The Role of Sārānīya-dhamma in Conflict Management for Peaceful Community Development

Abstract

This academic article aims to present the 6 Sārānīya-Dhamma as found in the Theravāda Tipiṭaka and to analyze their roles for conflict management and the promotion of peaceful community development. The Sārānīya-Dhamma consists of (1) acts of loving-kindness through the body, (2) acts of loving-kindness through speech, (3) acts of loving-kindness through the mind, (4) sharing of benefits, (5) moral harmony, and (6) right view concord in community. These principles emphasize harmonious coexistence based on compassion, trust, and mutual respect. The application of these principles can reduce internal community conflicts, foster open communication, strengthen cooperation, and encourage collective consciousness in problem-solving. Sārānīya-Dhamma is not merely a set of moral guidelines but it serves as a powerful social tool for cultivating a culture of unity that supports sustainable community development. Promoting equality in moral discipline helps establish shared ethical standards, while having right view creates a unified worldview that reduces division and avoids conflict arising from differing perspectives. Case studies of communities that have integrated Sārānīya-Dhamma into local policies and community activities reveal that such communities tend to become more peaceful, united, and capable of resolving internal issues non-violently. Members develop a sense of solidarity and a shared commitment to maintaining a livable and harmonious community. Therefore, the benefits of Sārānīya-Dhamma is not only a means of individual moral development but also a foundation for building a culture of concord, uplifting people’s minds and ways of life through deeper understanding, empathy, and enduring peaceful coexistence.