SEEDS OF PEACE Vol.27 No.3 Sept.-Dec. 2554 (2011)

The Future of : From Personal Awakening to Global Transformation Bodhgaya, October 26-29, 2011 SEEDS OF *

Editor & Publisher CONTENTS Sulak Sivaraksa www.sulak-sivaraksa.org www.sivaraksa.com 4 Editorial Notes Cover Medal of Niwano Peace Award Country Reports 6 Burma: “Don’t Dam Our Lives” Lay-out 6 ’s Assessment Calls for Burma’s Myitsone Dam to be Scrapped Song Sayam., Ltd. Tel. (662) 225-9533-5 7 Siam: Human Rights Watch Demands US Waterboarding in be Investigated Richard Ehrlich Published by 9 Siam: Second Open Letter to Princess Somsak Jeamteerasakul SEM 11 India: Who Pollutes: The Rich and Powerful or Poor and Powerless? Vandana Shiva Tel. & Fax: (662) 314-7385-6 & 13 : Murdochian Democracy? John Berthelsen TICD Tel. (662) 438-9331-2 INEB Fax: (662) 860-1277 15 Letter from the Secretariat Office & 16 Samdhong Interview Hozan Alan Senauke INEB Tel. (662) 860-2194 19 Letter from Cadzand on Socially email: [email protected] 20 Engaged the World through Buddhism Matteo Pistono www.inebnetwork.org 21 The Future of Buddhism: From Personal Awakening Distributed by to Global Transformation Hans van Willenswaard Suksit Siam 23 A Futuristic Priest Whose Time Has Arrived: 113-115 Fuangnakhorn Rd. Rev. Hidehito Okochi Jonathan Watts 10200 26 A Conversation with the Dalai Melissa Mathison Tel.(662)2259536-40 Fax: (662) 222-5188 email: [email protected] Sulak Sivaraksa 32 Why the 28th Niwano Peace Prize is Being Awarded to Baht 100 per issue suggested annual Mr. Sulak Sivaraksa Katherine Marshall subscription US$ 50 33 Twenty-Eighth Niwano Peace Prize Presentation Ceremony Address Nichiko Niwano Payment info 35 Commemorative Address at the Niwano Peace Ceremony Please send a cheque payable to 38 Lese Majeste -Anchalee Karutach 1795 O’Farrell St. Apt. 101, Articles San Francisco, CA 94115, 41 Traditional Village as Eco-village Jane Rasbash USA for US$ -Mingmanas Sivaraksa 43 Is the Military Really Protecting Our Monarchy? Jon Ungphakorn 127 Soi Santipap, Nares Road, 44 Uthai Thani Peter Janssen Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Siam for £ -Hans van Willenswaard Obituaries 77,79 Fuang Nakorn Rd, 46 Dr. Sem Pringpuangkaew Rajabopit, Bangkok, 46 Closing Remarks on Sem Pringpuangkaew’s 100th Birthday Siam 10200 for Euro -Jill Jameson Anniversary Sulak Sivaraksa 6 Hamilton Road, Warrandyte, 47 Rev. Teruo Maruyama Jon Watts Victoria 3113, Australia 48 Roshan Dhunjibhoy Jane Rasbash for Australian dollars 49 Letters 55 Book Reviews 58 Recommended Readings * Rev. Nikkyo Niwano PEACE

Seeds of Peace is published thrice annually in January, May and September, in order to promote the aims and objectives of the Thai Inter-Religious Commission for Development (TICD) and the Spirit in Education Movement (SEM) as well as the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB). In order to subscribe a $50/year donation is suggested. Personal checks from the UK, US, and Euro are accepted. To contact Seeds of Peace: 666 Charoen-Nakorn Road 150th Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore Klongsan, Bangkok 10600, Siam Tel. (662) 860-2194 Born 7 May 1861 Fax: (662) 437-7201 Died 7 August 1941 (aged 80) email:[email protected] www.sulak-sivaraksa.org INEB 666 Charoen-Nakorn Road Klongsan, Bangkok 10600, Siam Tel. (662) 860-2194 email: [email protected] www.inebnetwork.org The goals of INEB are to: 1. Promote understanding and co-operation among Buddhist countries, different Buddhist sects, and socially conscious Buddhist groups. 2. Facilitate and carry out solutions to the many problems facing our communities, societies, and world. 3. Articulate the perspective of Engaged Bud- dhism regarding these problems and train Buddhist activists accordingly. 4. Serve as a clearing house of information on existing Engaged Buddhist groups. Schumacher the Visionary 5. Cooperate with activists from other E.F. Schumacher was born in Germany in 1911. He studied spiritual traditions. at New College, Oxford and became Economic Advisor to the National Coal Board from 1950 to 1970. He was the originator Spirit in Education Movement (SEM) of the concept of Intermediate Technology and was President of 29/15 Ramkhamhaeng 21 (Nawasee) The Soil Association. Ramkhamhaeng Road Wangthonglang, Bang Kapi Schumacher is still perhaps best known as the author of the Bangkok 10310, Siam new classic environmental book Small is Beautiful. He also Tel. (662) 314-7385-6 wrote the less well-known A Guide for the Perplexed. He was email: [email protected] awarded a CBE in 1974 and died in 1977. Editorial Notes

The International Network of Engaged Buddhists intend to hold our bi-annual conference on “The Future of Buddhism: From Personal Awakening to Global Transformation” at Buddhagaya, the place where the Buddha was fully enlightened 2600 years ago. The Indian government has also supported a Global Buddhist Congregation to be held in New Delhi at the end of the year to mark the 2600th anniversary of the Awakening of the Buddha. We hope that all Buddhists who can make themselves available in India on either occasion will take part in it. The future of the teachings of the Buddha is at stake. The major task ahead is to make them appropriate for humankind and all sentient beings at least for another 2400 years from now on. In a smaller time span, this year also marks the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore of India, whose life and work truly inspired many of us, who celebrated and shared his ideas and aspirations for harmony, wholeness and integrity. He dedicated his whole life to the cultivation of these ideas and dreams, especially through his poetry, plays, paintings and innovation in education. For Tagore, growth in science, technology, and material wellbeing should go hand in hand with spiritual growth. One without the other is like walking on one leg. Also, Tagore did not reject the West or industrial civilization per se. Rather he insisted that the West must also learn from the East. The East has so much wisdom to offer the West. This balanced and holistic worldview is needed now more than ever, as it is a prerequisite for a sustainable and resilient future for us and for coming generations. Pure reason and pure materialism are as doomed as the pursuit of purely personal salvation. The world view of Tagore is seeing the unity of reason and religion, spirit and matter, and letting them dance together. This is the big vision where science complements spirituality, art complements ecology, and freedom complements equality. For humanity, Tagore argued, the perfect relationship is one of love. He declared that this truth serves as the foundation of the teachings of the Buddha. According to him, we can only reach our freedom through cultivating mutual sympathy. To gain freedom we need to liberate ourselves from the fetters of self and from all those passions that tend to be exclusive. It is this liberating principle that we must apply to an imprisoned world. What we call ‘progress’ or ‘development’ does not necessary conform to this ideal. With purely material progress, the greed for things tends to become a passion, thereby promoting unbridled competition and confusion. A reign of ugliness spreads like a callus over the whole world. A mere addition to the height of skyscrapers or to the velocity of speed or the latest technological invention like nuclear power plants can lead only to a savage orgy of boasting and exaggeration, sometimes with very grave consequences. We are shocked to see in front of our own eyes our arrogance and the illusion that we can somehow control our Mother Earth. The Earth that creates the great Tsunami is the same Earth that has been giving everything to nurture us. We must re-instill the sense of awe that we might have been missing for a long time. We must meditate so that we can rediscover a way to reconnect ourselves to our Mother. At the same time we must also admit that we cannot turn back the time. We cannot escape into a pristine nature or “first” nature. We only have “second” nature before us and we must live sustainably in it. This is what we mean by reconnection to nature. We see clearly that we have been a part of this materialistic civilization and its violent system built upon our own greed, hatred and ignorance, or what Buddhists call the three root causes of suffering. Instead of accusing Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and the Japanese government — indeed most governments — we must realize that it is we who created this monster called TEPCO that has become powerful enough to control government, media and other big businesses. Yet many of us still remain content and hopeful for business as usual. The mass media is now busy orchestrating a cheerful chorus of ‘recovery’ and ‘reconstruction’. However, this is the time to be truly mindful (and not shocked) and engage in critical reflection. This is the kind of moment when we need to take a step back, talk more, and do less. More words, less action. This is the time for a major public debate. The question is what we are going to reconstruct? Reconstruction for whom? Who will gain from it? Who will bear the bulk of the burden? Does reconstruction mean more of the same things? Are we going to reconstruct the same kind of towns and villages that have been proven too many times in history to be so vulnerable? The centralized massive energy system that has made our democracy hollow and has made the rural communities and remote regions enslaved by the big cities, electric power companies and central government? Reconstruct the banks and walls to protect the 50 plus nuclear power reactors, and make the reactors themselves strong enough to beat the next challenges of earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, floods and landslides? Recover the once famous Japanese technology and the invincible “kamikaze spirit” that would make no more mistakes and neglects like the ones we witnessed this time? Reinvent the once miraculously growing economy that required us to endlessly consume, to

