English

Abstract

Broadly speaking elements and principles of human rights are incorporated in teachings of the most religions of the world including Buddhism. Notion of a right is very much there in Buddhism. The elements incorporated in social message of Buddha are part and parcel of modern day principles of human Rights incorporated in many international declarations, covenants, protocols and constitutions of most of the countries of today. Buddha succeeded in discovering the antidote of all sufferings in the form of Dhhama, a collection of very simple and clear elements of natural truth for the restoration of human rights and fundamental freedom. There is intimate and vital relationship of Buddhist norm of Dhamma with that of human Rights. Buddhism subscribes to universal human rights concept and all the articles of universal declaration of human rights (UNDHR) are in harmony with early Buddhist teachings in letter and spirit. Human Rights as construed in the modern era are compatible with Buddhist ethics. Certain values embodied in the notion of right are better served by the notion of right in the Noble Eight fold Path given by Buddha. Human rights notion is an extension of human nature. Buddhism indeed is supreme law of all laws existed so far in the province of human right protection and fundamental freedom. Duties and rights are correlative and reciprocal. Buddhism is as such committed to the cause of human rights.   Key words: Buddhism, human rights, Dhamma of Buddha, duties and rights.