BUDDHISM AND HUMAN RIGHTS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF BUDDHIST TEACHINGS IN THE TRIPITAKA AND THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Abstract

This academic article aims to: 1) analyze Buddhist teachings related to the concept of human rights as presented in the Pāli Canon (Tipiṭaka); 2) examine the concepts and principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948; and 3) compare the similarities and differences between Buddhist ethical principles and modern human rights in order to reflect on key issues in their application within contemporary society. This study employs a qualitative research methodology based on documentary research, drawing upon the Tipiṭaka, Buddhist texts, international legal instruments, and relevant academic literature. The findings indicate that Buddhism and human rights share a fundamental commitment to affirming human dignity and the intrinsic value of human life. Both emphasize the protection of life, equality, and non-discrimination. The Five Precepts (Pañcasīla) serve as a moral framework corresponding to the protection of basic human rights, including the rights to life, property, dignity, truthfulness, and personal security. Moreover, the Buddhist doctrine of karma and the rejection of the caste system are consistent with human rights principles of equality and non-discrimination. The principles of loving-kindness (mettā), compassion (karuṇā), and the Four Sublime States (Brahmavihāra) further provide an ethical foundation for reducing violence and promoting peace in society. Despite these commonalities, significant differences remain. Buddhism emphasizes individual moral responsibility and mental cultivation based on the law of karma, whereas human rights focus on institutional and legal mechanisms for rights protection. The new contribution of this study is the proposed “Integrated Human Rights Model Based on Buddhist Moral Foundations,” which links human rights with moral duties to promote sustainable rights protection at both individual and societal levels. The study recommends that government agencies and educational institutions integrate human rights principles with religious moral teachings to foster lasting peace in Thai society and the global community.