4 SEEDS OF PEACE build all those nuclear and other power stations, to destroy much of our once healthy ecosystems, and to sacrifice our rural communities and their beautiful landscapes? Prof. Keibo Oiwa who established Sloth Club with its motto ‘slow is beautiful’ — obviously he was inspired by E.F. Schumacher’s Small is Beautiful (we also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the author of this famous book to challenge the mainstream in )—tells me that he can already hear politicians in future elections talk loudly of those “reconstructions.” But then we will have to remember that we can never reconstruct the world without the horrifying amount of toxic nuclear waste which will be with us for thousands of years to come. Every step we made during the last several decades with more and more nuclear reactors was to make both the reconstruction of a healthy past and the construction of a healthy future harder and harder. Put another way, the reconstruction of a pre-3/11 world would mean extinguishing the remaining hope for a healthy, sustainable world. So let us say “No” to the “reconstruction” of our previous Japan and choose from the remaining possibilities. He can also hear clever people repeat the same old pre-3/11 stuff, saying that without giving an alternative, the argument against nuclear power is not persuasive. To this, he says he must repeat what the political scientist Douglas Lummis once said, the alternative to nuclear power is no nuclear power. Let us stop acting as if we still have a choice. We cannot afford another disaster, and that’s how disastrous our situation is. This is a new era that has started on the March 11th. This is the age of what the American Buddhist Joanna Macy called the “Great Turning,” that has been prepared for in many parts of the world. According to her, the Great Turning has been occurring on three simultaneous levels; environmental movements, anti-globalization and re-localization activism, and personal, spiritual awakening. Let us, too, join in the creative process with the new vision given by the 3/11. Of course, there are not too many reasons to be optimistic. Even if we turn around and shut down all the nuclear plants today, we have to spend decades to make sure that all the reactors continue to be cooled, and many generations after us have to invent ways to deal with the enormous amount of toxic nuclear waste that is already here. So shall we continue our pursuit of wealth and luxury without turning around? Why not stopping later instead of now, if it’s too late anyway? Perhaps Tagore’s message may be relevant here. He said ‘the time has come for us to break open the treasure trove of our ancestor, and use it for our commerce of life. Let us, with its help, make our future our own, and not continue our existence as the eternal rag-pickers in other people’s dustbins’. Tagore reminds us that “Indian civilization has been distinctive in locating its source of regeneration material and intellectual, in the forest, not the city” Harmony in diversity is the nature of the forest, where monotonous sameness is the nature of industrialism based on a mechanical worldview. This is what Tagore saw as the difference between the West and India. The civilization of the West has in it the spirit of the machine which must move, and to that blind movement human lives are offered as fuel. The Buddha-to-be too left the city in order to search for the truth in the forest. And we believe that the Buddha has discovered the Four Noble Truth in the forest on the full moon of May 2600 years ago. Many of us in Asia embraced the teaching of the Buddha and we regarded ancient India as the source of wisdom and compassion. Recently however, most of us in Asia may still call ourselves Buddhists. But we blindly follow Western civilization, which is based on power and greed and the spirit of the machine worldwide. A civilization based on power and greed is a civilization based on violence. Tagore warned that ‘the people who have scarified their souls to the passion of profit making and the drunkenness of power are constantly pursued by phantoms of panic and suspicion, and therefore they are ruthless...They become morally incapable of allowing freedom to others.’ Tagore maintained that ‘real freedom is of the mind and spirit; it can never come to us from outside’. He only has freedom who ideally loves freedom himself and is glad to extend it to others...he who distrust freedom in others loses his moral right to it. Today the rule of money and greed dominates our society, economy and politics. The culture of conquest is invading our lands and forests through the mining of iron ore, bauxite and coal. Many forest areas, especially in South and South-east Asia have become war zones. And every defender of the rights of the forest and forest dwellers is being treated as a criminal. If we are to survive ecologically and politically, and if we want to stay democratic in its essence and if each citizen is to be guaranteed right livelihood, we need to give up the road to conquest and destruction and take the road of union and conservation, we need to cultivate peace and compassion instead of power and competition. We need to turn once again, to the forest as our perennial teacher of peace and freedom of unity and diversity. We need to take Tagore seriously and we need to take the Buddha and ancient India as great visionary of our survival, and the survival of our next seven generations who should enjoy peace and social justice and environmental balance.

Vol.27 No.3 5 Country Reports

Burma: “Don’t Dam Our Lives” Video Available Now

Burma Issue produced this This video was shot at Hatgyi, To view the full version of video in cooperation with Karen which is located on the banks of ‘Don’t Dam Our Lives’, as well River Watch to document the the Salween river in Karen State, as video highlights, or to find out effects of the Burmese govern- Burma, where local people pro- more information on the struggle ment’s development projects. tested against the construction of against the Burmese dictator- Many thousands of people have a dam which will destroy their ship, please visit been forcibly displaced and lives and peaceful coexistence www.burmaissues.org many more continue to suffer. with nature.

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ China: China’s Assessment Calls for Burma’s Myitsone Dam to be Scrapped

China Power Investment Cor- River by a series of dams will Although finished in late poration is forging ahead with have serious social and environ- 2009, the assessment has never its controversial Myitsone dam mental problems not only at been made public. in northern Burma despite its upstream of dams but also very “Chinese companies are own assessment calling for the far downstream to the coastal increasing their investments in project to be cancelled. area.” Burma yet they are not follow- The 945-page “environmen- Last month fighting broke ing their own standards” said Sai tal impact assessment,” fully out between the Kachin Inde- Sai, coordinator of the Burma funded by China’s CPI Corpora- pendence Organization and the Rivers Network. “While CPI tion and conducted by a team of Burma Army near China’s Da- Corporation is hiding its assess- Burmese and Chinese scientists, pein Dams, also in Burma’s ment from the people of Burma, recommends that the Irrawaddy northern Kachin State. An construction of the dams is Myitsone Dam not proceed. estimated 30,000 people have speeding ahead.” “There is no need for such a big been displaced. The study also recommends dam to be constructed at the Mega dams in Kachin State a full social impact assessment confluence of the Irrawaddy and Burma are deeply unpopular be conducted along the length of River” says the assessment. and numerous appeals to Chinese the whole river but this has not CPI is planning to build and companies and government to happened yet. operate seven mega dams on the stop the dams have gone unans- Irrawaddy and its tributaries. wered. CPI’s own assessment Contact: Sai Sai (+66) 884154386, According to the assessment the warned that “the majority of Ah Nan (+66) 848854154 dams will impact millions that local races oppose construction To read the full assessment please depend on the river and threaten of the dams” and called for visit www.burmariversnetwork.org biodiverse ecosystems: “The consultation with and consent of fragmentation of the Irrawaddy affected peoples.

6 SEEDS OF PEACE Country Reports

Siam: Human Rights Watch Demands US Waterboarding in Thailand be Investigated

The landslide election victory in the south of the country can ter Gross, agreed with his top of the and be laid directly at the door of aide’s 2005 decision to destroy ’s expected Thaksin, who told the military to videotapes of harsh interroga- installment asThailand’s first crack down on Muslim separatist tion in Thailand, according to female prime minister actually guerillas. internal CIA e-mails, AP re- bring to the surface a dark The US Central Intelligence ported in 2010. In 2003, shortly chapter in relations between Agency also established black after the waterboarding, then-US Washington, DC and Bangkok. operations where they secretly President George W. Bush vis- US President Barack Oba- waterboarded a suspected al- ited Bangkok, met Thaksin, and ma’s administration has spe- Qaeda facilitator, Abu Zubaydah upgraded the country to be an cifically outlawed torture and during 2002 while Thaksin was important non-NATO ally. waterboarding of terror su- prime minister, flying in two Today, Bush faces demands spects. But when Yingluck’s American psychologists named by New York-based Human brother was James Mitchell and Bruce Jessen Rights Watch for an investiga- running Thailand, he collabo- who helped create the CIA’s tion into torture and other viola- rated in what the Bush adminis- interrogation program. tions committed in Thailand and tration called America’s war on “The [CIA] agency believed elsewhere. On July 12 Human terror. tougher-than-usual tactics were Rights Watch presented a 107- Yingluck is the public, smil- necessary to squeeze informa- page report titled, “Getting ing face representing her self- tion from [Zubaydah], so Mit- Away with Torture: The Bush exiled, authoritarian brother, chell and Jessen flew to a secret Administration and Mistreat- whose previous controversial CIA prison in Thailand to over- ment of Detainees.” (http://www. relationship with Washington see Zubaydah’s interrogation,” hrw.org/node/100263) could provide important clues as the Associated Press reported The report’s mention of to how Yingluck’s new govern- in December 2010. The pair “countries where they were tor- ment could shape its political, waterboarded Zubaydah 83 tured” could bring a fresh focus financial and military policies times, according to previously on US activity in Thailand when concerning the US. released records and former Thaksin was prime minister. It is In the five years since the intelligence officials.” unclear, however, if that would coup, Bangkok and Washington The psychologists also wa- result in requests to Yingluck for have enjoyed good relations. But terboarded USS Cole bombing information or assistance for an when Thaksin was prime minis- plotter Abd al-Nashiri twice in investigation, or how she might ter, America’s national security Thailand, according to former respond amid efforts by her new was a major focus for Thailand. intelligence officials, AP re- administration to establish good Thaksin’s 2001-2006 admini- ported, although Thaksin and relations with Washington. stration coincided with the arri- other Thai political and military Bush and other US officials val of Americans who used officials consistently denied cited in the report have denied all cloaks, daggers and waterboard- knowledge of the CIA’s secret allegations of illegal activity and ing to expand the US war on ter- prison and waterboarding it is extremely doubtful that the rorism. Some critics believe the activity. Obama administration is going savage civil war that is going on The CIA’s former head, Por- to do anything about HRW’s

Vol.27 No.3 7 Country Reports charges. who travelled under the nom de winning elections. The Council of Europe’s guerre Hambali, two months “Having failed to provoke Parliamentary Assembly in a earlier in central Thailand. violence and disorder, my oppo- 2007 report titled “Secret Deten- Hambali was part of “a nents are now attempting various tions and Illegal Transfers of plan to have terrorist operatives extra-constitutional tactics to Detainees” to various countries, hijack an airplane, using shoe co-opt the will of the people,” called attention to allegations bombs to breach the cockpit Thaksin’s letter said. that Thai territory was used for door, and fly the plane into the Bush sent a noncommittal secret torture. tallest building on the west 138-word reply two weeks later “CIA sources indicated to coast” Bush said in 2006 refer- that said: “Free and open politi- us that Thailand was used be- ring to the 73-story US Bank cal systems can be unpredicta- cause of the ready availability of Tower in Los Angeles, Califor- ble.” the network of local knowledge, nia. In Thailand, Thaksin was and bilateral relationships, that Hambali has been caged in brought down by a combination dated back to the Vietnam War,” Guantanamo Bay for more than of royalists, the military, the said the report by the council’s seven years without trial. Bangkok elite and others partly Committee on Legal Affairs and Similarly, in 2002, a terrorist because of his awakening of the Human Rights. “One CIA source suspect from Yemen, Amin Al poor of Isaan, the rural northeast told us: ‘In Thailand, it was a Bakri, was seized in Thailand of the country, and partly because case of ‘you stick with what you and flown by the Americans to of growing unease over his know.’ However, since the alle- Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. apparent abandonment of demo- gations pertaining to Thailand Despite helping the US track cratic institutions and the perver- were not the direct focus of our and seize terrorist suspects, sion of them to his own purposes. inquiry, we did not elaborate Thaksin did not later receive Following the coup, Thaksin further on these references in our Washington’s assistance when was indicted and convicted of discussions. he needed it the most. During the charges that he did not pay taxes “The specific location of the former premier’s last months in on US$1.8 billion in profit his ‘black site’ in Thailand has been power, he pleaded with President family pocketed when they sold publicly alleged to be a facility Bush for help, apparently fear- their Shin Corp. telecommuni- in Udon Thani, near to the Udon ing the September 2006 coup cations empire in 2006 to the Royal Thai Air Force Base in that soon toppled him. Singapore government’s invest- the northeast of the country,” “There has been a threat to ment wing, Temasek Holdings. the Council of Europe said. “This democracy in Thailand since Today he remains a fugitive, base does have long-standing early this year,” Thaksin wrote based in Dubai, avoiding a two- connections to American defense Bush in a secretive 544-word year jail sentence for a separate and intelligence activities over- letter dated June 23, 2006, which deal in which his ex-wife pur- seas. During the Vietnam War, it became public three weeks later. chased real estate in Bangkok at served as both a deployment “Key democratic institutions, a deflated price while he was base for the US Air Force and such as elections, and the obser- prime minister. That exile is the Asian headquarters of the vance of constitutional limita- expected to end now that his CIA-linked aviation enterprise, tions on government, have been sister has led the Pheu Thai party Air America.” repeatedly undermined by inter- to victory. During Bush’s 2003 visit to ests that depend on creating (Richard S. Ehrlich is a Bangkok, he also praised Thak- chaos and mounting street Bangkok-based journalist. His sin for helping the CIA capture demonstrations in Bangkok, as a web page is http://www.asia- an alleged top Indonesian Islam- means to acquire political power correspondent.110mb.com) ist fighter, Riduan Isomuddin, that they cannot gain through

