Ethics

Abortion

On abortion, the Dalai Lama has said "I think abortion should be approved or disapproved according to each circumstance."

Animals

Although Buddhism is an animal-friendly religion, some aspects of the tradition are surprisingly negative about animals.

Capital punishment

Buddhism believes fundamentally in the cycle of birth and re-birth (Samsara) and teaches that if capital punishment is administered it will have compromising effects on the souls of both offender and the punisher in future incarnations.

Contraception

Buddhist attitudes to contraception are based on the idea that it is wrong to kill for any reason.

Euthanasia and suicide

Buddhists are not unanimous in their view of euthanasia, and the teachings of the Buddha don't explicitly deal with it.

Organ donation

There are no rules in Buddhism for or against organ donation, but central to Buddhism is a wish to relieve suffering.

War

Buddhism is essentially a peaceful tradition. Nothing in Buddhist scripture gives any support to the use of violence as a way to resolve conflict.