{"id":153593,"date":"2025-12-09T16:43:05","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T23:43:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/?p=153593"},"modified":"2025-12-09T16:43:05","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T23:43:05","slug":"what-sri-lankas-landslides-cyclones-teach-a-buddhist-view","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/2025\/12\/09\/what-sri-lankas-landslides-cyclones-teach-a-buddhist-view\/","title":{"rendered":"What Sri Lanka\u2019s landslides & cyclones teach \u2014 A Buddhist view"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shenali D Waduge<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Sri Lanka is in shock. Never before in our history has all 25 districts been affected at once. We are in national mourning. The resilience of our people has been unwavering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a nation we have endured 17 South Indian invasions, 3 colonial illegal occupations. 2 armed insurgencies, 3 decades of LTTE terror, a single incident of Islamic terror, a devastating tsunami in 2004 covid, violent regime change and now cyclone Ditwah. Our strength to withstand and rise is guided by the Dhamma, a civilization that was built on compassion, wisdom and balance with nature. That spiritual resilience is within us. This is our cultural inheritance that shields us during times of suffering. This spirit carries the nation forward. Our resilience is not new, it is ancestral. Buddhas\u2019s values have guided us over 2500 years \u2013 this spiritual foundation is the target. To break the spiritual foundation is the aim for a nation broken of its foundation is a nation easy to prey on. This is what we must contemplate on. As a Buddhist majority nation, where the foundation of society & life is based on Buddhist principles, there is a lesson for every citizen. There is much to introspect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Buddha taught that everything in this world arises from causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we cut the forests, loosen the soil, build on steep slopes, and ignore the advice of nature, the earth simply responds to the causes we have created.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who enabled illegal construction \u2014 whether through bribes, negligence, or silence \u2014 must reflect deeply on the suffering caused and their role in it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Nature follows Causes and Conditions  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Buddhism, nothing happens without causes.
A landslide is not bad luck.\u201d A cyclone is not punishment.\u201d
They arise from interdependent causes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Deforestation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Greed-driven land misuse<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Building on dangerous slopes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Ignoring environmental balance<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Extreme weather patterns intensified by human actions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is our Lesson:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If we disturb nature out of greed or ignorance, nature responds according to the causes created.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From understanding causes, we then turn to our duties as individuals and leaders<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Human Duty (Kamma of Responsibility), Not Blame<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Buddha taught that wise action reduces suffering.
In the Cakkavatti S\u012bhan\u0101da Sutta<\/em>, rulers and communities are advised to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Protect the vulnerable<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Ensure right livelihood<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Care for land, forests, water<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Maintain social and environmental harmony<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why all rulers must be dharmishta. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lesson:<\/strong>
When we neglect our duties\u2014to the land, to forests, to each other\u2014suffering arises.
When we fulfill them, harmony returns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have the answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Respect for the Environment is Respect for Life<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In many J\u0101taka stories, animals, forests, and mountains are treated as living systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our ancient Sihale kings did just that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teach children to respect the environment<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Protect the Environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Environment Protects all Beings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Ruru J\u0101taka:<\/strong> compassion toward beings in danger from floods<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Nigrodha J\u0101taka:<\/strong> importance of trees and forest life<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Sasa J\u0101taka:<\/strong> selflessness during natural hardship<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruru J\u0101taka 482 (The Deer King Story) \u2013 Lesson for Disaster Preparedness<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buddha was born as a compassionate deer who saved a drowning man after a sudden flood. Later, the man betrays the deer by revealing his location to the king, hoping for a reward. But when the king finally meets the Deer King, he is moved by the deer\u2019s compassion and vows to protect the forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does this teach us?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.    Nature can change suddenly.<\/strong>
Just like the sudden flood in the story, landslides and cyclones can occur without warning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.    Compassion must guide action.<\/strong>
The Deer King risked his life to save another.
Communities must help one another in times of disaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.    Protecting the environment protects us.<\/strong>
The king understood that the forest was precious and promised to safeguard it.
Reforestation and environmental care reduce future disasters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The solution going forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.    Wisdom over greed.<\/strong>
The man\u2019s betrayal caused suffering for himself.
Greed-driven decisions \u2014 illegal logging, unsafe construction \u2014 lead to disaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.    Safety comes from right action (Kusala Kamma).<\/strong>
Planning, respecting nature, and listening to warnings ensure long-term protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How this J\u0101taka applies to Sri Lanka today<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Restore the forests that stabilize hills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Ensure honest, compassionate leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Teach children environmental respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Build only in safe, geologically approved lands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Support neighbours generously during emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just as the Deer King won protection for the forest,
Sri Lanka must make strong decisions today in keeping with our culture and not based on foreign templates.
Sri Lanka must protect her people tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lesson:<\/strong>
Destroying forests destroys the protection that nature gives us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Landslides remind us that cutting trees is cutting our own safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How many hotels, villas have been built illegally with municipality permission based on bribes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though spoken thousands of years ago, the J\u0101taka wisdom fits our modern crises exactly, reminding us that environmental harmony was a Buddha-era teaching<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.Impermanence (Anicca) \u2014 Everything can change in an instant \u2013 Nothing is permanent<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cyclones and landslides show that conditions can collapse suddenly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothing can be taken for granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No one can be taken for granted too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