8 SEEDS OF PEACE Country Reports

Siam: Somsak’s Second Open Letter to Princess A question to Princess Chu- to practise His walking, sud- witnessing the “torching of our labhorn: Aren’t 91 deaths and denly deteriorated. He developed home”, or of some other pathol- 2000 casualties more distress- a fever and had to be put on a ogy. I therefore wish to refrain ing than the “torching of our drip. He was bedridden. The from making any direct state- home”? And why did you not Queen was terribly upset, and ment about the problem of the criticize the PAD? remarked that “when we [previ- King’s health, and I must con- As I have previously indi- ously] suffered the “torching of sider that this part of the account cated, the interview given by our home”, it was when Ayuttha- given by Your Highness con- Your Royal Highness Princess ya fell to the Burmese...but this stitutes Your Highness’s own Walailak on the time is even more distressing political interpretation, or an “Woody Koet Ma Khui” show because it is Thais themselves expression of Your Highness’s took place in an “unfair” context, torching Thailand.” own political view. To put it because although Your Highness First of all, we see that simply, Your Highness per- is not protected by the “lèse although you claim not to be sonally is of the view that the majesté” law, you allude to the “someone who gets involved in “torching of our home” caused King and Queen, who are cov- politics”, this part of the inter- the King to “deteriorate” to the ered by the law; and also because view has an obvious and highly point that He “developed a fever Thai society is, in practice, sub- political character (in fact, if and had to be put on a drip”, and ject to a system of one-sided speaking of “politics” in the was “bedridden”. public relations and inculcation broad sense generally accepted In the case of the Queen, it is on royal-related matters, ren- in academic circles today, the believable enough that Her Maj- dering it extremely difficult to whole interview is without a esty genuinely was “upset” and criticize any royal (which is doubt intrinsically “political”.) did compare last year’s “torch- extremely unfair). To reiterate, giving such a poli- ing of our home” with “the fall of However, in some sections tical interview or making such Ayutthaya”, as per the account of the interview just aired on political remarks in today’s given by Your Highness, because Sunday night (3 April 2011) you legal and social setting is en- we have other circumstantial touched on points of significance tirely “unfair”. Which newspa- evidence of support from Her to current Thai politics in a man- per or TV station would dare of- Majesty for critics of the Red ner that would, in my view, only fer a dissenting view — whether Shirt rallies. Refer to the image exacerbate pre-existing injus- those of its own or by circulating below, showing a letter [from tices if not countered with criti- such views — regardless of Her Majesty] to Napas Na Pom- cism and argument. I refer to whether the newspaper, TV or bejra. (Napas’s letter to CNN the following statement in the in- others actually held opposing featured several passages attack- terview (from 3:23 onwards in views, and regardless of how ing the Red Shirt rallies, and this YouTube clip — and thanks questionable an interview or her expression of dissatisfaction to CiNNtv1 for the upload — royal remark might be on the with CNN was based on an http://www.youtube.com/ basis of facts or reasoning? expression of dissatisfaction watch?v=BBpqpjHrqk4) My next point is this: Your with the Red Shirt rallies. See “Truth is, I’m not someone Highness referred to the physical Napas’s letter here) who gets involved in politics. I and mental state of both the King Chitralada Palace have no wish to talk about others and the Queen as having severely 24 July 2010 in terms of who is good and who deteriorated due to the “torching Khun Napas Na Pombejra is evil. I don’t know, because I’ve of our home” last year. To Khun Napas Na Pombejra, never associated with politi- In the case of the King, given Upon reading the letter you cians. Only...I only know that the the relation to natural aspects of wrote to the CNN News Agency, I events of last year, in which our His Majesty’s health, it is diffi- was proud that you had stood up home was torched... that brought cult to assess whether His “de- and performed the duty of a Thai great suffering to the King [and] terioration” to the stage of being person, in responding to foreign Queen. The King, from being able “bedridden” was as a result of journalists boldly and forth-

Vol.27 No.3 9 Country Reports rightly, but also with courtesy Shirt rallies, and particularly were injured or disabled? If and sufficiently clear reasoning their impact on the “business any one thing was most “dis- to cause those in the world com- sector”, even though the “torch- tressing” about the events of munity reading your letter to ing of our home” was not, as last May, would it not be this, rethink their faith in CNN. we know, of common people’s even more so than arson in I highly commend you for homes; not even of markets or high-end business areas (for assisting to restore the nation’s local stalls and shopfronts, but which, to this day, the respon- image. rather of shopping malls in high- sibility remains unclear...but [Signature] end business areas. Of course, even assuming that it was the Nonetheless, as the Queen is Your Highness has every right to work of protesters)? protected by the “lèse majesté” single out for criticism the issue That Your Highness ex- law, and given that the reference of impacts on the “business sec- pressed her distress at the death to Her Majesty’s words by Your tor”, or the burning of shopping of a single PAD protester in 2008 Highness was in the manner of malls in high-end business areas. by going so far as to attend the an endorsement, I wish here to However, the first thing that cremation ceremony is under- make an expression of opinion would likely seem odd to follow- standable enough (I too was dis- in regards to Your Highness’ ers of politics over the past few tressed). But in the case of nearly above words from the interview, years is this: why, either during 100 dead, to not mention them in their status as Your High- or after the “long-running pro- at all and instead mention only ness’s own opinions. test” (in the words of Your High- the burning of buildings, which This is not the first time Your ness above) in the 2008 case of were not even “homes” but Highness has expressed such a the People’s Alliance for Demo- rather high-end shopping malls view on the events of last May. cracy — which included seizure ...this is somewhat hard for me Only two weeks after the cessa- of both the most important Gov- to understand. tion of rallies as a result of the ernment building, Government P.S. During the events of Government crackdown (6 June House, and the crucially-impor- May 1992, Princess 2010), Your Highness remarked tant heart of the nation’s “busi- said in an interview that “Killing to Thais in New York that (see ness sector” (and more besides or using violence is not a good report here. I took Your High- the business sector), Suvarna- thing. The loss of material ness’ words below from the clip bhumi International Airport — things is less important than accompanying the news report, did Your Highness not make the loss of lives. I wish for the starting at 1:07): comments in this same vein? As killing to stop; the violence to “As for politics, I really is well known, Your Highness stop; because we are all Thais.” don’t know who hates whom; accompanied the Queen to the While the role of the monarchy who is vying against whom. cremation ceremony for a PAD in relation to the May 1992 crisis However, if you’re going to act protester on 13 October 2008, is more complex than the public you ought to have at least some even as PAD rallies continued relations story generally propa- small degree of ethics. Take at (and, further, if the information gated, looking solely at the state- least a little pity on innocent from a Wikileaks telegraph of 6 ment by Princess Sirindhorn that people; think about how much November 2008 is correct, Your “The loss of material things is difficulty [will result for them]. Highness and Dr Chaichon less important than the loss of Besides the pain and suffering Locharernkul were the ones who lives,” it must be said that this that has resulted, what happened requested that the Queen attend was quite right, and more fitting has also led to economic diffi- in person). than raising the point of the culty: to have a long-running Even more importantly, “torching of our home” as a protest and violence occurring why during neither Your focus. Certainly, it is a shame causes problems for our business Highness’s remarks in New that during the recent May sector, which has an effect on the York, nor your interview on events, Princess Sirindhorn did Thai economy.” “Woody Koet Ma Khui”, did not again give an interview It can be seen that Your you make any mention at all along such lines. Highness’ remarks in New York of the nearly 100 people who and on the “Woody Koet Ma were killed as a result of the By Somsak Jeamteerasakul Khui” show are along much the Government crackdown, and 5 April 2011 same lines: critical of the Red the other close to 2000 who Translated by Michael Sloggett

10 SEEDS OF PEACE Country Reports

India: Who Pollutes: The Rich and Powerful or Poor and Powerless?

On the 29th of June, Prime While quoting Indira Gan- tion is justified in the name of Minister Manmohan Singh met dhi to justify his subversion of growth. Who is driving this with editors of a few newspapers. environmental law, the Prime ecological devastation and the When asked about whether he Minister seems to have forgotten pollution? The rich and powerful had been putting pressure on the that Indira Gandhi created the corporations or the poor and Environment Ministry to ap- country’s environmental gover- powerless women, farmers, tri- prove environmentally destruc- nance structure during her tenure bals and the displaced rural com- tive projects, he said “yes”, and as Prime Minister. It was Indira munities who become urban justified by quoting Indira Gandhi Gandhi’s intervention that sup- slum dwellers? “poverty is the biggest polluter, ported the call of movements and The poor live in the places we need to have a balance”. scientists to not build a hydro- polluted by the rich. They do not Indira Gandhi had said this in electric project in Silent Valley cause the pollution. And they live Stockholm in 1972 at the first in Kerala saving a biodiversity in polluted places because they Environmental Conference. She rich ecosystem. It was Indira are displaced from their homes had also quoted from the Gandhi’s concern that Mussorie, in rural areas where they have Atharvaveda — the queen of the hills, was being lived sustainably for millennia. “Whatever, I dig of you, O stripped naked by limestone They are victims of pollu- Earth, mining that led to the Environ- tion because they are victims of May that grow quickly upon ment Ministry to take action. We dispossession. This is environ- you, were invited to do the study of mental injustice. And it is an O Pure One, may my thrust the environmental impact of inevitable consequence of out- never pierce thy limestone mining in Doon Valley sourcing of pollution from rich Vital points, thy heart”. in 1981. Our study became the countries in the garb of FDI. The Prime Minister has basis of the Supreme Court case. Coastal Orissa is a case in conveniently ignored the more In 1983, the Supreme Court shut point. In the Jagatsingpur district significant quote. down the mines. where POSCO’s giant steel plant The Prime Minister’s duty is In the pre-trade liberaliza- is planned as the highest FDI to uphold the nation’s constitu- tion days, it was accepted that if of $ 12 billion farmers, grow tion and nation’s laws, including commerce undermines ecosys- biodiversity — betel vines and environmental laws, not subvert tems which support life, then paddy, coconut and cashew, them. By admitting that he has commercial activity must stop, fruits and fish. There is no pollu- been putting pressure on the because life must carry on. Art. tion and no waste. There is a environment ministry, he has 21 of the Constitution make it prosperity that GDP does not admitted that he is subverting the duty of the state to protect count. This economy of suste- the law. Most commentators life. Since ecological processes nance is being uprooted with view the removal of Jairam support life, the state has a duty violence to enable POSCO to Ramesh from the Environment to protect ecology. export our iron-ore and steel. Ministry during the July 12th, Under Prof. Manmohan Every law of the land including 2011 cabinet reshuffle as a Singh’s leadership since the the Forest Rights Act and the further step in environmental 1990’s based on “growth feti- Coastal Zone Regulation Act are deregulation. shism”, all ecological devasta- being violated as committee

