Let's leave a legacy of peace and prosperity
As has too often been the case in the past 19 years, our beloved Sri Lanka
is once again facing a challenge. We have had a change of regime, and find
opposing parties in the Presidency and the Parliament.
We stand at the crossroads. Do we play partisan politics? Do we face
a constitutional crisis, as some scholars warn? Or do we come to our senses
and realize it's time now to swallow our pride over our relative political
strengths, avoid gloating, and join forces for the good of our desperate
little country? The Dhammapada says, "Victory begets enmity; the defeated
dwell in pain. Happily the peaceful live, discarding both victory and defeat."
It's time now for a government of national unity. Just as in the US,
where President Bush and Congressman Gephardt have called for, "Country
first, and parties, second", Ranil Wickre-mesinghe has offered to form
a coalition government in the spirit of unity.
Referring to our long tradition of Buddhism, we should remember that
the Buddha said, "Sukkha sanghassa samaggi"(Happy is the unity of the Sangha),
but this applies to every group of people, not only to ordained monks.
What can we learn from the Buddha to foster unity among the diverse
groups of our small buu–complicated land? When questioned by his closest
disciple, Ananda, the Buddha explained how a certain group of people, the
Vajji, were able to maintain their prosperity, unity and peaceful co-existence.
The Vajji had what they called the Practices of Non-Decline. They included:
* gathering together for discussion frequently;
* meeting in harmony and unity, leaving in harmony and unity, and carrying
out their affairs in harmony and unity;
* respecting and following all their laws under their constitution;
* respecting and listening to worthy leaders, both religious and secular;
* refraining from committing or advocating violent crimes, rape, destroying
other's property, or killing;
* respecting, protecting, and maintaining their ancestral religion and
shrines;
* providing for the safety of, studying from, and respecting teachers
who have attained the way.
The Buddha said, "As the people of Vajji continue to observe these seven
practices, it is certain that their country still prospers."
This is also the perfect opportunity for the LTTE leaders also change
their tactics, leave behind violence and separatism, and move forward to
negotiate in peace. With future generations in mind, we should all try
peaceful methods and patience for their sake so that they need not grow
up in fear.
The Dhammapada says "All tremble at violence; all fear death. Putting
oneself in the place of another, one should not kill nor cause another
to kill."
The Buddha taught us that, "Hate is never overcome by hate. By love
is hatred overcome. This is the eternal law."
Jesus Christ said, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute
you." Following their example, let us aim at creating a society where calm,
peace, and understanding can prevail over conquest and defeat; where the
persecution of the innocent is vigorously denounced; where one who conquers
oneself is more respected than those who conquer millions by violence;
and where hatred is conquered by love. Let wisdom and compassion be the
driving forces of our actions; let all living beings be treated with fairness;
and let peace and harmony reign in our hearts.
Let's leave a legacy of peace, progress, and prosperity for Lankan children,
no matter their religious, ethnic, or socio-economic group. I urge our
politicians to join together in a powerful coalition for the good of all,
and I urge my fellow Sri Lankans to support such a coalition.
Ven. Dr. Walpola Piyananda
Chief Sangha Nayake for the U.S.A.
Remedy to stay awake
The article extolling the virtues of tea as a health drink was interesting.
However, it has its drawbacks as a stimulant which increases the activity
of the brain (like coffee) specially for those who imbibe copious quantities
to keep awake for meditation.
Many foreign monks visiting me took tea after their only main meal,
at mid-day, to sit up during the nights to pursue meditation techniques.
It was pointed out that though tea-drinking definitely helped one to
ward off sleep, it also enhanced the stream of thought. All agreed that
monks took tea in their hermitages as they had no alternative.
In my wanderings in India, Nepal and Tibet, I have found that most of
the monks there drank hot (owing to the cold) non-stimulant herbal drinks
instead of tea or coffee during meditation, to keep thought-distraction
to a minimum. This made it possible to experience the 'no mind' realm behind
all mental activity.
Can someone suggest a substitute for tea available here, for those who
want to keep up for meditation? Perhaps an Ayurveda remedy may be the answer.
Sam Wickremasinghe
Minuwangoda
Save the healthy cuppa
Dr. D.P. Atukorala has written about the useful properties of tea in 'A
healthy cuppa' (The Sunday Times, December 2).
Tea has some properties which prevent certain diseases and it is unfortunate
that the tea drinking habit of our people is threatened by soft drinks.
These are heavily promoted by multinational companies.
Today one finds that some people have a soft drink after their breakfast
instead of tea.
Usually Saiva boutiques, serve rasam with rice and curry meals. But
today one finds many people requesting soft drinks.
Therefore, tea needs to be promoted among the people as a health drink.
Arul
Colombo 13
Laugh it out
With reference to 'Suicide - why it's not the answer', Dr. K. Subramaniam
has a different solution to the problem.
Says this erudite scholar, inter alia, in his book review:
"Every human being upon this earth has to face off and on, difficulties,
disappointments, problems, ill-health, sorrow and worry. Some foolish people
even commit suicide when in a depressed state of mind. You may tell a person,
'Don't worry' but it is easier said than done. It is particularly when
you are faced with disappointments and other worries and in a depressed
state of mind that this book 'Laugh A While' comes to your rescue.
A Reader
Mt. Lavinia
Sting is on in spite of water bags
With reference to the letter 'Water remedy to fight sting' by Seetha Wanigatunga
on ridding homes of mosquitoes (November 4) I wish to make the following
comments.
* If this method proves to be effective the health authorities should
conduct research and ascertain the scientific reason for it.
* Having found out the reason for its effectiveness, the health authorities
should launch a campaign to make people aware of this easy method and distribute
clear polythene bags free to all with instructions on proper use.
* I have tried this method but found it ineffective. Perhaps this may
be due to the fact that there are many doors to my house.
* I also seek clarification whether bags of water should be hung over
the windows too. Should the water bag be hung outside or inside the doorway?
* If this method is to keep mosquitoes from coming in what about those
already inside the house in dark corners?
S. Thiyagarajah
Ratmalana
Badge did not belong to Robert Knox
The article "Escape to freedom" (The Sunday Times, November 18) carried
a photograph of a badge referred to as a priceless relic of Robert Knox.
It is actually the cap badge of the British Army's Royal Regiment of
Artillery. This pattern was in use from 1902-1954, and is probably the
most familiar military badge. The motto UBIQUE means "Everywhere", and
the words on the lower scroll are "Wherever Right and Glory Lead".
The current badge of the Sri Lanka Army's Artillery Regiment is derived
from this with the crown being replaced by the lion and the scroll bearing
a different wording.
I thought this information might be of interest to you, and if it can
be conveyed to the owner, he may be able to trace its real history.
Michael Daniels
Nawala
Writer Gamini G. Punchihewa's note: I thank Mr. Daniels for enlightening
us on the identity of the badge.
As Mr. Karunaratne of Eladetta found it buried in his garden, it was
presumed to be Robert Knox's as he had stayed there. |
