As a Buddhist, I appeal to the Maha Sangha:
1. To refrain from contesting Parliamentary or Local Government Elections. To do so only lowers the status of the Maha Sangha and brings it to the level of the layman, in the process breaking Vinaya Rules and disgracing the Cheevaraya (the robes of a monk). The Sangha Nayakes should come forward to stop Buddhist monks from engaging in party elections.
2. To stop dabbling in party politics; attending or addressing political meetings; demonstrating alongside laymen, and canvassing on behalf of election candidates. In other Buddhist countries, the Sangha does not get involved in political party activities, thus preserving the Sangha’s neutrality, dignity and religious independence. Unfortunately, in Sri Lanka, the religious element has always been closely associated with politics and dynastic succession.
3. To refrain from referring to “Sinhala Buddhists” in their sermons or speeches. This only projects a racial bias not found in the Buddha Dhamma. In fact, The Buddha was not a Sinhalese, and there are more non-Sinhala Buddhists in the world than Sinhala Buddhists. Racial bias should not be linked to religion.
4. To refrain from linking religion with business. Deities and gods not related to Buddhist philosophy are being used for income-generating purposes. The Buddha Dhamma does not refer to gods or deities as saviours. The Buddha preached the eight cosmic principles of Gain and Loss, Prosperity and Adversity, Blame and Praise, Happiness and Misery as the ruling conditions of life. Each individual’s experience falls within these categories; each individual enjoys the rewards of his good deeds and suffers for his evil actions. Neither gods nor deities can change that or come to your aid. The Maha Sangha should educate misguided Buddhists who seek help from the “gods”.
5. To do away with the Nikaya Divisions, some of which are based on caste and go against the tenets of Buddhism. The Maha Sangha should be united under one Sect, as in the reign of Parakramabahu the Great. We should have only one Sangha Nayake.
6. To establish Buddhist universities exclusively for the Bhikkhus. These universities should promote only those subjects that are necessary for the teaching of Buddhism and for Buddhist missionary work; they should not teach job-oriented, career-related subjects and courses. The study of other religions that assist in missionary work should be facilitated. The Buddhist clergy should be barred from studying at lay universities.
7. To ensure that Bhikkhus do not appear in open court wearing the Cheevaraya, either as plaintiffs or defendants, or to give evidence. If a Bhikkhu is being tried in court as a suspect, that case should be examined by an Adhikarana Sangha Sabha, with the assistance of law enforcement officers. Should a prima facie case be established, such a Bhikkhu should be disrobed and made to dress as a civilian when facing a court of law. Such measures would instil a sense of strict discipline among Bhikkhus.
8. To engage in teaching the Buddha Dhamma and participate in social service activities, especially at the village level, as was done in the good old days. Bhikkus should help Buddhists in need and help prevent unethical conversions.
Upali Jayasekera,
Colombo
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