Vol.27 No.3 11 Country Reports after committee has recognized. pollution was not caused by the seed. Here too, instead of being And when the Ministry of Envi- poor who died in thousands. It the voice of poor and vulnerable ronment Committees affirms the was caused by Union Carbide, farmers, the Prime Minister is violation of laws, it is the Prime now owned by Dow. the voice of powerful global cor- Minister who puts pressure on A major issue related to porations through his repeated the Environment Minister to toxics is the pesticide, endosul- reference to genetic engineering give an approval to POSCO. It fan. The U.N has banned it. Most as the second Green Revolution. was the women and children of countries of the world have Whether it is atmospheric Govindpur, Dinkia and Nuagaon banned it. The Supreme Court pollution, toxic pollution, gene- who lay down in front of the has ordered an interim ban. 1000 tic pollution or urban waste pol- police in the scorching sun to stop people have died in Kasargod lution, environmental pollution the land grab in June. They were where endosulfan was sprayed is an externality of a greed based still forming a human barricade on Cashew plantations for 20 economy which privatizes profit when I visited on 23rd June. years. More than 9000 are crip- and natural resources and social- The Prime Minister is inter- pled. The innocent victims did izes pollution. The rich accumu- vening to promote this land grab not cause the toxic pollution. It late the land, the biodiversity, and resource grab. POSCO gets was caused by powerful corpo- the water, the air and the profits. our land and our resources. What rations who influence decisions The poor bear the burden of we will inherit from the POSCO and have blocked a ban on dispossession and accumulated project is ecological destruction, endosulfan, even as people die pollution. pollution, displaced people and and children are born disabled. We expect the Prime Minis- the destruction of our demo- Toxic agrichemicals harm ter to uphold India’s Constitu- cracy. all life. Synthetic fertilizers run tion and environmental laws not In India, it is the corpora- into rivers and oceans, creating subvert them. We do not expect tions that are building giant coal “dead zones”. Nitrogen oxide him to support and promote the based power plants who are released from nitrogen fertilizers polluters. We expect our Prime major climate polluters. It is the accumulates in the atmosphere Minister to recognize that the automobile industry that pushes as a green house gas that is 300 poor are victims of pollution and more cars on our roads that are times more damaging than car- environmental degradation, not leading to higher carbon dioxide bon dioxide. These synthetic fer- its cause. We expect the Prime emissions. Emissions from the tilizers also make bombs as the Minister to remember that he use of fossil fuel are driven by the recent terrorist attacks in Mum- holds our precious natural heri- economically powerful, not the bai and the Oklahoma bombings tage and natural capital in trust poor. But it is the poor who are in the U.S have shown. for future generations, not to be most vulnerable to the floods, We now have a new form of given away to greedy corpora- droughts and cyclones that pollution in agriculture — gene- tions and destroyed for short climate change intensifies. tic pollution from genetically term profits. The same applies for toxic engineered crops. Genetic pollu- We expect our Prime Minis- pollution. In 1996, we filed a case tion is destroying biodiversity ter to grow beyond his “growth in the Supreme Court to stop the and devastating farmers liveli- fetishism” and recognize that we import of toxic waste from the hoods. are all part of Mother Earth, and U.S. This waste was generated The poor do not cause che- pollution is violence against the by rich consumers in the U.S, mical and genetic pollution — Earth and people. not by the poor in India who put giant chemical / biotechnology their lives at risk sorting out the corporations do. And the chemi- Vandana Shiva, toxic garbage. The Bhopal disas- cal corporations are also the 23 July 2011 ter and it its still continuing toxic gene giants who now control

12 SEEDS OF PEACE Country Reports

Singapore: Murdochian Democracy?

Rupert says the lion city is his was intent on bringing against what has happened, considering version of utopia. him. Also leave aside the fact the practice of democracy and Probably the most telling that the PAP has historically free elections, is nothing short of statement the press baron Rupert delivered a supine parliament appalling. Murdoch made during his abject mostly via gerrymandering and According a chronology mea culpa before the UK Parlia- intimidating the opposition. compiled by the website New ment Tuesday was his praise of The leader of the world’s Asia Republic, since 1994, in Singapore, saying “the most most powerful news organiza- addition to suing newspapers open and clear society in the tion, who presumably ought to on the thinnest of pretexts and world... is Singapore — the believe in the independence and winning all of its cases in its own cleanest society you can find freedom of the press, was prais- courts, police have raided private anywhere — as every minister is ing a country that most recently homes and arrested members of paid at least one million dollars a jailed the author Alan Shadrake churches it doesn’t like. year and has no temptation to for pointing out that Singapore’s Former Prime Minister Goh transgress.” criminal justice system is skewed Chok Tong once threatened to What that statement betrays towards hanging the poor and turn constituencies into slums if is that Rupert Murdoch appears finding ways to excuse the they didn’t vote for the ruling to have no basic understanding wealthy and expatriates. Singa- People’s Action Party. Both of either independent journalism pore has the highest per-capita opposition leaders Chee Soon or democracy itself. rate of executions in the world. Juan and the late JB Jeyaretnam Transparency International’s It seems odd that Murdoch have been sued, charged with Corruption Index ties Denmark didn’t notice that Reporters perjury and defamation and and New Zealand with Singapore Without Borders ranks Singa- hounded with a variety of other at the very top of its corruption pore at 140th of 167 countries in offenses in an effort to drive them perceptions index. Leave aside terms of press freedom, or that out of politics. Opposition lead- the question of what the lawmak- Time Magazine, Asiaweek, the ers’ homes and offices have been ers of Denmark and Sweden are Financial Times, the Interna- stormed by Inland Revenue offi- paid to maintain their integrity tional Herald Tribune, The Eco- cials who carted away tons of — a fraction of what Singapore nomist, Bloomberg News Service documents and articles to seek to ministers get. and other publications have been make cases for tax evasion. What keeps Singapore’s cowed into submission through According to the US State ministers in line is not those libel suits, contempt of court Department’s human rights million-dollar paychecks but action and gazetting to limit their report on Singapore, it is widely the fact that they are scared to circulation. It is especially odd believed that the authorities death of Lee Kuan Yew, who that Murdoch owned two of routinely conduct surveillance has shown no compunction them-the Far Eastern Economic on some opposition politicians whatsoever in jailing the odd Review, before it closed, and the and other critics of the govern- minister who does stick his hand Wall Street Journal/ Asia. Those ment. The same report also stated in somebody else’s pockets. In that haven’t been sued or other- that the Internal Security Depart- 1986, Teh Cheang Wan, one wise attack have learned their ment is believed to run a network of Kuan Yew’s best friends, a lesson and simply don’t report of part-time informants in the co-founder of the state and the critically on the country. US, Australia and other coun- head of the country’s national The country’s own media tries. development ministry, commit- dare not report what happens Political films and videos ted suicide rather than face cor- in Singapore beyond what the have been banned. Foreign tele- ruption charges that Kuan Yew leaders want to see in print. And vision stations and networks

Vol.27 No.3 13 Country Reports have been asked to restrict cover- ization lifeline to 48 ailing banks societies to bypass state-con- ing of small political parties and during the 1997-1998 Asian trolled television channels. The warned against critical reporting Financial Crisis. Bosnian Serbs can’t hide their of the country. The police have Burma’s generals, who have atrocities from the probing eyes been given lawful access to data beggared their country and sav- of BBC, CNN and Sky News and encrypted material. CD- agely repressed their citizenry, cameras; the extraordinary liv- ROMs have been added to the are believed to have transferred ing standards produced by free- Undesirable publications Act. nearly US$5 billion into two enterprise capitalism cannot be In 1999, the Home Affairs Singapore banks from the sale kept secret. Ministry admitted that it had of gas since 2000, according to But it also appears to have secretly scanned the computers Earth Rights International. One been okay to cravenly back away of more than 200,000 Internet of their generals has even had a from that statement when it users. Even women’s magazines rose named after him in the appeared that it enraged the Chi- have been warned not to get Singapore Botanical Gardens. nese authorities who had direct involved in partisan matters. Aside from whether the old control over his Star TV footprint Public rallies by the opposition lizard was crying crocodile tears in Asia, and to court them in have been banned repeatedly. in his testimony when he said every way possible. He dropped Falun Gong members have been he and his top executives knew the BBC from programming arrested. nothing of the fact that his after he heard that BBC news In 2001, the Parliament employees had hacked into offended the Chinese govern- passed a law that allows punish- hundreds of voicemails up to and ment, then tried to claim it was a ment of foreign news broadcast- including the royal family, his business decision. A Murdoch ers deemed to be engaging in the apparent admiration of Singa- subsidiary purchased the rights domestic politics of Singapore. pore speaks volumes about his to a book by Deng Xiaoping’s Political campaigning has been own corporate empire. youngest daughter. None of it restricted on the Internet. If this is what he believes worked. The Chinese figured Election time for campaign- about the foundations of democ- that out. It would be inimical— ing has been as short as 17 days. racy—that mere money will bribe unthinkable—for any govern- Police have raided Internet crit- politicians to stay out of trouble ment to order the divestment of ics’ homes and confiscated their —then there are few moral any enterprise having to do with a computers. In 2002, the suppos- imperatives that guide his stew- free press, no matter how odious, edly independent courts ruled ardship of the press. It is okay for and a lot of Murdoch’s various that there would be no trial for Fox News in the United States media enterprises are odious in defamation suits brought by Goh to hire Republican presidential that they have interfered with the Chok Tong and Lee Kuan Yew candidates and give them a free and fair operation of democ- against opposition leader Chee nationwide forum while—in racy in at least three countries by Soon Juan. He was found guilty Fox’s famous slogan—they scandalous and biased reporting by summary judgment. report, the viewers decide. It is designed to further his business Nor does Murdoch appear okay for a putatively neutral interests. But maybe it is time for to have noticed that Singapore, news organization to virtually the heretofore toothless board of this paragon of integrity, is home dictate who will be in power in directors of News International to to vast amounts of the stolen the UK. take a look at where he has got wealth of both Burma and Indo- It was okay for him to make them. That is what boards of nesia. Some 18,000 Indonesians a fire-breathing speech in 1993 to directors are for. described as “rich” were living London advertising executives in Singapore in 2007, according that communications technology John Berthelsen, to Tempo Magazine, worth a would allow dissidents to bypass Asia Sentinel, combined total of US86 billion. state controlled media and that 21 July 2011 Some US$13.5 billion of that satellite broadcasting would alone was looted from the Indo- make it possible for information- nesian central bank’s recapital- hungry residents of many closed

14 SEEDS OF PEACE INEB

Letter from the Secretariat’s Office

Dear INEB members and readers,

First of all, we would like to congratulate Ajarn Sulak Sivaraksa, who has just received an award from the Niwano Peace Foundation, held on the 23rd July at Rissho Kosei-kai’s Kyoto Fumon Hall in Kyoto.

