I once met a Tibetan Buddhist Nun and author, named Thubten Chodron. [View All]

She came to my little mountain town and gave a speech at a local Buddhist center. I went with some of my buddies and the event was mostly fun. One of the things she said was Buddhist monks and nuns are not perfect, if they were perfect, they would not need to become monks and nuns. Additionally, since monks and nuns were not perfect, they did not always live up to their vows and the ideals of Tibetan Buddhism.

I am mentioning this because I wish to discuss a passage from the New Testament, but I don't want Christian readers to think I am criticizing them for not living up to the words and ideals of Jesus Christ.

How do you interpret this passage from the Book of Matthew, chapter 5?


38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'

39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.

41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.


This passage seems to forbid self defense, even in a court of law. Jesus Christ never defended himself when he was on trial. "Do not resist an evil person" seems extreme to me. What do you think?