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Vesak 2549 - 2005


Peace in Buddhism

The word 'Peace' has become the buzzword in international gatherings, political discussions, among warring nations, regional meetings and so on. In this strife-torn world everybody wishes to live in peace and harmony. Peace has become so important in today's context even the Asia Africa summit held in the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta, thought it fit to discuss the issues of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism which have been the scourge to all nations in the world. How does Buddhist teachings fit into the subject of Peace?

Leading principles in Buddhism

Peace, goodwill and harmony are the leading principles in Buddhism. The Buddha is known as "Santinayake" - a leader who is a promoter of peace. Buddhism teaches one how to live Peacefully in society. One does not repress the emotions; one controls them and does not give vent to one's harsher feelings. The follower of the Buddha Dhamma tries to live in a way which harms no one, so one finds, with practice, that what we know as 'self' is just a collection of mental states which arise, persist briefly, and then pass away as though they had never been.

This awareness is the pivot of the Buddha's teachings. Through it one finds peace and thus can live in harmony with others. Peace, happiness, security are all very relative terms and will never constitute true and lasting peace, if the individual seeks his own happiness at the cost of others. The search for security in peace is not peace but fear. Fear results self-isolation and opposition which lead to conflict and never to peace. Hence non-violence must grow within oneself through the understanding of mutual relationship.

The Buddha's second visit to this Island of ours was to settle a dispute between two clans, Yakkas and Nagas, over a jewelled throne. He said 'Hatred never ceases by hatred'. That was the antidote he gave the warring factions. Victory breeds ill-will, for the conquered are unhappy,' declared the Buddha. It was recorded in the Dhammapada.

It says:

"Na hi verena verani

Sammanthi dha kudachanam

Averena ca sammanti

Esa Dhammao Sanatano"

It was the late President J.R. Jayewardene who re-echoed this twin verses at the San Francisco conference of World Leaders pleading on behalf of Japan shattered by the World War two, to get a respite for that country from the powerful nations of the world. The Buddha's exhortations made over 25 centuries ago still holds good to change the mentality even of high powered people.The Buddha once intervened in a dispute between the Sakyahs and Koliyas over the waters of the Rohini river. Thatagata settled the issue by pointing out that blood is far more thicker than water and taught that mutual help is the best assistance one can give and obtain. Governments should realise this and bring an end to the arms race. The great king Asoka followed the Buddha's teachings and proved that it is quite possible to rule a country without engaging in military conquests. If we are well guarded, watching our reactions and our words, our emotions and feelings, then we are people of peace. This in turn helps us to help others, and in helping others to be peaceful, we are truly helping the society.

In the Buddhist scriptures, wherein boundless love and kindness are mentioned, and so much tolerance is preached, it is quite evident that there is no place for any hatred or illwill. Thus without fire and sword, Buddhism has found its way into the hearts of millions and millions of people. From historical manuscripts we know that since the time of the Buddha up to this day, not a single drop of blood has been shed in the name of the Buddha or for the propagation of his doctrine.

Since the earliest times, this all-embracing kindness or "Maithri", has had powerful influence on the Buddhist people in inducing them to build highways, free resting places (ambalamas) for weary wanderers, put up stands containing pots with fresh drinking water (pin thaliya) for the thirsty, provide food and drink for man and animal, build free hospitals and distribute free medicines (mainly herbal) to all.

Hence, self-respect, self-confidence, tolerance, all embracing kindness, seriousness of mind and independence of thought are some of the salient qualities created in people by the influence of Buddhism. In a country in which such qualities predominate, Peace and happiness will reign supreme. Such a country will a model to the whole world and truly will be a paradise on earth. If people are really interested to seek and work for peace and happiness for themselves as well as others, it is still not too late, for every cloud has a silver lining.

The Buddha's teachings which are worthy of practice and realised by oneself still exist.

A verse in the Sahassa Vagga of the Dhammpada emphasises this fact.

"Yo sahassam sahassena - sangame manuse jine

Ekan ca jeyya attanam - sa ve sangamajuttamo"

To conquer oneself is nobler than conquering thousands of men in a battlefield. Such a man who conquers himself, is the greatest of conquerors.

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