The INEB Secretariat and its network members have been very involved in the Biannual Conference which will be held in Bodhgaya, India, October 26 - 29, 2011. We have received wonderful support from the partners who are assisting with all aspects of the conference. Despite this support funding is still needed in order for the conference to accommodate the 300 participants that are expected to attend. Your support of this conference is one meaningful way to share dana, which will benefit many people.

The conference is many opportunities for examining the theme: The Future of Buddhism: From Personal Awakening to Global Transformation in the historic setting where the Buddha achieved enlightenment. Morning programs will be held at the ancient temple where meditation will take place. Morning plenary sessions are times for generational sharing and round table discussions about and the for the future. Pre and post conference sessions are also scheduled with an International Buddhist Arts Gathering and International Youth Volunteer Workshop preceding the conference. Post conference events include a Think Sangha meeting, INEB's Executive and Advisory Committee meeting and a workshop conducted by Venerable Bhikkhuni Dhammananda for YBS, as well as optional pilgrimages to Buddhist sites.

The Conference registration closes on 31 August, so we urge you to visit the conference website — www.inebnetwork.org — where you can register either online or email the registration form which can be downloaded to [email protected]. Payment can be made online through PayPal.

Several INEB sub-committee meetings were held in July which focused on establishing a Right Livelihood Fund (RLF). More information will be available soon with details about the RLF.

The Secretary and the Chairperson of the Executive Committee have been traveling extensively, meeting with our partners to strengthen relationships and reach out to new partners. We have gained positive responses throughout South and Southeast Asia, as well as on the recent visit to Kyoto to attend the Niwano Peace Prize ceremony. Visits to to connect more with Jungto Society and Buddhist Solidarity for Reform in South Korea have also been very positive.

Yours in dhamma,

Somboon Chungprampree (Moo) P.S. You may go to www.inebnetwork.org Executive Secretary to see every issue of Seeds of Peace from [email protected] the earliest volume. www.inebnetwork.org.

Vol.27 No.3 15 INEB

Samdhong Rinpoche Interview May 2010 - Berkeley, California Interviewed by Alan Senauke for Edited Draft 2 - 4.3.11

Background or fifteen kilometers from my you go to another monastery? Lobsang Tenzin, more com- village. SR: I moved to a monastery monly known as Professor AS: What part of Tibet was that? about fifteen kilometers away. Venerable Samdhong Rinpoche SR: In the very southeast, just AS: A large place? served as Prime Minister, or bordering China. It is called SR: A little bigger, but not a large Kalon Tripa, of the Tibetan Dechen. place. But there was a huge house Government in Exile from 2001 AS: When you moved there, and many servants. My family to 2011. From 1991 through had you been identified as the was so poor. Our village house 2001, he was chair of the Tibetan reincarnation of Samdhong Rin- was like a kind of a shed. There Parliament in exile, responsible poche? might have been thirteen houses for important reforms in the SR: Not yet. I had an uncle in the village. My family was the exile government. monk, the younger brother of my poorest of them. But from the He was born in Eastern grandfather. Since he belonged age of five, I was no longer Tibet in 1939. At five years of to the older generation, he had a impoverished. My family also age he was recognized as the 5th young disciple monk. Both of prospered. Samdhong Rinpoche. In 1959, at them used to visit my home quite AS: Did they come with you? the age of 20, he fled the Chinese often, every two months or so. SR: No, they remained in our occupation of Tibet, and settled I wanted to go with them village. The local authorities into exile life in India. and my parents did not allow it waived all taxes for them. People From early years in exile because I was too small. One day offered donations on my behalf, until the present Samdhong Rin- that young monk came, and I so they were able to build a new poche has been a teacher serving remember that as he was return- house. the lay and monastic Tibetan ing to the monastery, I was AS: It sounds like you had a community in schools and uni- crying. I blocked the head of the very strong calling to be in the versities. He directed the Central staircase and insisted on going monastery. Institute of Higher Tibetan Stud- with him. My father was a bit SR: Yes, monastic life was good. ies in Varanasi, the most promi- angry and said, “Take him.” So I never missed my home, and I nent Tibetan university of phi- the monk took me with him to the never tried to go back there. losophy and . monastery. AS: But it’s unusual to do this His social and political The monastery usually would at the age of four or five. You thinking and his dedication to not allow a small child to live must have had a very thorough nonviolence is influenced by there. But I refused to go home. monastic education. Mahatma Gandhi and J. Kri- My uncle had to seek special SR: Yes, I had — but formal shnamurti, as well as by the permission from the abbot. The education came a bit later. When teachings of his own tradition. abbot allowed me to stay in my I was recognized as a reincarna- Samdhong Rinpoche is author uncle's care. The next day my tion, then there was a process of of Uncompromising Truth for a father came to take me back, and finding my teacher. When my Compromised World: Tibetan I still refused to go. teacher was finally appointed, Buddhism and Today’s World AS: He wasn't angry any more? I was eight years old. Then I SR: He was angrier. He thought started formal education. INTERVIEW if I went away I would be paci- AS: How long were you studying Alan Senauke: Where did you fied and come back home. But with your teacher? spend your childhood — in the I remained in that monastery SR: Until I was thirteen. Then I city, in the countryside? Where with my uncle monk. The next was sent to Tibet for higher stud- did you grow up? year, when I was five, I was ies in a full monastery. It was Samdhong Rinpoche: I was born recognized as the reincarnation quite a long way from my home- in the countryside in a very small of Samdhong. So that was the town. At the age of twenty I left village. At the age of four I shifted sequence. the training monastery. to a small monastery, about ten AS: Did you stay there or did AS: Did you leave Tibet with His

16 SEEDS OF PEACE INEB

Holiness the ? AS: As a method? and they feel responsible to it. SR: I was part of another group. SR: Yes, as a method for na- Perhaps it is part of the bodhi- His Holiness left Lhasa on the tional reconstruction and social sattva vow. night of the 17th of March, 1959. justice. We had always thought SR: Yes, right. We remained in the monastery that nonviolence was for spiri- AS: Were there people around three days more. On the night of tual authorities. We thought that that you could discuss this with? the 20th and morning of the 21st certain kinds of violence were SR: When I took this up, there bombardment started. Then on indispensable in society and was very little Gandhian litera- the 21st we left the monastery. politics to create the state. A ture available that I could read. AS: This must have been a very state would have to maintain a For ten years or so, I was not able painful thing. military force, a police force, to advance my understanding. SR: Yes, it was very painful. And punishments, so on and so forth. Then, when I went to Varanasi it was a kind of critical teaching We never thought that any in 1971, I met many great people, of and the sor- state could be free from all vio- particularly one person who rows of samsara, worldly affairs. lence. So when I read Gandhi and worked in the Indian freedom AS: You were about 20 years old he talked about nonviolence in struggle — Achyut Partwardhan. then, and very soon you were a every sphere, I thought, “Oh, this Later he gave up politics and schoolteacher. is a real new interpretation of studied with Jiddu Krishnamurti. SR: Yes. If I had remained in Buddha’s teaching of nonvio- Achyut Partwardhan and Jai Tibet another ten years I would lence.” I became more and more Prsakash Narayan were both have completed my formal stud- interested, and read whatever young leaders during this move- ies. But I came to India and in material I could get. In 1959, just ment. July of 1960, I was summoned after I arrived in India, Gandhi’s AS: They were followers of to Dharamsala by His Holiness. autobiography The Story of My Krishnamurti? I studied there for about six Experiments with Truth was SR: Yes, So I became friendly or seven months, then I was partially translated into Tibetan. with Achyut, who introduced appointed a school teacher. I I read that book. So that gave me me to Krishnamurti. And then I have been teaching ever since. a new approach to life. Yes, I became friendly with Krishna- AS: How did you become could work for politics and social murti. involved in politics and in the change as a monk. AS: Personally? government in exile? AS: So that gave you an idea SR: Yes, personally. So that is SR: I came to it quite late. I about a different basis for a gov- how I came to Gandhian litera- tried to stay away from politics. ernment than a state and vio- ture and Gandhi's practical way Teaching work is good for me. lence. And also, seeing this as a of living. Later on I met many So I taught in their schools as a religious or spiritual practice, other Gandhian people. teacher, as principal, from ’61 to how a monk could actually par- AS: Did you ever feel a tension ’70. In ’71 I joined the university ticipate. about the fact that your root was as a professor. For 30 years I SR: Yes. I thought that as a Buddhism and their root was taught university in Varanasi. monk, as a Buddhist practitioner, Hinduism? AS: I have read that you were I could not work for the govern- SR: Yes. I sometimes say this. If deeply influenced by Gandhian ment or for any social activity. I we look at Gandhi's way of life ideas of nonviolence. How did ought to remain in the monas- and our way of life, there is that come about? tery. But Gandhi's teaching almost no common ground. SR: I was greatly influenced by showed me I could practice spiri- Gandhi was a strong believer in Mahatma Gandhi’s teaching. As tuality while serving the people, a creator. We do not believe in a Buddhist monk, of course, we working in the society. I could the creator. Gandhi believed in believe in nonviolence. Nonvio- even work for the state. That is atman. We do not believe in lence is not something Gandhi what I learned from Gandhi. atman invented. It is an age-old teaching AS: These are issues that I also But that doesn’t bother me, of Buddha and others. But until I discuss with Burmese monks, because Gandhi talked about the read Gandhi, I didn’t understand whose tradition of nonviolence application of nonviolence in how nonviolence could be ap- is very deep. A monk is so con- day-to-day life. That is relevant plied for political struggle and nected to society that the suffer- to me. Gandhi might believe in social change. ing of society is their suffering, the issuer or atman—let him

