violence according to the Buddha's teachings, "Every action has three doors, or three ways we create karma: through body, speech, and mind". Sulak explains that nonviolence, or ahimsa, does not mean non-action. For example, if a person sees a violent act and does not attempt to prevent it, this can be considered an act of violence because the bystander is not acting with compassion. Sulak applies these ideas to social and political situations as a response to social injustice. He uses the principle of nonviolence as a call for action against social injustice, defining a strategy to bringing about long-term peace to the world: peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peace building. Sulak's application of Buddhist principles show his intention of instilling morals and ethics into corrupt institutions around the world. Socially engaged Buddhism Socially Engaged Buddhism advocates religion as a means of reform. He states, "Religion is at the heart of social change, and social change is the essence of religion". Sulak advocates environmental protection and environmentally sustainable ways of life through the use of Buddhist principles. Sivaraksa calls for the "value of simplicity", and connects this with the Buddhist idea of "the freedom from attachment to physical and sensual pleasure". Sivaraksa chooses to highlight the universal and rational aspects of Buddhism and eschews ritualism and mythology in order to make Buddhism more applicable to contemporary global issues. By presenting Buddhism in this fashion, people of all faiths can relate to, and interpret his work in a universally spiritual light. Though he is both a Buddhist and Thai nationalist, he makes it clear in his work that all religions should be tolerated and respected. Works See also Buddhist economics Buddhist ethics List of peace activists References External links Recipient of Right Livelihood Award 1995 Large Anti-Government Protests in Thailand - video interview of Sulak by Democracy Now! Sulak Sivaraksa: Happiness lies 'beyond GDP' Hard Talk, BBC World Service, 28 June 2011 "The Engaged Buddhism of Sulak Sivaraksa", Kyoto Journal Book: A Siamese Story: A Biographical Essay on Sulak Sivaraksa 1933 births Sulak Sivaraksa Alumni of the University of Wales, Lampeter Buddhist pacifists Development specialists Engaged Buddhism Engaged Buddhists Lèse majesté in Thailand Living people Nonviolence advocates People accused of lèse majesté in Thailand Sulak Sivaraksa Sulak Sivaraksa Sulak Sivaraksa