimes a bit cheesy and repetitive. But the moral behind this story, and the lesson being taught is very interesting and a great idea. The main lesson of the book is that everyone deserves a second chance and that every person has the ability to be good. The message is delivered through proverbs and through an account of a terrible murderer who decided to follow the Buddha's teachings and become a monk. By doing so he gave up violence and decided to be peaceful and help people, rather than spread anger and sadness. I don't know the original story, and so cannot compare this book and the original story, to say if one is better or the ways in which they're similar. Only knowing the one version is somewhat of an advantage though, because I was able to read everything with a fresh mind and absorb the story as a first telling. Despite the repetitiveness of the story, and the fact that people spoke in proverbs, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and would love to read more like it.

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A little gem"

When I picked up this little book, I was solely attracted by its title - with Terrorism a pressing issue of the world - I wonder what Buddhism would say about it. Such serendipity, before I even went into the story, the Forward by Thomas Moore was already a wonderful inspiring piece to start with. It gave me a lot of thinking of the right attitude in facing terror: using terror to counter terror can be a temporary solution, but it will never bring about real peace. The story of Angulimala and Buddha was simple, but the conversations of the characters had given me precious "enlightening" thoughts for a long while to ponder on. Please spread the word - read this book.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this book first caught my eye--Buddha and a terrorist? It's an old folk take that Kumar has rendered here, and it is part folksy (told in a fashion that some may find simplistic, but straightforward telling is part of folk tradition), part philosophical (the roots of suffering, the causes of violence, and the work of compassion), and part educational. A lesson on how to see alternatives to the "Might makes right" arguments that abound these days in mainstream responses to terrorism.

[Christian Herrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting little book on the story of Buddha and the terrorist that became his disciple, Angulimala. Angulimala was a serial killer that terrorized and caused havoc in many towns, cutting off the fingers of his victims and making a necklace out of the fingers. The story is about this and when Buddha confronts him.

The story shows the hidden message of compassion and forgiveness. A real story Buddhists recount. This story also shows how all humans, even the worst of the worst, have the potential to attain Nirvana.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Buddha and the Terrorist is a simply retold Buddhist story applied to the current political situation in a manner that is powerful and moving--if a bit heavy handed, particularly in the introduction. The story of each person the Buddha meets learning to come to terms with his or her own responsibility for their actions and desires is elegantly told, and the message of empathy over revenge is a timely one.

[Katie Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

This retelling of an ancient Buddhist myth just goes to show that while times may change, people do not.

"It would be easy to declare the Buddha an accomplice and not only to arrest Angulimala but also to arrest the Buddha himself--accusing him of being a protector of terrorists, of aiding and abetting terrorism. That would be easy. [...] Yet now I see the world differently. I see that we need more Buddhas and more monks rather than more soldiers, more police; more prisons."

[Marjanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read this book twice. Once because it looked intriguing on the shelf at the library, and the second time because I was so impressed I wanted to go back and take notes. 'The Buddah and the Terrorist' is a revolutionary book (especially by Western standards). My perspective was changed in several ways, but the book also reaffirmed my beliefs.

[Shavawn M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this re-telling of a Buddhist parable. This is a book about transformation and forgiveness in the face of unspeakable violence and loss. The transformation of the "terrorist" into a peaceful, wise Buddhist monk is inspiring in a world where we've been told that violence always begets violence and nothing can change that. This should be required reading for much of the modern world.

[Marion Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good little book which everyone should have to read. It makes you really think about how to be nice to people and accept the people it is hardest to be nice to and accept. I love that Buddha!

[Nick Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up at Kramerbooks & Afterwords (first bookstore/cafe in the nation!) when I was hanging out in Dupont Circle one Saturday back when I was in DC, mostly because I really liked the paper it was printed on. And hey, turned out to be a great book too!

[erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a deceptively simple little book that has a lot to say about humanity. In a world where incomprehensible acts of violence occur every day, this story is a well-told and humble message about understanding and forgiveness.

[Happyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Salvation through sincere repentance and the healing power of forgiveness. A perfect read for Good Friday. A lovely Buddhist parable simply told with multiple layers of meaning, like all the best parables.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started reading this the day before the mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado.

It was right after the mass shooting in Atlanta.

But there were shootings every day in between.

I am not naive, and I know violence and murder is in or can be in the heart of humans.

"The Gospel of Jesus, the Dharma of Buddha, the Tao of Lao Tzu, and the tariqa, or way of love, in Sufism all teach that you can let go of your grip on this chain of violence. You can be free of it. When obscene violence interrupts your life, you don’t have to respond with virtuous, justified, and reasonable force. You can choose not to be part of the destructive cycle, and that choice not to participate is a first step toward peace."

I don't know how these religions say the same thing, but it seems so hard to follow. Byron Katie, a self help guru of astonishing ideas, says when you love your murderer, you know you are free. So hard to believe. But it brings us peace, it truly does, so I imagine that is why the religions all say it.

"You have to understand that violence, even when calculated, is the expression of a pained and twisted soul. It is the work of a spirit or urge that takes over a person or a people and blinds them to human solidarity and community. Your job, in the spirit of the Buddha and Jesus, is to calm the souls of everyone involved."

but.

I just wonder. Is there any other way we can think abut violence? Is there no un-brainwashed thinker that can synthesize these teachings in a different way? I would follow and worship that thinker, who can think of something we just can't because we have all been brainwashed the same way. I was disappointed in the book, since it showed a murderer miraculously cured of his evil, and I just don't think it can happen.

"In this big picture, you carry within you the entire history of evolution as well as millions of years of the future to come, the entire network of relationships, the continuous dance of life; you are much much more than this small individual soul imprisoned in this flesh and blood personality. You are infinitely flowing energy, you are indivisible; and that is what makes you individual.”

"Only a living body can experience pain and only a living heart can experience sorrow. A dead body and a dead heart know nothing of pain and sorrow. The existence of pain is a fundamental truth of life. The art of living is in not magnifying or exaggerating sorrow; not allowing it to linger beyond its natural course. We need not hold on to it. When it is gone, it is gone."

I do think the survivors have to or should forgive because carrying that hate hurts them, but again, is there any other way to think? Please? It is just not working.

[Shanna Klutts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not what I expected. I appreciated the moral lessons offered within these pages, but it felt very short, and ended abruptly.

I wish that our world were this receptive to teachings of love and compassion as the village in the story, but it feels like we can’t hear one another through the hate speech and shouting. We are not listening to listen/understand, we are listening to react/respond. I hope we can change for the better.

[Alexander Yu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had some doubts about it when I first started. But gain my interest in the end about the values and ethics raised in Buddhism.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the conciseness of this story. There is not any fluff, and as such it is a short read. It gets to the point. That makes for some quick turns that are unlikely in real life. I read it more as a fable than a novel. The story is a vehicle to present the lesson, but it is not a story for story's sake. It's a very accessible read and it does not get overly complicated with Buddhist teachings. It moves through perspectives of a few different people to illustrate the struggles we all face in life. I liked the message and the simplicity.

[Nancy Devlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very profound!

Such truth in this simple book! I believe everyone who reads it can connect with the message. How badly we need this wisdom and practice in our world! So much violence exists. What this challenges me to do is to personally choice the path laid out in all of my interactions in life. Perhaps by living this way, an example will be set so others follow suit. Then as we all walk the path, we can certainly change the world. I believe.