Vol.27 No.3 17 INEB believe it. But he demonstrated SR: Tibetans in India, in AS: In the Tibetan community how nonviolence can really be and Bhutan are by and large are you actively teaching non- practiced in social justice. That is living a community life together. violence? what I took from Gandhi. They have their own schools. So SR: Not so much since I have AS: What is your mission? What there is no problem. been so busy. But when I was in did you come to the Bay Area to AS: So the religious forms are as a university professor, do? continued. we offered many different teach- SR: Actually I am meeting my SR: Yes. They have local mo- ings on nonviolence. I conducted people, the Tibetan people, in nasteries and schools. Right from several workshops and short their diaspora. In New York City the beginning they are taught in courses by Professor Gene Sharp there were about 4,000 Tibetans a Tibetan setting. But in the West, in India. And then I was also gathered to listen to His Holiness the Tibetans are scattered. They teaching nonviolence with Rabbi and met with them. I am complet- do not have a community life. Everett Gendler and his wife Dr. ing my tenure of political leader- Their children have to go to Mary Gendler. They come to In- ship next year. I wish to thank the Western schools. So they are dia every year for about a month- people for their support and say now losing their touch. This is a and-a-half or sometimes two goodbye. This is my purpose of concern for parents and for all of months, going to various Tibetan coming here. The Tibetan com- us. schools, teaching a course in munity in the Bay Area asked AS: Do you meet with young nonviolence. We have set up an me to come, so since I was in people? NGO in Dharamsala, the Active New York, I thought I should SR: Not separately. I meet the Nonviolence Education Center. visit here. whole community, and many of They conduct small courses AS: When you are talking with them very young. Yesterday through the year, in the Tibetan the Tibetan community in exile there were about four hundred settlements of north and south what is the substance of your people together. India — in the schools, in the talk? Are you talking about the AS: So your term as prime minis- communities, and everywhere. realities of modern day life, the ter ends next year. What do you AS: I would love to see one of political realities of Tibet? Are see yourself doing after that? those. you giving dharma teachings? SR: I have not yet decided. In SR: Now we have a new educa- SR: Since I have been involved India I am connected with two tion policy. Nonviolence is a part in politics for many years, I groups of people. One is the Gan- of the curriculum right from pre- stopped giving dharma tea- dhian followers, some called school to class 12. So they get a chings. I talk about how the de- Sarvodaya and these people. Not new course every year. We are velopment and improvement of Dr. Ariyaratne’s Sri Lankan trying to do something to develop the Tibetan government. About group, but Indian Sarvodaya. the mind of nonviolence in order the economic situation. About Their movement is not really to achieve a non-violent society. the need for democracy, admi- flourishing. A majority in these AS: I think it’s really important nistrative transparency, and the groups is over the age of eighty. to begin young, and to make next parliamentary election. Not many young people are nonviolence be a practical effort, People wish to know about the joining. But still a few young not just an intellectual idea. status of our ongoing dialogue show up. So I might be working SR: Yes. with leadership of the People’s with them. Another I am working AS: Are you mostly spending Republic of China. These are the with the Krishnamurti Founda- time in Dharamsala? subjects I come to talk about. tion. SR: In my present occupation, I AS: And that’s what they are AS: And are they active in India? travel around quite a lot. So, interested in knowing. SR: They are quite active in In- most months, I spend about two SR: Yes, yes. We also discussed dia. There are many young people weeks in Dharamsala and two education for Tibetan children interested in K's teachings. We weeks traveling. born in the West. Now there are have about eight big schools AS: I am very honored to have only Sunday schools for teach- running in India. And there are been able to talk to you today. ing language and culture. How many study centers. So these two SR: Thank you. Thank you very this can be improved? groups wish me to be part of their much. AS: Do you find that children work. And of course, Tibetan AS: I hope get rest on your in diaspora are able to maintain education is also important for travels. connection with Tibetan culture? me. SR: Rest is a little difficult.

18 SEEDS OF PEACE INEB

Letter from Cadzand on Socially Engaged Buddhism

On 18-19 June 2011, the com- erty, illness, imprisonment, op- age cooperation among them. It mittee ‘Buddhism and Society’ pression and war continues to be will also bring together people of the European Buddhist Union a source of action for many Bud- who would like to do something organised an informal network- dhists. Many types of initiatives and put them into contact with ing weekend, hosted by the have been developed in different those who are already conducting Institute in Cadzand, the parts of the world. projects. Netherlands. Socially engaged The participants at the 3. Finally, we participants Buddhist networks from the meeting in Cadzand came to the at the networking weekend in United States, Asia and Europe following conclusions: Cadzand invite all Buddhist were represented. 1. Many socially engaged organizations to reflect on exist- The purpose of the brain- projects by Buddhists are not ing or potential initiatives within storming weekend was well known within the broader their own communities. National - to share ideas on how Bud- Buddhist community. The par- Buddhist Unions in Europe dhism can contribute to a better ticipants identified a strong need might also consider appointing a world to share ideas and methods. It national coordinator to gather - to evaluate the links would therefore be useful to set information on local projects between Buddhist practice and up a directory and network, a sort within their countries, and to for- social engagement of World Forum for Socially ward that information to the - to encourage communica- Engaged Buddhism, to facili- international network. It is im- tion and support among existing tate global communication and portant that individual Buddhists Buddhist initiatives worldwide cooperation. The participants and Buddhist organizations take Over 2600 years ago, Sid- intend to support informal net- a much more active role in re- dhartha Gautama rejected all works via mailing groups and sponding to the ecological and forms of social discrimination the construction of a website social challenges that threaten and institutionalized inequali- where existing initiatives, ideas our planet and its inhabitants. ties. Buddhism teaches that and literature are easily acces- Our situation is urgent and time everyone, regardless of race, sible. is running out. colour, gender, sexual orienta- 2. As a first step it would be 4. We also welcome the tion, language, religion, political useful to organize a European various kinds of support you ideology, nationality, social symposium on Socially Engaged might be able to offer: sharing origins, property, birth status or Buddhism in the near future ideas, informing us about so- other distinctions, has the poten- (Summer 2013). This will be the cially engaged projects, promot- tial to become enlightened. The third in a series of major confer- ing such projects, administrative global financial crisis reminds us ences on the topic, following a support, help with the construc- that social and economic struc- symposium on engaged Bud- tion and maintenance of a web- tures are fashioned by human dhism in the United States(Au- site, links to existing websites minds, which also implies that gust 2010 in Montague, Massa- and social networking communi- they can be reconstructed. chusetts) and a forthcoming con- ties, etc. No-self, impermanence and ference on 'The Future of Bud- May you who read this letter interconnectedness are inspira- dhism: From Personal Awaken- be free from suffering and the tional core teachings that help us ing to Global Transformation’ causes of suffering. (with meditation and other con- by the International Network of May everyone you meet be templative practices) to identify Engaged Buddhists (INEB) in free from suffering and the causes suffering and the causes of suf- India (October 26-29, 2011 in of suffering. fering, and to act compassion- ). The proposed Euro- May all sentient beings be ately, with awareness of our own pean symposium will highlight free from suffering and the motivations. the activities of those who are causes of suffering. Becoming aware of the suf- already involved in engaged fering due to abuse, injury, pov- Buddhist initiatives and encour- Cadzand, 19th June 2011

Vol.27 No.3 19 INEB

Engaging the World Through Buddhism

Engaged Buddhism refers to me scars. Monks and nuns who Buddhists who are seeking ways had been kicked out of their to practically apply insights from monasteries gave me their ex- their meditation practice and spiri- pulsion notices from the local tual teachings to social, political, security bureau. I was taken to environmental, and economic meet a Buddhist leader who had suffering and injustice. While been scalded with boiling water the roots of Engaged Buddhism and then jailed for five years for may be found in the teachings publicly praying to the Dalai and actions of the Buddha him- Lama. self, and other great teachers of Tibetans not only told me the past, Engaged Buddhism can their stories, but early into my also be understood principally as pilgrimage they asked me to spirit a movement that began in the such firsthand accounts of human late 19th century as a response to rights abuses out of Tibet and Western colonialism in Asia. It is into the hands of Western gov- best known through its political ernments and advocacy groups. movements, such as the struggles known as Tertön Sogyal. I medi- I became a courier of often- by the Tibetan, Burmese, and tated among hermits in remote graphic accounts of torture and Vietnamese Buddhists for self- sanctuaries and slept in caves abuse. This required evading determination, democracy, and where Tertön Sogyal had experi- China’s vast security network of peace. enced spiritual visions. On foot, plainclothes security agents, Engaged Buddhism is not on horseback, and in dilapidated undercover cops in monk’s simply being a Buddhist and in- buses, I crossed the same snow- robes, and sophisticated cyber volvement in politics and social covered passes that he had used police. I began photographing justice. Rather, Engaged Bud- to travel from eastern Tibet to Chinese secret prisons where dhists critically and creatively Lhasa. I was searching out the Tibetan monks and nuns are apply the Buddha’s teachings to living masters and yogis who incarcerated for their Buddhist transform themselves and their uphold Tertön Sogyal’s spiritual beliefs. The decade-long journey societies. Thich Nhat Hanh of and could tell me the oral in Tertön Sogyal’s footsteps Vietnam, Ajan Maha Ghosanand history of his life and teachings. became a different kind of pil- of , The Dalai Lama of But my pilgrimage took an grimage — one that became the Tibet, Aung San Suu Kyi of Bur- unexpected turn. dual narrative of the book In the ma, and Ajan Sulak Sivaraksa of The more time I spent in Shadow of the Buddha; Secret Thailand are modern-day leaders Tibet delving into the 19th-cen- Journey, Sacred Histories, and who embody Engaged Buddhist tury teachings of Tertön Sogyal, Spiritual Discovery in Tibet. principals and have guided orga- the more often I met Tibetans While I do not claim to have nizations such as the Buddhist who wanted to tell me their sto- benefited anyone from my hu- Peace Fellowship, the Interna- ries of frustration and suffering man rights work, I can say that tional Network of Engaged Bud- in what they see as Chinese occu- I have tried to apply what the dhist, and the Peacemakers. pation of their country. And the Buddha and my teachers have When I first went to Tibet in Tibetans spoke of their never- taught me about acting for the the late 1990s, I was on a pilgrim- ending hope that one day the benefit of others. This is how I age and did not intend to involve exiled Dalai Lama would return entered the path of Engaged myself with politics in general, to Tibet. Traveling as a Buddhist Buddhism. I have given voice to nor practice Engaged Buddhism. pilgrim, I gained the trust of what I have witnessed. I know in The roadmap for my pilgrimage Tibetans. Political prisoners who politics, ultimately, there are no was the far-ranging travels across had experienced abuse and tor- winners, for every politician will Tibet by a 19th century mystic ture in Chinese prisons showed die and every government will