The Buddha repeatedly reminded disciples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Mountains can crumble<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Rivers can overflow<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Life changes in a moment<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lesson:<\/strong>
We should live mindfully, prepared, and with humility.
We must build not only houses, but resilience. Many Sri Lankans have this and have shown this by their good deeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When leaders or citizens believe they can overpower nature, they forget the reality of Anicca.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Compassion (Karun\u0101) in Times of Suffering<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When disaster strikes, the Buddhist response is immediate compassion:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Share food \u2013 even when they do not have to feed themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Help the displaced \u2013 even when their dwellings are falling apart<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Offer safety to children and elderly \u2013 even when they too are vulnerable<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Support families who have lost homes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This aligns with the Metta Sutta<\/em>:
May all beings be safe. May all beings be protected.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lesson:<\/strong>
Disasters test a nation\u2019s collective compassion.
Our humanity becomes our greatest strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Wise use of Resources (Appam\u0101da \u2013 Diligence)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Buddha called carelessness the doorway to suffering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Building unsafe homes, ignoring warnings, or allowing illegal land use is a form of societal carelessness. Politicians and public servants have much to be held responsible for. Their conscience should prick them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lesson:<\/strong>
Appam\u0101da means being diligent:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Planning safe housing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Replanting trees<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Enforcing laws without corruption<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Preparing evacuation plans<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Educating communities<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diligence prevents suffering before<\/em> it arises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Unity during difficulty<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In disasters, divisions of race, religion, politics disappear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We saw this in practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even our foreign tourist friends joined in the rescue operations.
People help each other simply because they are human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This reflects the Buddha\u2019s teaching of  \u2014 unity, cooperation, and collective strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lesson:<\/strong>
Sri Lanka must rediscover unity not only during suffering, but before<\/em> suffering emerges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This unity must translate into policy, preparedness, and a shared commitment to protect all communities equally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What should we learn?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The landslide teaches us:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Do not disturb the earth beyond safe limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Restore forests that protect our slopes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Live with environmental mindfulness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cyclone teaches us:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Nature is powerful and constantly changing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Preparedness, humility, and compassion are necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both teach Sri Lanka:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Greed creates danger; wisdom creates safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Protecting nature is protecting ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Duties, not demands, keep a society safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Compassion must rise immediately in times of hardship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The recent landslides and cyclones remind us of a timeless truth taught by the Buddha:
<\/strong>When causes are unwise, the results bring suffering.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When causes are wise, the results bring safety.\u201d<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the<\/strong> <\/strong>Cakkavatti S\u012bhan\u0101da Sutta<\/strong><\/em>, rulers are called to uphold five duties:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.    Protect the vulnerable<\/strong> \u2014 the poor, farmers, mothers, children, and the elderly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.    Preserve the natural environment<\/strong> \u2014 forests, rivers, mountains, and wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.    Ensure righteous livelihoods<\/strong> \u2014 preventing illegal logging, unsafe construction, and corruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.    Act with compassion<\/strong> \u2014 respond quickly, with fairness and without discrimination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.    Be vigilant (Appam\u0101da)<\/strong> \u2014 because carelessness leads to the downfall of nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The landslide & cyclones are signals that our balance with nature has weakened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is now in the hands of the leaders to <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Reforest the hills \u2013 tea plantations were what the colonials enforced. How wise has this been for the environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Enforce land-use laws without fear or favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Relocate families from red zones with dignity & support \u2013 land belongs to no one but the soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Build homes according to geotechnical wisdom not political pressure or palming hands<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Restore the rivers & watersheds that sustain life \u2013 our ancient kings thought & acted wisely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A leader\u2019s greatness is measured not by speeches or ceremonies, but by how many lives are protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leaders must act decisively. Buddha\u2019s Dasa Raja Dhamma reminds rulers that their duty is not merely administration but protection of life, justice and the environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decisions regarding reforestation, relocation, land-use must be taken without political gain or foreign influence. Good governance is not optional it is a sacred obligation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhist Leadership Framework<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Buddha taught that a ruler must embody the<\/strong> <\/strong>Dasa Raja Dhamma<\/strong><\/em> <\/strong>\u2014 the Ten Duties of a Righteous Leader:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.<\/strong>    Dana<\/strong> <\/strong>\u2013 generosity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.<\/strong>    Sila<\/strong> <\/strong>\u2013 morality<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.<\/strong>    Pariccaga<\/strong> <\/strong>\u2013 self-sacrifice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.<\/strong>    Ajjava<\/strong> <\/strong>\u2013 honesty<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.<\/strong>    Maddava<\/strong> <\/strong>\u2013 gentleness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.<\/strong>    Tapa<\/strong> <\/strong>\u2013 self-discipline<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7.<\/strong>    Akkodha<\/strong> <\/strong>\u2013 non-anger<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

