Buddha's philosophy can unravel world conflicts - President
KANDY: President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that based
on the principle of 'cause and effect' underlining the Buddhist
philosophy the Buddha Dhamma makes it possible to analyze the causes and
factors that lie behind the political, economic, social and
environmental conflicts that govern the world.
He also said nowhere in the Buddha's teaching is one encouraged to
'convert' persons of other faiths to the Buddhist religion.
The President was addressing the opening ceremony of the first
International Buddhist Conference organised by the Sri Dalada Maligawa,
in Pallekelle.
The President said this conference stands out as one of the main
events of the 2550th Sambuddha Jayanthi celebrations in Sri Lanka.
"Throughout a period of more than 2000 years, not only was Theravada
Buddhism nurtured and protected under State patronage in our country,
but it was also disseminated from here to many other countries,
President Rajapaksa said.
The President said this conference brings the different schools of
Buddhism, - Theravada, Mahayana, Thantrayana and the Western School, -
to share a common platform.
"And by doing so, it demonstrates to the world - in my view - the
living Buddhist tradition and practice of peaceful co-existence.
Therefore this conference brings pride and dignity to the tens of
millions of people in the world who follow the philosophy of the
Buddha," he said.
The President said the theme of this conference, - The Buddhist Path
to a Better World' is most relevant to the social environment of the
21st century.
"I am aware that in the course of the next two days, four different
aspects or dimensions of this broad theme are scheduled to be the
subject of your discussion: They are, - Buddhism and the Social
Question, Buddhism and Science, Buddhism and the Co-existence of
Nations, and, Buddhism and Health," he said.
It is in considering three elements contained in the Buddha Dhamma,
that the importance of structuring a conference along these four broad
themes becomes most clear and appropriate, President Rajapaksa said.
He added: The first finds reflection in the words of the Buddha,
Saththa Deva Manussanang,- which means that the Enlightened One is a
patron, teacher and guide to both Gods and Human-beings.
The second element as contained in the concept of Akalika - explains
that Buddhism is not bound by the concept of 'time': In other words, its
relevance is not limited to any particular period of time.
The third finds embodiment in the advice given by the Buddha to
Bikkhus in regard to the propagation of the Dhamma. Bahujana Hithaya
Bahujana Sukhaya implies that the preaching of the Buddha Dhamma, has as
its goal the generation of mental tranquility and happiness in man, and
of kindness and well-being in the world community."
Emphasis, in this connection, must be placed on the fact that nowhere
in the teachings is one encouraged to 'convert' persons of other faiths
to the Buddhist religion, the President said.
"He added" It is this supreme kindness which underlies that Buddha
Dhamma that renders this conference and its discussions relevant to the
world community across the borders of race and religion. It is for this
very same reason that persons of knowledge and learning have defined the
Buddha Dhamma NOT as a religion, but as a philosophy of life.
The Buddhist Philosophy is based on the principle of 'cause and
effect'. Thus through the application of the Buddha Dhamma, it is
possible to analyze the causes and factors that lie behind the
political, economic, social and environmental conflicts that engulf the
world.
It is also possible, through the application of the Dhamma, to
identify the possible solutions for them.
Also through the application of the Buddha Dhamma, the factors that
lie behind the prevalence of poverty, ethnic conflict, domestic
disharmony, dissatisfaction, and the decline in social norms and values,
can be analyzed and solutions identified for them.
I hope these matters will be discussed at length at your conference.
In this age of science and technology, it is the view of learned persons
that while certain elements of the Buddha Dhamma have been confirmed by
the application of science, other elements are clearly beyond the
observation of the scientific method.
Therefore the theme of 'Science and the Buddha Dhamma' is, in my
view, a most exciting one.
Today large numbers of Buddhists tend to give pride of place to the
conducting of rituals and to the practice of making offerings.
It is doubtful that they fully understand the meaning of Buddhism as
a philosophy of life: For it they have the correct understanding, the
quality of life in Buddhist communities in the world would be certainly
better than what it is today.
At the same time it is interesting to observe that when compared with
people living in what are traditionally Buddhist countries, people
living in the Western World are showing a greater interest to understand
and absorb the essence of the Buddha Dhamma.
Hence the importance of this conference to further reveal the
practical relevance of the Buddha Dhamma both as a philosophy of life,
and as a means to cultivate an intelligent frame of mind.
While Sri Lanka remains primarily a Theravada Buddhist country, the
fact that the other streams of Buddhist Philosophy are represented at
this conference is a cause for pride and happiness.
All these schools of Buddhism are rich in the teachings of the Buddha
in relation not only to the well-being of humankind, but also to that of
animals and the vegetation around us as well.
Therefore I hope that this conference will focus not on the purely
theoretical aspects of Buddhism but more on the practical methods and
strategies to realise the Dhamma as a way of life.
The success of a conference is judged not by the efficiency with
which it was conducted, but by the extent to which its results are
translated into action.
I hope the Buddhist leaders participating in the conference will take
the lead to implement in the next two to three years, the various
recommendations that will be contained in the outcome of this
conference.
It is therefore expected that in order to achieve this goal, the
participants will set in motion the necessary mechanisms on their return
to their respective countries.
It is only a traditional function, but also a constitutional
obligation of the Sri Lankan Government, to protect the Buddha Sasana.
As such let me assure this conference that in the implementation of your
recommendations, you will most certainly receive the support of our
government. It is for this reason too that your conference has received
the patronage of our government."
The President also thanks Mahanayaka Theras, Diyawadana Nilame
Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara and Chairman of the Organising Committee K.
H. J. Wijedasa, Officials of the Government, Members of the Security
Services and others who helped to make this conference a success. |