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Buddhist Spectrum
Tolerance, an acid test for Buddhists?
Rajah Kuruppu
An important quality advocated in Buddhism is tolerance. Tolerance of
others' point of view, others' success, one's unpleasant experiences,
other religions, other ethnicities and so on. The Buddha practised
tolerance and advised his followers to cultivate this noble quality as
it is important for the practice of Buddhism. During the time of the
Buddha in Northern India where the Buddha lived all were not Buddhists.
However, the Buddha has excellent relations with leaders of other
religions.
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Picture by Saman Sri Wedage. |
He discussed religious and philosophical matters with them despite
disagreement on certain matters. He emphasized the importance of
resolving differences by discussion by meeting in harmony, discussing in
harmony and dispersing in harmony without ill-will despite disagreement.
Former teachers
Upali, a very rich and respected person, after listening to the
Buddha expressed his desire to be one of the disciples of the Buddha.
While welcoming him, the Buddha advised Upali not to neglect his former
teachers but continue to support and respect them as he had done in the
past.
Dhammasoka, the great Indian Emperor in North India, who supported
all religions, and helped to spread the Dhamma to other countries and
one among them was Sri Lanka, where he sent his only son and daughter.
It is said that while patronizing Buddhism he ensured full religious
freedom in his country and provided even financial assistance from the
State for other religions. He was a model Monarch, and icon who
demonstrated to the world how a King should govern the country. H G
Wells in "A Short History" refers to Dhammasoka in these words. "Of the
thousands of monarchs that crowd the columns of history, the name of
Dhammasoka shines, shines alone, a star."
As a consequence of intolerance thoughts of resentment and ill-will
could arise, a root defilement worse than craving for sense pleasures.
When such thoughts arise one would experience suffering. Therefore, it
would be much more prudent for one's own self-interest to refrain from
entertaining thoughts of resentment.
Great quality
In life we also have to tolerate unpleasant experiences. This is the
nature of the world and for that reason life is unsatisfactory or
dukkha. Without developing ill-will towards such situations we should
cultivate understanding, patience and tolerance. In this respect the
development of the great quality of upekkha or balance of mind is
helpful. One has to develop this quality so that as recorded in the
Dhammapada, a collection of important sayings of the Buddha, "faced with
success or failure one should be neither elated nor depressed." In this
connection the doctrine of anicca is important where one recognises that
all things are changing all the time. A situation of success could be
followed by failure or vice versa. For this reason, the well-known
English poet, Rudyard Kipling declared that "If you could face both
triumph and disaster and treat both these imposters alike you are a man
my son."
Merely for the sake of goodwill and harmony, a Buddhist should not
say that there are no differences between religions. Buddhism,
especially, is quite different to other religions with its doctrine of
anicca, the absence of a permanent, unchanging, eternal self, the
doctrine of rebirth and Samsara, the cycle of births and deaths. While
acknowledging the existence of differences, one should have friendly
relations with all other religions and live harmoniously with them.
Unfair actions
Unfortunately, especially in recent times, there appears to be a rise
in intolerance in our country. This intolerance is reflected in the
actions of individuals and groups of individuals. At times it is unfair
actions taken against those whose activities are considered
unfavourable. There is also the intolerance of views expressed that are
not to one's liking. Challenging others' views on a rational basis
without anger or ill-will is perfectly in order. However, sometimes
these debates degenerate into abuse and harsh language or even violence.
This is well reflected in the proceedings of Parliament where at times
unparliamentary language has been used and even physical violence has
occurred. This is in sharp contrast to the situation in 1960s and 1970s,
when high standards were maintained with Parliamentarians of the calibre
of S W R D Bandaranaike, Dudley Senanayake, Dr N M Perera, Colvin R de
Silva, Pieter Keuneman, Bernard Soyza, Felix Dias Bandaranaike and
Sarath Muttettuwegama and many others. There was wit and high standard
of repartee rather than verbal and physical abuse.
With regard to the expression of views, the words of the well-known
French Philosopher are most relevant. I totally disagree with all
what you say, but I will fight to the last your right to say so.'