8.<\/strong>    Avihimsa<\/strong> <\/strong>\u2013 non-violence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

9.<\/strong>    Khanti<\/strong> <\/strong>\u2013 patience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

10.<\/strong> Avirodhana<\/strong> <\/strong>\u2013 upholding justice & harmony<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These ten qualities are not ornamental teachings from a distant past; they are practical, real-time obligations for rulers, especially in moments like this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When leaders embody them, a nation is protected; when they abandon them, a nation collapses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the Buddha highlighted the<\/strong> <\/strong>Five Qualities of Enlightened Leadership<\/strong>:
<\/strong>S\u012bla (ethical conduct),<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

D\u0101na (giving),<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pariccaga (renunciation),<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pa\u00f1\u00f1\u0101 (wisdom),<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avihi<\/strong>\u1e41<\/strong>s\u0101 (non-harm).<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These qualities are not philosophical ideals \u2014 they are actionable duties.
Sri Lanka\u2019s leaders must now embody them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural calamities are not merely weather events \u2014
<\/strong>they are reminders that when rulers abandon their duties and citizens forget their responsibilities, the balance between humans and nature breaks.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If leaders ignore this warning, disaster capitalism will exploit the suffering, and Sri Lanka will enter a cycle of irreversible decline \u2014 environmental, social, and moral.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A combination of these qualities and principles will put leaders back on track & safeguard the nation from further and future natural national calamities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No leader can escape the ancient texts and teachings. Leaders have national responsibilities. Human life, nature\u2019s sustenance must be placed above all political considerations before disaster capitalism leaders to new sets of irreversible calamities. Calamities which will have more adverse outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today\u2014not next month, not after inquiries\u2014leaders must make the decisions that protect human life, stabilize our environment, and restore Sri Lanka\u2019s long-lost ecological balance.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good governance is not optional.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


<\/strong>For a Buddhist nation, it is an obligation.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Leaders are custodians of the land, the people, the animals, and the future generations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conscience must be placed above convenience.<\/strong>
Wisdom above politics.<\/strong>
Protection of life above all else.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sri Lanka has always risen from hardship through compassion and wisdom.
With right action today, we can transform this suffering into the foundation of a safer, wiser, and spiritually stronger nation \u2014 for all living beings.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shenali D Waduge<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Shenali D Waduge Sri Lanka is in shock. Never before in our history has all 25 districts been affected at once. We are in national mourning. The resilience of our people has been unwavering.  As a nation we have endured 17 South Indian invasions, 3 colonial illegal occupations. 2 armed insurgencies, 3 decades of LTTE […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-153593","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-shenali-waduge"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/153593","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=153593"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/153593\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":153594,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/153593\/revisions\/153594"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=153593"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=153593"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=153593"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}