The Influence of Apology on Building of a Peaceful Society in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism -

Abstract

This research article has three objectives: 1) to study the influence of apology on building a peaceful society in Theravada Buddhism, 2) to study the influence of apology on building a peaceful society in Mahayana Buddhism, and 3) to compare the influence of apology on building a peaceful society in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. This research was a qualitative study. Key informants consisted of 28 key informants, including monks, Dhamma practitioners, Buddhist scholars, and experts. The tools used for data collection were activity documents and in-depth interviews. The methods used for data analysis were content analysis and thematic comparison since this is qualitative research. The research results found that an apology arises from the wrongdoer's remorse, repentance, and the desire for the affected party to forgive or grant forgiveness, which is considered a significant ethic in resolving conflicts. Theravada Buddhism emphasizes personal responsibility based on the principles of Kammassakata and Hiri-Ottappa, focusing on accepting the truth and restraint to cut the cycle of vengeance and purify the mind. Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes collective responsibility according to the Bodhisattva ideal and the principle of Sunyata, focusing on spiritual healing through boundless great compassion to dissolve the ego. When comparing the two, it was found that although they have different focal points, they share a common goal of uprooting the ego and ending violence. These principles can be integrated into the Model of Balancing Truth and Compassion by using the firmness in accepting the truth from the Theravada approach to create justice, combined with the gentleness of forgiveness from the Mahayana approach for mental healing. This helps transform wrongdoers into good friends and creates a safe social space conducive to peaceful coexistence.