The Social Turn in Buddhism: Brahmāvihāra as a Foundation for Conflict Resolution and Community Harmony

Abstract

This research explores the Brahmāvihāra (four sublime states) and the five precepts as foundations for social harmony and conflict resolution. Using qualitative analysis of the Theravāda Pāḷi Canon, commentaries and scholarly literature, it argues that the four sublime abidings — loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity — together with the five precepts can settle relationship conflicts rooted in bodily and verbal misconduct, offering an approach adaptable to both Buddhist and secular settings that treats inner calm and external peace as mutually reinforcing.