10/29/2026 “The Legend of Mass-Murderer Angulimala … it probes some very deep issues” with Diane Wilde

The redemption of the mass murderer Angulimala, is memorialized in the Pali Canon in Majjhima Nikaya 86. Angulimala’s brutality and his ultimate liberation has long been an inspiring story to Buddhist practitioners. There is a deeper meaning behind the legend of this serial killer whose story is found in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. While the acts committed by Angulimala caused unspeakable suffering, a question which is often ignored is how did he contend with the karma resulting from the harm he caused? In our own lives, how do we contend with the harm we have caused, both in regards to ourselves and others? How do we respond to others who have harmed us? We will look at this legend of Angulimala from a variety of vantage points and the lessons it offers.