- This paper explores the ethical and spiritual foundations of peace through a comparative study of the teachings of Gautama Buddha and Jesus Christ, focusing on peace as a lived moral discipline rather than a political strategy. Using the concept of a Dhammapada Yatra as both a metaphor and method, the study draws upon the ethical verses of the Dhammapada and the peace-oriented teachings of Jesus to highlight a shared spiritual vision grounded in non-violence, compassion, and inner transformation. The paper argues that both Buddhist and Christian traditions locate the origins of conflict within the human mind and moral failure, and therefore prescribe self-discipline, forgiveness, and love as the true foundations of peace. In the Dhammapada, peace is achieved through mindfulness and the eradication of hatred, while in the teachings of Jesus peace emerges through reconciliation, humility, and love for one’s enemies. Despite doctrinal differences, both traditions reject violence as a means to peace and emphasize ethical conduct as essential for social harmony. Situating these teachings within contemporary global realities marked by religious conflict, polarization, and ethical crises, the paper presents the Dhammapada Yatra as a symbolic framework for interfaith dialogue and peace-building. It demonstrates how shared moral values across religious traditions can contribute to sustainable peace, religious coexistence, and ethical global citizenship. The study concludes that transcending peace through peace requires lived spirituality and interreligious engagement rooted in compassion and moral responsibility.
Vandana Jerin (Sun,) studied this question.