ABSTRACT
From a theoretical or doctrinal point of view, Buddhist bereavement for the families of fallen soldiers is an oxymoron. That is to say, Buddhist ethical values are based on universal love and compassion for all living beings. No fewer than three categories of the Noble Eightfold Path, namely Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood, give concrete expression to those values by proscribing the types of action from which all wars are born.
