16th January 2000

Lies and deception cause downfall of society

Spreading hatred towards each other, they fight political battles and simultaneously deceive the public through lies. The division within the majority race has led to people breaking into two groups to gain political power. They in turn divide into subdivisions. Therefore a government under a Sinhalese ruler could never be strong.

Often after gaining a few seats extra and coming into office, these politicians woo the minorities. The main party leaders would sometimes secretly hold talks with minority groups and make insincere promises which they are unable to fulfill.

Attempts to put pressure on ruling party politicians to fulfill their promises prove futile. In the case of minorities, they begin to distrust politicians, because their confidence in them has deteriorated.

When the majority people protest against the promises the politicians make to the minorities, these minorities naturally begin to dislike them in turn.

The minorities instead of directing their anger at the politicians who make false promises, begin to mistrust the majority people. They begin to hold demonstrations saying that minorities are being neglected. Thus it is obvious that it is these false promises made to minorities by politicians which ultimately drive them to demand separate states.

Similarly, if the majority is able to recognize the games politicians play, they would be able to stop being deceived.

However, as a section of the people too use deception as their weapon, due to their corrupt minds their powers of perception are weak. Therefore the people come to perceive the lies told by politicians as truth. This has led to the downfall of the people as well as the politicians.

It is easy for one who lies, to use words based on hatred to gain his/her objectives. If one does not have the determination to steer clear of lies, then other vices that are linked to lying, such as sneaking, the use of harsh and hurtful words and meaningless utterances also follow. A lay person might utter evil words, meaningless words and sneak. However, if one is determined to avoid uttering lies, the space to cause damage through sneaking, and speaking harsh, and hurtful words can also be reduced. Therefore observing the fourth precept could prevent us from committing many interlinked sins.

The Guest Column

Editorial/ Opinion Contents