Buddha and Vaccinations: The Real Meaning Behind His Words

Vaccinations are an exemplary achievement of modern medicine. However, for the 0.7% of Buddhists in the United States, the Buddha and vaccinations don’t mix. Despite its impacts on preventing disease, religion has long influenced vaccination decisions.

Parents pursue legal action to avoid vaccinating their children, while employees — such as hospital workers — request accommodations for getting out of mandatory vaccine requirements.

These choices often stump medical specialists and researchers. How did this part of society grow so fearful of immunization or are they simply misguided by or misconstruing scripture? What do modern Buddhists believe about vaccination?

A History of Vaccine Accommodations

After a year’s worth of pandemic lockdowns and a global death toll reaching 3.3 million by the end of 2020, the world was ever more enthusiastic about the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine. Indeed, there were reservations about the speed at which the vaccine came out. However, people worldwide lined up for the shot.

Although voluntary for most people outside the medical field, hospitals across the United States began mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for staff, much like they have for flu shots and other immunizations. Of course, just like in the past, arguments arose over accommodations for those with religious backgrounds that inhibit medical interventions.

Opting out of COVID-19 and flu shots is risky, though — getting infected with both illnesses could attack your lungs and make you sicker than you’d be with proper vaccine prevention. It also puts others at risk of developing either condition, posing an even greater danger to immunocompromised individuals.

Of course, Buddhists aren’t the only ones hesitant to get vaccinated. Studies show Muslim and Orthodox Jewish populations would instead put their faith in God than back the science behind vaccine efficacy. Yet, this idea conflicts with scripture’s teaching about non-violence and compassion for humanity.

What Did the Buddha Say About Vaccination?

It’s unclear where the aversion to vaccines became rooted in Buddhism. In many ways, Buddhist perspectives on non-violence and non-harm lean into vaccine sciences. If the overarching principle of Buddhism is to protect one’s community from suffering, promoting the health and well-being of everyone should be encouraged.

The Buddha and vaccinations aren’t as complicated of a relationship as they seem. While there aren’t direct statements regarding vaccines in scripture — the religion dates back 2,500 years before advancements in modern medicine — there are several examples of why getting vaccinated is the right thing to do.

End Suffering for All

The core Buddhist perspective is to end suffering — yet, the Buddha says sickness is an unavoidable form of torment. Regarding COVID-19 and influenza, many people are susceptible to severe infection, sometimes requiring hospitalization.

The fourth of the Four Noble Truths from the Buddha mentions the end of suffering requires adherence to the correct views, intentions, speech, actions, livelihood, mindfulness and concentration. In the context of vaccination, the Buddha might agree getting immunized is the best defense against self-suffering and the suffering of others.

Buddhists believe in the individual responsibility of ensuring good physical, mental and emotional health, promoting positive habits for a long life and fulfilling the purpose of helping others. Staying healthy isn’t necessarily about never getting sick but a continuous effort to thwart illness by preventing “demons” from attacking the body — a reference to viruses and bacteria.

There’s also a reason why Buddhist practitioners practice mindfulness meditation and traditional yoga. Relieving anxiety through meditation can boost the immune system by releasing tension throughout the body. Considering Buddhism already focuses on healthy lifestyles, it makes little sense not to get immunized.

Protect the Community

The Buddhist High Priest Ven. Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana of Malaysia made a public appeal in May 2021, urging followers of the Buddha to get vaccinated against COVID-19. He reasoned that Malaysia could reach herd immunity faster, implying the people of Malaysia should do their part in the fight against the virus.

Other Buddhist leaders and experts have spoken about vaccines, touting that historical Buddhist beliefs comprised preserving life and safeguarding communities — this includes respecting the health and well-being of others. Modern-day medicine like vaccines are a newer approach to this notion.

Buddhist monks — including the 85-year-old Dalai Lama — were some of the first spiritual beacons to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, urging others to find the courage to follow suit.

Although some medical exemptions could be necessary, Buddhist leaders are less inclined to promote religious exemptions. If Buddhists’ primary focus is eliminating suffering and showing compassion, creating a healthier community through vaccination signifies respect for life and public health.

Show Compassion

The Buddha also discusses compassion, which aligns with getting vaccinated against diseases. Whether it’s COVID-19, the flu or measles, modern medicine promotes generous action toward humankind.

Although the Buddha isn’t a proponent of war, the literature reveals centuries of fighting. However, the Buddhists’ treatment of prisoners sets them apart. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, positive Buddhist practice treats others humanely with a commitment to safety and peace. For example, the Dhammapada says causing harm to the unarmed will result in karmic suffering.

One might apply this notion to Buddha’s stance on vaccination. For one thing, opting out of immunization puts you at risk of developing an illness. However, you can also spread it to other people who are practicing due diligence to protect themselves. As a result, you might end up suffering.

What if you refused vaccination, passed the illness to a vulnerable loved one and they succumbed to their ailment? This scenario could breed severe guilt and grief.

Getting Vaccinated Is an Honorable Choice

Medical exemptions for vaccinations are available for various reasons, but for Buddhists, getting immunization is the most moral choice aligned with the religion’s ethics and perspectives. There is little indication that the Buddha opposes vaccines to prevent suffering for you and others.

Regarding modern medicine, vaccination may offer the ultimate protection for community health and well-being. Before opting out of vaccines, consider Buddhist teachings on compassion, the end of suffering and your role in protecting the community.