From Sangha to United Nations: A Buddhist Model of Peace-Keeping

Abstract

This paper examines the democratic and ethical decision-making practices of the early Buddhist Sangha and compares them with those of modern global institutions such as the United Nations. The Sangha is the Buddhist monastic community guided by the Vinaya and consensus, while the United Nations promotes international peace, rights and development through diplomacy among member nations. Exploring consensus-building, non-hierarchical leadership and moral governance, the study argues that ancient Buddhist organizational practices offer valuable insights for contemporary diplomacy and international governance.