Buddhism essentially consists of two things: the view, which means a definitive understanding of the interdependence of all things, and action, which can be loosely defined as nonviolence.
But if one were to summarize the Buddha’s teaching in one word, we would have to say that it is universal interdependence, of which nonviolence is a natural consequence. Since we are all dependent on each other and all other beings want to be happy and not suffer, just as I do, my personal happiness and suffering are inextricably linked with those of others. This nonviolence does not mean weakness or passivity.
It is the deliberate choice of altruism in all our thoughts and actions, so that it becomes inconceivable to knowingly harm others.
The Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso
