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A society or nation that follows the
Buddhist Principle of the Three Harmonies as explained earlier,
will be inclined to progress towards a nation of common
principles. Internationally, no nation would interfere with other
nations. Based on the progress arising from the principle of
egalitarianism, and the spirit of peace, the limit and boundaries
of each nation become less strict, the unification of nations and
the non-interference between nations become a reality. A peaceful
world of common principles and freedom becomes a reality without
the need for wars on this very pure land that is inhabited by
humans. Here, there is true equality, freedom and democracy. This
is the real attainment of true harmonious-and-equitable peace.
5. Emphasis on
Internal Causes and Peace within Our Minds
External conditions and internal causes
within our minds are closely inter-related. For example when
disputes arising from external conditions are gradually resolved
peacefully, then internal causes - biased perception arising from
thoughts, the pride arising from authority, and the greed arising
from economic matters - will be subdued and gradually dissipate.
For the same reason, a nation in which the politics is honest and
liberal, the ethics and morality of its citizen will be high
regardless of whether any specific education was instilled or not.
At the same time, people who strive for peace can cultivate their
body and mind: by cultivating wisdom to overcome their biased
views, acquiring compassion to overcome their hatred and pride,
and upholding the precepts and concentration to overcome their
greed and desires. By conducting themselves as role models as they
work towards universal peace, the effect would be even more
cogent, and it would be easier to achieve their goal.
Thus, politics is not entirely ethical
or unethical, because these have a mutual inter-relationship.
Previously, it was put forward that the attainment of world peace
relies primarily on the external conditions. However, this is not
to say peace within the mind is not necessary but that it is of
the next level of importance. If society, which is complex in its
human relationships, is unfair and in disharmony, it is impossible
for everyone in the society to attain peacefulness of mind within
themselves.
Conversely, if only a minority group
can achieve peace within their minds, this does not cause any
definite effect on the peace enjoyed by the wider community. Thus,
to have world peace, importance must be placed on external
conditions, which must have its basis on egalitarian principles
and the spirit of harmony and unity. Through innovations in the
legal system (politics), peace can then be realized.
Those who recognize the importance of internal causes in achieving
peace within our mind, will place emphases on the purification of
the body and mind. One who truly attains inner peace will reveal
this through their peaceful way of life. Although our society may
be disharmonious and unequatable, or is extremely unpeaceful, it
does not obstruct the realization of peace within our own minds.
This is because everyone has their own personality that is
integrated and consistent within themselves. This is revealed
through one's activities and actions.
In Buddhism, the Noble Ones in the
three vehicles, all work towards gaining Nirvana and liberation.
Liberation is to be free from anguish and sufferings and allows
the achievement of being totally carefree and without any
restraints. In Sanskrit Nirvana means 'extinction.' It can have
further meanings such as 'stop,' 'rest,' 'disappearance,' 'tranquility,' 'cessation,' and 'calmness.' Nirvana is used to
describe the mind and the absolute truth. Which is, when the mind
is of the utmost purity, it has fundamental equanimity and
ultimate peace.
All defilements arise because our
understanding, rationality and emotions are biased; they lack
completeness and total integration, and are in opposition and
self-contradictory. The anxiety in our mind is like the waves in
the sea, always mutually interacting, pushing and swaying; there
is never harmony or calmness. The revelation and origination of
defilements in our mind, is like the surging waves of the water in
the sea.
Thus, by purifying the mind and
eliminating our defilements, we will naturally realize Nirvana - state where the mind is at peace, liberated and is totally
carefree. This internal peace achieved within our minds, is the
ultimate and most thorough. By understanding the truth about human
existence, one can completely conquer stupidity and ignorance
through the realization of emptiness and that there is in fact no
ego-nature. Once we have eliminated the root source of defilement,
which gives rise to egoism, then, pride, greed, obstinate views
and the like, all of which arose from ego, will cease to exist.
Such internal peace of the mind is referred to as 'without
conflicts and arguments.' This is the goal which Buddhist
disciples strive for in their cultivation. A person who has
internal peace and is carefree will always reveal it through their
physical and mental activities and in the way they treat people
and deal with worldly matters. They will never go against the true
spirit of worldly peace. The strongest evidence to support this is
in the true peace that prevails in the Sangha community that was
set up by Buddha.
( to be continued... )
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