20 SEEDS OF PEACE INEB eventually fall — the real ques- prison for their religious beliefs in our community, or in other tion is not if a political system and their peaceful expression of countries. will survive, but when will it political views. It is the responsi- I believe progressing on our fail, Because everything is im- bility of those who have the spiritual path means doing what permanent, including politicians freedom to travel, to write, and each of us needs to do to for and their governments, we have express our opinions, to talk to ourselves to bring about true a responsibility to affect change our governments — and to not and lasting contentment, beyond that will bring about the condi- only bear witness but act to suffering. And accomplishing tions right now for others to find change injustice. This is why I the path of social engagement contentment and happiness. For documented China's human means creating the conditions me this is Engaged Buddhism. rights abuses in Tibet and why I for others to find that same last- Like many others who have wrote In the Shadow of the Bud- ing satisfaction. These are the been profoundly affected by dha. I do not expect everyone to commitments I've learned from Tibet’s unique wisdom culture, I take up the Tibet issue. That is my venerable teachers, and ones cannot let the world forget about not my reason for writing. Rather, that I continue to take with me. Tibet. China wants governments it is my hope that wherever we and people around the world to find ourselves in the world, we Matteo Pistono forget about Tibet, to turn their never lose hope and faith and a 8 July 2011 backs on monks, nuns, musicians sense of responsibility to those The Washington Post and bloggers who languish in who are suffering in our family,

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Future of Buddhism : From Personal Awakening to Global Transformation

More or less the same day that Sulak Sivaraksa delivered his acceptance speech to re- ceive the Niwano Peace Prize in Kyoto, the UN General Assem- bly adopted a unique resolu- tion on happiness prepared by member state Bhutan.This historically significant pa- rallel,rather than just a coinci- dence, challenges the world to “re-think” development. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on happi- ness. It says happiness is critical in advancing economic growth and social progress, news agen- Bhutan’s Ambassador to the UN Lhatu Wangchuk cies report: hands over the resolution to UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon Calling the “pursuit of hap- piness” a “fundamental human The resolution called on a being of the planet. goal”, the resolution recognised “balanced approach” to econo- It also invited the world body that it was a universal goal in mic growth that can lead to sus- to "pursue the elaboration of the spirit of the UN Millennium tainable development, poverty additional measures that better Development Goals. eradication, happiness and well- capture the importance of the

Vol.27 No.3 21 INEB pursuit of happiness and well- participants the School for Well- breeders and farmers may expect being in development with a being Studies and Research is to effectively counter the domi- view to guiding public policies”. invited to present its views. nance of multi-national seed cor- Lhatu Wangchuk, Bhutan’s The Re-thinking Property porations. ambassador to the UN, whose exchange platform in Bangkok, The neo-liberal world view country was a co-sponsor of the later in August, will bring Asian emphasizes and promotes a pri- resolution, said it was “inspired scholars, activists and business vate property regime, favouring by the belief that we need to leaders together, in a global con- not only individuals but also begin discussing a topic whose text. The aim is to explore options corporations that are attributed moment has come, at the UN”. for “alternative development” the same rights as “free” indi- He said Bhutan has offered in light of the Bhutanese call to viduals. While in communism or to convene a panel discussion re-new attention for the universal socialism public property (own- on the theme of happiness and pursuit of happiness. A leading ership by the state) is placed cen- well-being at the next session of thought behind this Bangkok tral to uphold its model of the the General Assembly to be held experimental contribution to the “welfare state”. The global in September. global dialogue on happiness movement towards an alterna- Prior to this discussion fa- and wellbeing policies — a shift tive development path in con- cilitated by Bhutan in September from the present unqualified trast is recognizing more and this year at the United Nations, economic bias — is, as tenta- more the centrality of common Sulak Sivaraksa will speak at tively formulated: distinct di- property. A key presentation Chulalongkorn University, Bang- mensions of happiness may reso- during the Bangkok exchange kok, in the framework of an nate with archetypical attitudes platform on Re-thinking Property international exchange platform constituting various property will be made by Silke Helfrich during 25-27 August 2011, regimes. of the Commons Strategy Group, organized by the School for In order to realize a “bal- a global network of “commons” Wellbeing Studies and Re- anced approach” to economic activists. search.The title of the platform is growth that can lead to sustain- The three perceived dimen- Re-thinking Property: Pathway able development, poverty era- sions of happiness correspond- to a Well-Being Society Scena- dication and wellbeing for the ing with these particular pro- rio? Other resource persons will planet, as promoted in the Bhu- perty regimes are: satisfaction include Nicanor Perlas (Right tanese resolution, we have to re- of needs correspondingwith pri- Livelihood Award recipient, think the legal as well as cultural vate property; contentment and ), Dasho Karma Ura foundations of property regimes. detachment from outer condi- (President Centre for Bhutan The world is confronted with chal- tions with state or collective Studies), Ramaswami Sudarshan lenges in various fields. Among ownership; and happiness gener- (UNDP), Ms Cheah Vannath them the call of U.K. opposition ated by fulfillment of meaning (Cambodia), leader Ed Milliband to re-think and by altruism corresponding- () and Takayoshi Kusago property regimes in the media- with common property. (professor of Social Systems De- world, the raise of peer-to-peer None of the three property sign, Kansai University, Japan). networks in fields of Information regimes can stand alone. How- Earlier in August, a preparatory Communication Technologies ever in the present world- gathering will take place in (ICT)and social networking as economy private property and Bhutan, organized by the Centre new space for civil society action. public property regimes have for Bhutan Studies, involving Regarding land property an inter- merged into one inter-locked economist Jeffrey Sachs, UN national coalition against “land- system of “state-capitalism” Advisor on the Millennium grabbing” was formed during (China) and “capitalism sup- Development Goals; Richard the World Social Forum 2011 in ported by the state” (USA) that Layard, professor at the London Dakar. An interesting case is denies enough space for emerg- School of Economics and author that regulation is in the making ing civil society networks based of the book Happiness. Messages which would entitle the govern- on common property principles. from a New Science; and John ment of Thailand to hold all intel- A “balanced approach to eco- Helliwell, expert in wellbeing lectual property rights on seeds: nomic growth” requires that this studies from Canada. Among the not really the answer local seed space, enabling a civil society

22 SEEDS OF PEACE INEB driven economy, should be re- economy. Foundation already in 1968. The claimed and re-created, in order Ultimately they will facili- Club of Rome published its to keep private property and tate the dialogue on Buddhist Limits to Growth. In France the public property regimes in Economics during the, what is International Federation of Or- check. Pushing them back within expected to become, ground- ganic Movements (IFOAM) was the boundaries of where they are breaking INEB conference From formed. And the King of Bhutan meaningful and supporting sus- Personal Awakening to Global conceptualized Gross National tainable development, poverty Transformation in Bodhgaya, Happiness. eradication and wellbeing of the October 2011. Forty years ago, Hopefully the coming de- planet. in the late 60’s and early 70’s of cade will become the decade of Within this “action-research the 20th century, wise leaders personal awakening leading to platform” a re-newed role for anticipated the problems that global transformation. We have is emerg- are surrounding us everywhere to join hands now to make ing. During the Re-thinking now. And they also pointed to happen what was foreseen as Property event in Bangkok Prof. solutions: E.F. Schumacher, in- needed and possible by our wise Hisashi Nakamura (Japan) and spired by the economy of Burma, leaders 50 years ago. In Buddhist Prof. Apichai Puntasen (Thai- wrote his book Small is Beauti- terms: from Enlightenment to land) will open the debate on the ful. Economics As If People Mat- Maha Puja. contribution of Buddhist philo- ter. Sulak Sivaraksa established sophy towards re-thinking world the Sathirakoses Nagapradipa Hans van Willenswaard

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A Futuristic Priest Whose Time Has Arrived: Rev. Hidehito Okochi

He has established a micro- in overseas work, his agenda has credit “Future Bank”, is devel- often been too radical for most oping buildings and houses to other Japanese Buddhist priests last 100 years, and is now to understand or to join in. But working for a nuclear free Japan the energy crisis that has hit to “recover hope within 300 Japan since the outbreak of the years”. Rev. Hidehito Okochi is Fukushima crisis and the anar- a forward looking Japanese chic political struggle over the Buddhist priest who has been country’s future energy policy ahead of the times for years. flows right into Rev. Okochi’s However, with the tsunami long held analysis of Japanese disaster of March 11 and the society and his vision for re- ongoing Fukushima nuclear forming society based on Bud- reactor crisis, his time has arrived. dhist values. Rev. Okochi has been a “socially Growing up in the late 1960s engaged Buddhist” from his other engaged Buddhists in and early 1970s, Rev.Okochi teens as a student activist and Japan up to this time has been his was strongly influenced by the his 20s helping establish a commitment to go beyond social Japanese student political move- Japanese “Buddhist NGO” for welfare to social transformation. ment of the era; a movement that overseas aid work. What has Working to transform his own is for the most part dead today. differentiated him from most community as much as engaging Instead of entering the Buddhist

Vol.27 No.3 23 INEB

Studies Department of the sprouted up and continue their The critical consciousness university affiliated with his work today. developed in understanding the denomination, Jodo Shu, he However, these initiatives global system of economic, entered the Law and Political were not enough to satisfy Rev. environmental, and political Science Department of the Okochi’s political sensibilities exploitation from engaging in prestigious Keio University. for social justice. Reflecting on the second noble truth led Rev. Still, his ties to his family temple the Buddha’s , Okochi to the third noble truth. and his subsequent ordination as Rev. Okochi went deeper into His endeavor to create a future a priest, led him to search for the the nature of the suffering that vision of Japan comes from his common points in his socio- he had encountered overseas. own Buddhist ideals and values. political interests and his Bud- He could see that the Japanese He has drawn heavily on the dhist path. He says, “Eventually economic prosperity of the founder of his Jodo Pure Land I made the connection between 1980s was built on the back of denomination, Honen (1133- the student movement ideals for the economic and environmen- 1212). Honen brought Japanese political peace with Buddhist tal exploitation of South and Buddhism down to the masses values for peace and social jus- Southeast Asia while piggy by developing a faith based in tice like no poverty and no backing on the political ex- the vow of Amida Buddha to discrimination. I also eventually ploitation of the United States in abandon no sentient beings no saw how environment was the Middle East. While other matter how deep their trans- connected to peace, and how I Buddhist priests may have also gressions and defilements. could work for society as a seen this second noble truth, For Rev. Okochi, this means priest.” almost all have been content in creating a world without dis- In his 20s, he and a group of working on the first through crimination and exploitation, other like-minded Buddhist social welfare and aid work especially one without a military priests took several trips abroad overseas. Rev. Okochi has been and nuclear presence. In this to various regions of conflict, a pioneer in the Buddhist world way, Rev. Okochi has been part especially war torn Indo-China. of Japan for not only engaging in of a group of farsighted Japanese These intimate encounters with activist and advocacy campaigns religious leaders who formed the the suffering of humanity led on these issues within Japan, Inter Faith Forum for the them to create AYUS, a Japanese such as his leadership of the Review of National Nuclear Buddhist NGO focused on Palestinian Children’s Campaign. Policy in 1993. supporting small NGOs doing More importantly, he has en- The second aspect of his aid work in these areas. At this gaged in his own community to vision derived from Honen is time, other Japanese Buddhist end the complicity with this nurturing community based on priests were developing similar overseas exploitation rooted in trusting relationships and self- concerns and a group of success- Japanese consumeristic life- reliance. This was an endeavor ful overseas aid Buddhist NGOs styles. he set about working on in his

