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Vishudhananda Mahathera from Pakistan
consciousness be ultimately aroused. There will be then no hankering for encroachment upon other man's property and conquest of one nation by another will be a talk of the past.
To Buddha, the gospel of Ahimsa was not a mere theory, but a positive guide to action. The contemporary history of Buddha's time shows us how he resolved many conflicts which showed signs of brewing out. For he said, --Enmity cannot be overcome by enmity, but by love. He ended the serious conflict and feud between two clans the Sakiyas and Koliyas by driving home to them the efficacy of Non-Violence. Similarly, once king Ajatsatru in a frantic desire to attack the Vajjis, sent his minister Sunidhavassa kara to Buddha to seek his advice on the matter. Buddha cited seven invincible qualities in the Vajjis accruing from their fidelity to non-violence for which they he argued, would remain unvanquished from whatever quarter the attack may come. These seven qualities are, (i) Collective decision in public meeting, (ii) unshakable unity in fortune and fortitude, (111) their decision not to introduce any new system nor to disturb the earlier one, (iv) respect for elders, (v) respect for women and (vi) Preservation of temples and ancient heritage and (vii) their veneration for saints. Ajatsatru was taken aback at this and gave up his idea of conquering the Vajjis. The famous story illustrates Buddha's practical insight into things, his realistic approach and his emphasis on Ahimsa which results in certain positive human virtues. The concept of Ahimsa therefore, finds a creative connotation and an immensely practical bearing in Buddha. Many were other great religious leaders and men of thought like Mahavir, Mohammed, Jesus, Nanak, Kabir and chaitanya, who, time and again, preached the message of Peace and Love in different periods of history.
Later in our present era, Non-Violence was sought to be advocated by great persons like Mahatma Gandhi and Tolstoy, perhaps because the appeal of Ahimsa is eternal.
Hence while today this Conference meets with a view to taking united stand by all religions to inculcate the values of Non-Viole it behoves us first to remember Buddha the originator of this concept who thus left the humanity a rich heritage.
A great son of the sub-continent of Indo-Pakistan where every atom of its soil is hallowed with his sacred lustre ; once Buddha immensely moulded the religion, philosophy and culture of this subcontinent and the art, architecture and painting bore the dynamic imprint of that imperishable culture which Buddhism inspired. This message was carried afar and its lustre still exists brightly in Japan,
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Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
