Kindness and Non violence in Buddhism Promoting Peace, tolerance, and non violence are so essential in this age of the war torn world which is filled with hatred, suspicion, and violence. The only way to curb this hatred in human heart is to concentrate in love and compassion. Without changing the attitudes of the people, you can’t change the world. So people can decide whether they are going to become a part of the problem or whether they become a part of the solution. If you want to become a part of the solution, the best way is to promote Compassion, forgiveness, gentleness, patience and tolerance. But this promotion should be a honest, practical one. Because deeds speak louder than voices. “An ounce of practice is worth tons of preaching.” -Gandhi The Siddhartha Gautama Buddha was one of the pioneer teachers in the world who concentrated his teachings in this line of thinking. Buddhist principles are expressed by him in Precepts (Seela) and in the Four immeasurable great thoughts (Sathara Brahma Viharana), which are Loving kindness(Metta), Compassion(Karuna), sympathetic joy towards the happiness of others(Muditha) and Equanimity. (Upekka) Buddhist must try their level best to practice these in thoughts, words and deeds. Karaniya Metta Sutta is one of the most beautiful discourses, in which Buddha teaches how to develop the meditation on Loving Kindness(Metta) Even as a mother would cherish her only child with her life, even thus towards every living being, Let him cultivate a boundless heart and amity.. - Once Buddha taught to a bunch of children who were hurting a snake that, 129. All tremble before the rod of punishment; all fear death; likening others to oneself, one should neither slay nor cause to slay. 130. All tremble before the rod of punishment; for all life is dear; likening others to oneself, one should neither slay nor cause to slay. 131. He who, desirous of happiness for himself, torments with a rod others who are likewise seeking enjoyment, shall not obtain happiness in the hereafter. 132. He who, desirous of happiness for himself, does not torment others who likewise long for happiness, shall obtain happiness in the hereafter. -Dhammapada The Buddha advice monks to train themselves towards ultimate extreme of compassion and patience. If,O monks, Robbers or highwaymen should with a double-handed saw cut your limbs and joints,who so gave way to anger thereat,would not be following my advice. For thus ought you to train yourselves; Undisturbed shall our minds remain,no evil words shall escape our lips; friendly and full of sympathy shall we remain,with hearts full of love, free from any hidden malice. And that person shall we suffuse with loving thoughts; and from there on the wholeworld. - Buddha, Kakachupama Sutta Monks, if anyone spoke words which insult me, the Dhamma, and the Sangha, dont let this thing prompt you to hate, take revenge, and turn against them. If, because of this, you become angry or annoyed, then it will become an obstacle in your quest to liberate yourself, and cause you upset. However, if someone speaks insulting or false accusations about me, the Dhamma, and the Sangha, then you should state which is wrong and point out the mistake by explaining that because of this proof and that, then that is not true, or it is not like that, that kind of thing is not us, or occurring in us. But if someone praises me, the Dhamma, or the Sangha; dont let this thing make you feel proud, joyful, and happy. If you act like that, then it will become an obstacle in your efforts to achieve your own final liberation. -Buddha (Brahmajala sutta) He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,--in those who harbour such thoughts hatred will never cease. 4. He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,--in those who do not harbour such thoughts hatred will cease. 5. For hatred does not cease by hatred in this world: hatred ceases by loving kindness, this is an old rule. 6. The world does not know that we must all come to an end here;--but those The who know it, their quarrels cease at once. -Buddha, Dhammapada (The Twin-Verses) According to an account in several Buddhist texts, Kapilavatthu the town of the Sakyans(the tribe in which Siddhartha was the earlier king before he renounciated) and Koliya the town of the Kolyans were situated on either side of the Rohini river. The cultivators of both towns worked the fields watered by the Rohini river. One year, they did not have enough rain and finding that the paddy and other crops were beginning to shrivel up, cultivators on both sides wanted to divert the water from the Rohini river to their own fields. Those living in Koliya said that there was not enough water in the river for both sides, and that if only they could channel the water just once more to their fields that would be enough for the paddy to mature and ripen. On the other hand, people from Kapilavatthu argued that, in that case, they would be denied the use of the water and their crops would surely fail, and they would be compelled to buy from other people. They said that they were not prepared to go carrying their money and valuables to the opposite bank of the river in exchange for food. Both sides wanted the water for their own use only and there was much ill will between them due to abusive language and accusations on both sides. The quarrel that started between the cultivators came to the ears of the ministers concerned, and they reported the matter to their respective rulers, and both sides prepared to go to war On the eve of the war the Buddha arrived at the scene and armies were surprised. Buddha entered the river and took a handful of water and asked the belligerents, “What is more thick brothers? Water or blood?” The belligerents were speechless. Then Buddha preached to them the value of non violence, and Loving kindness in detail. The two tribes gave up the enmities and became friends again. The former Justice at the International Criminal Court Mr.C.G Weeramathri took measures to hang a huge painted portrait of this historical incident, at the entrance of the International Criminal Court at Hague and that portrait still remains there as a beacon spreading the light of Compassion, forgiveness, gentleness, patience and tolerance, silently. -Yalith Wijesurendra, LLB(Colombo), Attorney at Law
Posted on: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 14:35:45 +0000
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