Why are Buddhist monks attacking Muslims?

[[deleted user]]

Of all the moral precepts instilled in Buddhist monks the promise not to kill comes first, and the principle of non-violence is arguably more central to Buddhism than any other major religion. So why have monks been using hate speech against Muslims and joining mobs that have left dozens dead?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22...

[Lex]

I know there will be some push-back but I don't think Buddhism is actually a religion, rather it is a philosophical guide to life.

Still, religions of all ilk can't seem to tolerate each other. Islamic violence is spreading across the globe and has violated Buddhist space in many parts of the world. The monks are simply defending their "territory", perhaps?

[Duntay]

I wonder if their belief in re-incarnation gives them a sort of get out clause when it comes to respecting certain lives? Like, perhaps they will not squash an insect because it is somehow working its way up in the world, but maybe they convince themselves that Muslims did something horrible in a past life?

This is pure speculation and I only say it because I once read an article about children in Cambodia who had horrible birth defects because of the residue of Agent Orange. They and their mothers were treated appallingly by the community because of the belief that their disabilities were 'karma' from something they or their mothers had done in a past life. I realise that is only one small example and anecdotal, and may have nothing to do with the situation elsewhere but it made me realise that the compassion/respect for life Buddhism supposedly holds is not universal.

[Lex]

Ha... that could be the answer, Duntay. Belief in reincarnation and karma could well give one a completely different scale reference the value of human life.

Having experience in the Far East, I can testify to the vastly different morals and life values of these people, regardless of what their particular religion/philosophy teaches.