World of Philosophy

Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan

Page 999

welfare and security of all, including animals, caring for environment, the relation between economic justice and social stability, a consideration of internal and external notions of peace, the importance of meditation for peaceful resolutions of disputes and hostilities and so on are found in very old Buddhist literature. The fact that all these problems received the attention of the Buddha suggests that they are not as contemporary or as modern as we might otherwise think.
The Buddha was deeply moved by inhumanities and political oppressions in his life time. The concept of good government aroused great concerns in him. Hence, he introduced the notion of
'Dasharajadharma' - ten duties of King, which are as valid and relevant today as they were 2500 years ago.
The Buddhism has the potential to penetrate deeply to the very roots of the problem and to find lasting solutions rather than merely treat superficial symptoms and single issues. Buddhism tells that self-centered desire [ trashna), selfish craving is the root cause of all problems of today's society. This root cause lies in the individual human hearts. Some times we project the evil outwords and lay the blame on other people and groups. But in reality, it is our personal greed, hatred and delusion collectivized and amplified on a mass scale that cause our planet's grave problems. Buddhism tells that through awarness and understanding, by loving kindness, compassion, non-violence, selfless service and sympathetic joy, we can remove present day evils of human society. Mettasutta of Buddhism gives important message for peace :
" May all beings be happy and secure,
May their hearts be wholesome, Whatever living beings there may be,
Feeble or strong, tall or medium, Short, small or large, without exception, Seen or unseen, those dwelling far and near, Those who are born or who are to be born, May all beings happy"
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