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Individual and society
21
had the wisdom to live and let live. By feeding the dog from his plate he showed that it is always possible to look after one's own needs as well as those of others. In this manner he was able to win the trust of his opponent, in this case, the dog. With his extra resources, he would extend help to others. Such an attitude is much needed in life. He who uses his wisdom in crisis takes care of himself as well as others. Such a man can be trusted with great responsibilities. Therefore the king appointed his third son as his successor, and rightly so, don't you think?
The idea behind Ācārya Sanghadāsa Gani's analogy is that communities and nations can evolve with those leaders who establish an ideal by their wise distribution of resources. The heart that has reached complete selflessness in its love for others has not only gained immense joy, but has attained immortality You will find that the moments of utmost happiness in your life have always been those in which you uttered a word or performed an act of compassion or selfless love.
If you introspect, you will realize that the pain caused by natural calamities in the world is much less than the pain caused by fellow beings. Nature is bountiful and gives us happiness in abundance. If only we would stop hurting our fellow human beings by our ruthless and insensitive actions, this world which seems like a living hell can indeed become a heaven on earth!
One who does not kill nor asks another to kill, one who does not defeat another nor instigates others to do so, such a man befriends all. None are in conflict with him.2
The Taoist religious leader Laotse spreads the message of peace thus stating, “Others will behave with you as you behave with them."
Confucius propogated the ancient religion of China with the message, "Do not do unto others what you dislike for yourself.”
So, which is the religion that advocates killing, slaughter or
yo na hanti na dhāveti, na jinăti na jāyate mittam so savva bhūtesu veram tassa na kenacit -- Itivuttaka pru 0.20
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