League of Buddhist Nations – An idea whose time has come
Posted on December 1st, 2011
By Senaka Weeraratna
Today, Buddhism has a greater appeal in the West due to an increasing number of people in these countries showing a preference for a philosophy and ethical system that places a high emphasis on peace, non ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” violence and compassion towards all sentient beings. This is theƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ way forward in the dissemination and practice of Buddhism throughout the world.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
In Asia, it is feasible for countries with pre-dominant Buddhist populations to consider developing closer ties with each other in the spheres of economic, cultural, and trade and investment. Further we see at the international level a large number of countries forming alliances or groups on the basis of regional proximity, common cultural heritage or common religion. In this context it is worthwhile to consider the formation of a ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”Block of Buddhist NationsƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ in the international arena which is not confined purely to celebrate the International Day of Vesak or such similar occasions. It should be more than a loose knit group meeting purely for fellowship on festive occasions. This group needs to be concretised to enable, say, a ‘League of Buddhist Nations’ to surface and thereafterƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ to act collectively as and when required to influence global deliberations and decision making at various international councils and fora with Buddhist terms of reference and thinking.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
During the last five hundred years or so, since the beginning of the western colonial era, the governance and steering of world happenings was very much in the hands of powerful euro-centric western nations using their mono religio- cultural framework as terms of reference in policy making. That era is now coming to a close. The rise of Asia is the buzz word today. The economic resurgence of China and India will also witness the growth in the global influence of Sino ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” Indic civilizations. Buddhism is well – integrated and deep seated in both the Chinese and Indian cultures.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
The year of commemoration of the 2600th anniversary of the BuddhaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s enlightenment (Sri Sambuddathwa Jayanthi) is an appropriate time to give careful thought to this idea of the formation of a League of Buddhist Nations in the international arena. As at the UN on theƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ International Day of Vesak (May 16, 2011), Sri Lanka may well take the initiative in this regard.
December 1st, 2011 at 2:37 pm
We extend to the International Buddhist Confederation our very best wishes. It is wise to form such an organisation in times such as the present. Apart from the sense of Unity & Sharing of Knowledge, and offering of other wonderful services such a Buddhist Organisation will give to Buddhists all over the world, they could also gently deter the use of the Buddha image in advertisements (except in tourism), and commercial products. I was appalled to see the Chinese inspired Laughing Buddha on a porcelain butter dish (advertised in a catalog).
December 1st, 2011 at 5:54 pm
From the little I read from this write-up, I gather that the proposed League of Buddhist Nations expected to be different from the other Buddhist organisations such as World Fellowship of Buddhists. All the existing Buddhist organisations are too peaceful and non-violent to be noticed by the world. This doesn’t mean it is necessary for LBN to be aggressive. These existing Buddhist organisations are too mild and helpless in the face of more confrontational and militant religions constantly encroaching on the freedom of worship of the neglected nations. An organisation which is on constant watch and able to galvanise the Buddhist world at short notice, is an overdue necessasity. What is happening today in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, in addition to aggressive proselytising taking place in some Buddhist countries needs immediate actions.
December 1st, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Good idea, but success in doubt.
December 1st, 2011 at 8:07 pm
I was appalled to see the Chinese inspired Laughing Buddha
FRAN DIAZ: IF you know the symbolism in that, you would not say it.
December 1st, 2011 at 8:12 pm
No India centred Buddhist organisation should be allowed to manipulate Buddhist nations.
Buddhist organisations must be in Buddhist majority nations.
India has a history of manipulating Dalali Lama and other Tibetan Buddhists for POLITCAL trash.
e.g. IPL where the venerable monk was invited to create a rift.
Now India is playing that game again.
Buddhist nations also need to look at DEFENCE cooperation among them.
December 1st, 2011 at 9:30 pm
Sri Lankan international buddhist connections were prime in the late 19th and early 20th century under the guidance of Bulathgama Dhammananda Thero and Hikkaduwe Sumangala Thero ably supported by very intellectual layman. Shaku Soen the Japanese priest who took Zen Buddhism to america studied in Galle in 1883 and so was the first Japanese thervada priest Kozen Goneratne thero . There was closeConnections with Burma, Thailand and Cambodia also .These connections were temple to temple. It is a disgrace to note that those connections never prospered after independence partly due to politicisation of the buddhist priests who found politics better than serving buddhism. It is great that a finally an attempt is made to unite Buddhist countries but it is sad that it is not a people to people connection as it was before. lets hope that it will be in the future.
