Question: “Being Buddhist (as I practice) means to be pacifistic in nature. I myself have been contemplating joining the military, no matter what karma it brings me, to put a stop to them. As a Buddhist, how do you think ISIS should be dealt with?”
What has been the result of anything ISIS has done recently? How has the public reacted? With anger, frustration, hatred and extreme negativity. Has any of these results resulted in anything that was actually productive or helpful? Has ISIS ceased because of these reactions? Absolutely not! If anything, it has fueled them! In Buddhism, hate and war cannot be fought with more hate and war, only love can conquer.
Naturally, when someone hits us or calls us names what’s our reaction? To hit and name call right back! Which usually just results in more hitting and more name calling. But if someone were to hit us or call us a name and we ignore it and let it pass, showing them that their anger doesn’t affect us, then the situation is ceased. In most cases, that other person will feel embarrassed or ashamed because you didn’t react the way they wanted you to, which was to fight back.
I would like to think of myself as a patriot, a person who supports every one of our troops. Sometimes military is needed, but for the right reasons. And that is absolutely fine to be a part of and support. But of course, we don’t get to decide what we can or cannot do in the military. When orders are given, orders must be followed because that’s what you signed up for. But you must know, fighting back doesn’t mean you get to win or have a chance of winning.
Smile and be well!