Non-violence, the noblest of all ethics: Maha Nayake Thera

KANDY: Non-violence as an individual or as a nation or as a state is the noblest of all ethics to escape isolation and be united peace, Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Maha Nayaka Thera, the Mahanayake of the Malwatta Chapter said.

He said the holding of an International Buddhist Conference in Senkadagala, the abode of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha and on the soil of a great culture based on the Buddha's teaching is a good omen for an imminent success of a long term sublime process.

"The doors of peace will open widely to those who live in fear of war. A world free from war is a better world. Violence by self-motivated unscrupulous groups targeting the innocent is mischievous, harmful and against social justice," the Mahanayake Thera said.

Ven. Siddhartha Sumangala Maha Nayaka Thera expressed hopes that this Conference will pay attention to consolidate resources including laymen and members of the clergy who know different languages to propagate Buddhism.

Ven. Udugama Sri Rathanapala Buddharakkhitha Maha Nayake Thera of the Shyamopali Maha Nikaya of the Maha Viharaya in his Anusasana said Buddhist devotees belonging to various organisations consisting of members of the laity and the clergy assembled at this international conference to discuss and find the ways of building up a better world according to the Buddha's teachings.

"The natural resources are there for the survival of all beings. All beings have a right to make use of them as much as every being has a right to live.

But in certain countries which have resources in plenty, prevents equal distribution of natural resources among others and by unjustifiable means appropriate natural resources for the comfort of a handful thus giving rise to a perennial struggle between the haves and have nots," the Mahanayake Thera said.

"This struggle is going on between different countries as well as different ethnic groups in the same country. Consequently they resort to manufacture of lethal weapons to kill each other thus making the earth unfit for existence for all beings including humans", he said.

Ven. Sasana Sobhana Sri Saddharmavagiswara Dr. Weveldeniya Medhalankara Maha Nayaka Thera, the Maha Nayake of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya, in his Anusasana said in spite of tremendous strides the modern science and technology have achieved in the world, the human values and morals have deteriorated to the point of abyss and today people live in fear and hatred with no room for peace and harmony.

The Maha Nayaka Thera hoped that the matters discussed at this conference will enable to lay the foundation for a better world where the people world over will understand the reality and strive for world peace which is the much cherished goal of the entire world.