December 1st, 2011 at 9:52 pm
are they not inventing the wheel again? there is the WFB and they let it go and become idle most of the time! now india which has only a small number of Buddhist but a great political appetide is going to be the centre of this Buddhist World organisation? is that because they are so much in want for a Buddhist Unity? I dont think so! might it be that this way they can controle the Buddhist activities of real Buddhist countries and/or manipulate this?
all this Great Heads of Buddhism and so called Buddhist Leaders are now at once willing to unite? i dont think so!!!!
maybe its just big heads who see another way to have nice trips and collect money? I’m afraid that the people and monks who are in the field will (again) not see anything comming from this. I hope I’m wrong but we will see! In any case they will have a nice trip every year, love each other to dead and …. do nothing! the same as with the inter reli dialoge’s.
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:12 am
It is good to have links with Asian nations, to develop culrural and other links that would benefit all. I am not sure if dragging religion is a good idea. Lorenzo has made a good point on defence. I would like to expand on defence.
Ancient Buddhist countries could not defend themselves as they were too passive, brain washed by Buddhism. Buddhists in the silk route were wiped out by Muslims. Others such as Malaysia were invaded by Tamils. Yet others such as Vietnam, Cambodia and even China were invaded by European invaders and these Buddhist countrits could not defend themselves. Both China and India made tremondoes progress in many fields since dumping religion.
We need to learn lessons and keep well away from religion, specially Buddhism, as it is too passive. If we do not learn lessons and go back to being Buddhist, we will end up being poorest of the poor as in Lanka, and end up being targets of foreign invaders.
Religion clouds thinking and to follow Buddhism may be too dangerous in todays highly competitive world. Better to keep religion as a thing of the past.
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:21 am
I agree wit Devemitta – Indians are not interested in Buddhism, they want to use religion to control others. I have a feeling others will notice it. Even in Sri Lanka, Buddhist organisations are not organised and effective as Christian organisations.
December 2nd, 2011 at 5:08 am
Getting together for Defence is a good idea, but that should be done through SAARC, shouldn’t it ?
We hope that the new Buddhist organisation would start up Buddhist Hostels for Youth all over the world.
Ben : what you say is true re the Christian organisations. They are more effective. But, let’s not start competing here. We can do much work in co-operation rather than competing here. Religious organisations should not operate in the usual profiteering manner, but more to provide an honest and simple service to humanity.
Anud: if you mean that the butterdish symbol is used as a phallic symbol, it makes matters even worse, doesn’t it ? Such a thought had not crossed my mind …..
Most religions in the world today do not follow the true teachings of the Master/Guru. The teachings have got lost in wars and greed & fear …. sad, indeed.
December 3rd, 2011 at 5:16 am
World Muslim Congress – a type of organization to unite Muslims world over did not achieve its goal to unite Muslims under one umbrella. Similarly there are such organizations and League in all religions to establish unity within their religions. But not achieved. Why? As God is one, unity also lies under one hand appointed by Him. This is the way the system of spiritual leadership is established. History of religions prove this fact. Muslims were united during the time of Prophet Muhmmad (PBUH) and even after his demise, the system of Caliphate (Khalifa) established to unite Muslims. But this system of Caliphate only lasted 30 years. Hazrat Ali was the last one. After that, this blessing was taken out from the Muslims. But as Promised by Allah in the Holy Qur’an (24: 56), this system of Sp ritual Leadership once again established and still existing to unite mankind. That is Ahmadiyya Khilafat – One Leadership – One Nation.