Thus, an all out effort should be made to cultivate the noble quality
of tolerance of others actions and views. In practice there should be
the determination to refrain from intolerance and be mindful at all
times to ensure that it does not give way to speech and action of an
unwholesome and totally unacceptable nature.
Anthology to treasure
K S Sivakumaran
This year's Vesak Sirisara is edited by Neville Piyadigama and
published by Gunasena Kadigamuwa on behalf of Vesak Sirisara Publication
Committee,
The English segment consists of a message from the President who
says: "This 78th issue of the Buddhist Annual shows the continuing
commitment of the Government Services Buddhist Association to the cause
of spreading the Dhamma.... Knowing and following the Buddhist path can
help resolve most of the rivalry in our societies and among nations and
help bring peace to the world."
The President's main advice is: "It's important for all Buddhists to
follow the core teachings of the Buddha to do no evil, cultivate a good,
unify one's mind, and avoid the forces that seek to cause divisions and
rivalry among people that threatens the spread of tolerance, peace and
tranquility in one's life and Society."
Deepal Jayawardene explains what the cover of the journal depicts.
The Editor has written an appreciation on the late T Kanagaratnam who
was in charge of the Tamil section of this Annual.
The book also carries valuable contributions by Ven Bhikkhu Bodi, a
poem by Chandra Wickramsinghe, an article by Dr Ananda W P Guruge,
another poem by Erica Dias, an article by Asoka Devendra, a poem by
Claudia Weeraperuma, an article by Asoka Mahinda Jayasinha, a poem by
Shirleen Markalanda Jayawrdene, an article by Rajah Kuruppu, a poem by H
Kamal Premadasa, an article by Prof.N A de S Amaratunga, an article by
Deshabandhu Olcott Gunsekera, a poem by Kamala Sriyaarachchi and a
lengthy letter by Susunaga Weeraperuma .I liked very much the lucid
article by Prof N A de S Amaratunga on t he Rift between Theravada and
Mahayana - Its Historical Significance. As usual, Rajah Kuruppu writes
in an interesting manner on the Benefits of Buddhist Practice in this
Life. Asoka Mahinda Jayasinha singles out Buddhist Meditation and its
Practice. The vitality of the Buddha Dhamma is explained by Asoka
Devendra. The erudite article by Dr Guruge relates Sri Lankan
Contribution to Buddhism. Ven Bhikkhu Bodhi illustrates 'The Voice of
the Golden Goose'. Almost all the articles and poems inform me, a Hindu,
the fundamentals of true and genuine Buddhism as perceived in Lanka.
There is also a Tamil section covering 20 pages out of nearly 250
pages of matter found in this book which is issued free to interested
readers.
The Tamil editor T Manoharan has helped in editing this section.
Apart from the Presidents Message, T Manoharan's article speaks about
the Panchasseela. An article by the late T Kanagaratnam talks about the
Bodhi Tree in Buddhist worship. A poem by Tamilnadu poet the late Desika
Vinayagam Pillai I about the Divine Song heard by Siddhartha also finds
a place in this Annual. K Krishanthan's article is about the Buddha's
Teachings which are guidelines to the world.
Equally important would be the articles in Sinhala. All readers are
recommended to read the Vesak Sirisara.
[email protected]
Ven Galnewe Pagngnananda Thera obtains Higher Ordination
The eldest son of H M Sriyani Pdo Menika and W A Wijewickramasuriya,
novice monk Ven Galnewe Pagngnananda Thera obtained higher ordination at
Malwathu Vihara, Kandy, on June 2. He is now the chief incumbent of
Rajavatha Sri Maha Purana Vihara, Rajavatha Nandiya Sri Abhinavarama,
Warapalane Sri Jinendrarama and Veyangoda Vandura Sri Jayasundara
Wijayawardhanara. Malwathu Chief Prelate Most Ven Tibbatuwave Sri
Sumangala Mahanayaka Thera and other Anunayaka Theras graced the
occasion.
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