ABSTRACT
War-affected children face immense adversity, deeply affecting their emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. Amidst this hardship, spirituality and religion can play significant roles in their lives offering comfort, resilience, and hope. With this in mind, this chapter aims to explore how Buddhist religious practices can help heal war-affected children from the trauma and effects of war. This chapter will outline the Buddhist traditions and approaches in regards to suffering (Dhukka) as well as the practice of Buddhism as a healing mechanism. Following this, the chapter will explore a case study of children affected by the civil war in Sri Lanka; specifically focused on those impacted by the Mettta healing programme in the North Central province in Sri Lanka, initiated and operated by a Buddhist monk in a Buddhist temple. The chapter then outlines practical implications for the use of Buddhist teachings in promoting the overall well-being of children, as well as future rehabilitation practices.
Keywords: spirituality, Buddhist practices, healing, children