December 3rd, 2011 at 7:32 am
India in charge of the Buddhist world is like putting a tiger in charge of antelopes! India is not a predominantly Buddhist country and will always try and undermine genuine Buddhism. India is a predominantly Hindu country and North India has an overwhelming Moghul undercurrent to their culture. Hinduism may at times be all things to everybody but militant Hinduism is incompatible with Buddhism. You are seeing that same theme played out in the clash between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan unitary state. Indians believe in loyalty to caste, tribe and language above any other loyalty – each group knowing their separate place, untouchables know their untouchability, Brahmins know they are on top etc, each group perpetually separate and following their own station in life or destiny. Thats why India always lecture to Sri Lanka to follow the Indian model on everything from federalism to economics. India wants to impose their model on Sri Lanka. Buddhism is more tolerant of fluid, malleable identities, unity and cultural assimmilation. Owing to a Buddhist heritage, Sri Lanka has more in common with the cultures and lifestyles of Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Nepal and even Indonesia and Malaysia (because of past Buddhist heritage) than with India! These countries should all unite and form as defence treaty and be aware that India is indeed the “sick man of Asia”.
December 3rd, 2011 at 9:58 pm
A question arises as to how motivated are the Buddhist public regard to the protection of Buddhism against visible and invisible foes. Unlike many other religions the Buddhism is not an organized religion, organized in the sense of a football club. Buddhism does not insist on any kind of membership or loyalty from its followers. There are no any visible signs or ceremonial initiation to identify a Buddhist. In such a framework a dedicated LBN is vital for the propagation of Buddhism. The Sinhala Buddhist priests gave such a leadership in the past to this day, amidst malicious criticism from vicious external forces.
With regard to the Indian participation in the proposed League, it should not have elevated position if were to become a member. But as a powerful Hindu nation along with Nepal, we cannot ignore India if she is interested, for the simple reason that the Hinduism too under attack as much as the Buddhism. The Buddhists can trust the Hindus as the past history bear witness. There are much similarities between the Buddhism and Hinduism. If there were any conflicts it was of academic nature. Hinduism is not a religion that makes wars or spent money on converting others.
The Hindus are already very much organized against these intruders. By collaborating with the Hindus the League can hugely benefit.
December 5th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
wfernando : The trouble with the ‘Hindu image’ is its attendant Caste System. Those who suffer under the Caste System are running away from the Caste System, not the rest of the Hindu religion.
December 5th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
What I suggested in my write up was collaborating with Hindus, as Buddhists and Hindus lived together more than two millennia in many parts of Asia without major conflicts. If there were any armed conflicts it was not religious. I did not suggest we become Hindus.
As for caste problem this types of social discriminations are there even today in all countries and in all societies. Out of these social discriminations racial discriminations are the worst which is rampant in all Western countries.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:58 am
Caste discrimination stemming, unfortunately, from the Hindu religion itself through the 3,000 yr old Laws of Manu, cannot be easily dismissed as other types of discrimination such as the Black/White divide in America which had its roots in slavery and not through any religion. When religion espouses division, it is sad indeed and intractable. It is heartening to note that Caste discrimination in India is receding in modern times, but the sting remains in India with vestiges of it in Sri Lanka within the Tamil community. The ltte itself started in the north of Lanka to stop caste discrimination, and took on wider goals later.
Secondly, Hinduism has a pantheon of gods & godesses, which detracts from the Core Teachings of Hinduism. The Core Teachings of Hinduism which are the Four Great Yogas (Bhakthi, Kriya, Gnana & Raj Yoga (Meditation, or knowledge of the Self/Godhead/Truth within through Meditation). The Core Teachings of the Hindu religion and the Core Teachings of Buddhism have a great deal of common ground. That is the part that should be emphasized. We are in agreement that collaboration is more than possible within the Core Teachings of both religions.
December 7th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
Originally the 4 different social strata were termed as ‘varnas’ or 4 colors. It can be surmised that these differences originated in the Vedic period as some kind of racial differences according to their physical appearences. Indians are aware of these differencs that it is a big stumbling block in the indian progress. One day they are bound to fade.
In a different level white supremacy is an undeclared reality among majority whites. There are no signs of it fading in the near future.
The most importent core teaching in Buddhism is the rejection of a creater god. On this fact Buddhism stand alone. If there is any religion similar to Buddhism is its contemporary, Janism.
In spite that there are many cultural bondage between Hindus and Buddhists and minority Jains.