Vesak 2549 - 2005
Peace in Buddhism
by Jayatissa Pathirana
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. |