24 SEEDS OF PEACE INEB urban temple community in urban dwellers. This vision Okochi was already supporting Tokyo through the Edogawa extends to developing eco- the dissemination of Helena Citizen’s Network for Thinking villages where marginalized, Norberg-Hodge’s film The about Global Warming and a traditional Japanese architects Economics of Happiness, which host of other community NGOs. and carpenters help to plan the points directly at the problems Beyond raising awareness on replanting of denuded Japanese now facing Japanese society global environmental issues forests with a diversity of trees from years of following an and campaigning for reducing suited for sustainable use in exploitative, consumerist eco- energy waste, Rev. Okochi building. This project is part of nomy. At a showing of this installed large solar panels on the increasingly well known movie in June at his alma mater the roof of his temple in 1999 satoyama (village-mountain) Keio University, Rev. Okochi was that generate 5.4 kw and another policy for developing sustain- struck by the political apathy to set of panels on an elderly home able human communities living these issues, especially the nu- built on temple property in 2007 in coexistence with forests and clear one, by today’s university that generate 3.0 kw. This was marine environments. Another students (although many of the enough to gain official recogni- crucial aspect of these initiatives “drop out” youth in Japan have tion from the local government is the development of local been heavily involved in the as the first of several-planned electrical generation through nuclear protests). He feels that People’s Power Plants in the use of solar, wind, and more than being apathetic, Edogawa Ward. However, due micro-hydroelectric. As Rev. today’s young “educated” Ja- to laws that prevent the sale of Okochi points out, the myth that panese seem ignorant of im- surplus electricity directly to Japan has no natural resources portant social issues. They are so citizens, Rev. Okochi has not is part of the larger myth of the consumed by their own career been able to deliver this energy need for massive centralized paths and by the internet and to his community. Instead, he electrical systems (which include other forms of social entertain- sells it back to the Tokyo nuclear power) to fuel an ex- ment that they do not seem to Electric Power Company (the ploitative, consumer driven eco- have time for being concerned same company that manages nomy. Again, Rev. Okochi has about social issues. It is to this the Fukushima reactors) and lived this vision by completely ignorance, the root cause of has used the profits to establish rebuilding a second temple for all suffering as the Buddha a local micro-credit bank which he serves as abbot in taught, that Rev. Okochi has been called the Mirai “Future” Bank. downtown Tokyo with four spending his life addressing. Among other things, this floors of chemical free, low Unwilling to stay ignorant to the money is used to help his cost apartments for urban dwell- second noble truth, he has been community purchase more ers with environmental values. building a future in Japan that energy efficient, electrical appli- Since the triple disaster of may hopefully be arriving sooner ances—a savings plan they dis- March 11, Rev. Okochi’s Inter than expected. covered that actually outstrips Faith Forum for the Review the energy saving of solar panels of National Nuclear Policy Rev. Okochi presented his work at a tenth of the cost of the has been busy offering their at the 2009 INEB Conference in investment. churches, temples, and other Chiang Mai, Thailand, and has Another major aspect of facilities as shelters for families since become active in the local Rev. Okochi’s vision is devel- who want to evacuate the areas JNEB group in Japan and the oping a pure land here on earth around the Fukushima nuclear INEB Working Group on En- through ecological living. In power plant. They also continue vironment and Climate Change. this way, he has joined together their advocacy work writing a with a host a different small series of ongoing editorials in Jonathan Watts Japanese NGOs to build chemi- the Japanese Buddhist news- 29 July 2011 cal free, long lasting homes for papers. Before March 11, Rev.

Vol.27 No.3 25 INEB

A Conversation with the Dalai Lama

His Holiness on his rein- and Tibetan People.” Many of earned him a Nobel Peace Prize. carnation and his decision to his political responsibilities will As the spiritual leader of Tibet, step down as head of the Tibetan rest on the shoulders of Lobsang he remains the personification government Sangay, a 43-year-old Harvard of his nation’s struggle. The sun is shining on legal scholar who was elected in I have known His Holiness Tsuglakhang temple, in the April to the post of prime minister. since 1990, when I wrote Kundun, foothills of the Indian Himala- China, dismissing the transfer a movie about his childhood yas, and hundreds of Tibetans of power as a “trick,” has refused directed by Martin Scorsese. have gathered in the courtyard to meet with Sangay. The Since then, we have developed a for a feast. As Buddhist monks Communist government be- lasting friendship. I continue to ladle out white rice and stewed lieves that the struggle for work as an activist for Tibetan vegetables, horns blow and Tibetan autonomy will die with autonomy and serve on the cymbals crash. Such celebrations the Dalai Lama; all they have to board of the International are common here—the monks do is wait him out. But by turning Campaign for Tibet. Every day I often feed local villagers as an the reins of government over to pray for Tenzin Gyatso’s long act of service to earn karmic the governed, His Holiness is life. —but the festive air seems banking on democracy’s ability When we meet on June 2nd to capture the mood of the man to serve as an effective bulwark in his reception area behind the who lives next to the temple. against Chinese oppression. At busy main temple in the dusty The Dalai Lama, despite many 76, he knows he won’t be around Indian hill town of McLeod heartfelt petitions by his con- to steer the ship of state forever. Ganj, he asks if he still looks as stituents, has finally been granted Tibetans, he believes, must learn healthy as the last time we met. his wish for official retirement to steer it for themselves. Yes, I tell him—even younger, if from government duties. Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai possible. But, I add, his eyes The Tibetan Parliament had Lama, was born in 1935, the son look older. “That’s right,” he says. twice urged His Holiness to of a farmer in a small Tibetan He wishes to inform me, how- reconsider, but he had declined village. In accordance with ever, that he hasn’t needed to even to read a message from ancient tradition, the dreams increase his eyeglass prescript- them or meet with legislators. and visions of high and ion—in part because he doesn’t His mind was made up. On May oracles eventually led a search use a computer. “I never even 29th, the papers were signed and party to the boy. At age two, he tried,” he says, breaking into his the Tibetan charter amended. successfully identified people distinct, ebullient laugh. “I don’t The act marks a remarkable and and possessions from his past know how!” voluntary separation of church life and was officially recogniz- and state: For the first time in ed as the reincarnation of the Let’s start by talking about the more than 350 years, the Dalai 13th Dalai Lama. At four, he day, in 1950, when you became Lama is no longer the secular as entered the capital of Lhasa and head of government in Tibet. well as the spiritual leader of the was named the spiritual leader You were only 15 and the Tibetan people. of his people. At 15, he became Chinese had invaded your Although the Tibetan gov- head of state. In 1959, as tensions country. ernment-in-exile has been large- with the Chinese army reached It was a very, very difficult ly democratic for decades, the a flash point, he fled to India, situation. When people asked me Dalai Lama still had the final where he has led the Tibetan to take the responsibility, my say in every major political diaspora ever since. reaction is, I am one who wants decision within the diaspora. He Looking back over his 60 to follow the Dalai Lama appointed foreign envoys, years of leadership, he has much traditions, which was to be determined the scope and timing to be proud of. He has establish- enthroned at age 18. Age 15 is of negotiations with China, had ed a successful and stable too early. Then they again asked the power to sign or veto bills government in exile and stood me. Chamdo [a mountainous and could even dismiss Par- firm against a brutal regime. As region in eastern Tibet] had liament. Now, with his signature, the first Dalai Lama to travel to already been taken over by the his formal title has changed the West, he has also extolled Chinese. There was a good deal from “Head of Nation” to the virtues of nonviolence to of anxiety. So I took respon- “Protector and Symbol of Tibet millions, a lifelong effort that sibility. When the Communist

26 SEEDS OF PEACE INEB

Liberation Army reached Lhasa, I went to China as one of the retirement.” This year, on March my first act was to escape from members of the Tibetan 10th, I officially stated that now Lhasa to the Indian border. So I delegation at the Congress of the the time has come for me to think, bad omen or good omen? People’s Republic of China. The retire; I’m going to hand over all Almost my first act after I took parliament in Peking was very my political authority to the responsibility is to escape from disciplined! I noticed that all the Tibetan administration. Lhasa! [Laughs] members barely dared make a suggestion. They would make a Most people around the world So here we are 61 years later, point, but only little corrections are anxious to get rid of their and you’ve just retired as head in wording [laughs]. Nobody leaders. But the Tibetans have of government. You have, in a really discussed meaning. been very reluctant to let you real way, been preparing for Then, in 1956, I had the retire. Why? this retirement—a separation opportunity to come to India. And Emotionally, spiritually, still of church and state—since you here, too, I had the opportunity to they look up to me. After I were a child. How was the seed visit Indian Parliament. I found announced my retirement, they first planted? big contrast. In Indian Parliament, requested that I should carry As a teenager, around 13 or lots of noise. No discipline. This responsibilities as I have, con- 14, living in Lhasa, I had very was a clear sign of complete tinuously. I declined. Then they intimate sort of contact with freedom of expression. Indian asked if I would consider at least ordinary people. Mainly, the parliamentarians, they love to carrying a title, like a ceremonial sweepers at the Potala Palace as criticize their government. So I sort of head. well as at Norbulingka [the Dalai realized, this is the meaning of A ceremonial role? I don’t Lama’s summer residence in democracy — freedom of speech. like it. To be like the British sort Lhasa]. I always played with I was so impressed with the of queen. Of course, I personally them and sometimes dined with democratic system. very much admire her. Wonderful. them. I got the information from But the system? [Laughs] If you the servants as to what was really You liked the messiness and carry some sort of ceremonial going on in Lhasa. I often heard noise of democracy? head, then you should do of the injustices the people In 1959, when we decided to something! Otherwise, I would experienced. So I began to under- raise the Tibetan issue at the just be a figurehead. A statement stand that our system—the U.N., I asked Indian Prime is written by someone, then I just power in the hands of a few people Minister Jawaharlal Nehru if he read? I know the word — a puppet. —that’s wrong. would sponsor our cause. He Only since the fifth Dalai declined. He felt there was no use Lama, 350 years ago, has the So soon after you took power, to raise Tibetan issue. He told me institution taken on real political you decided you wanted to that America will not carry out responsibility. The early in- implement reform to the old war with China over Tibet. Later, carnations were only spiritual system? I met with Nehru again, and I leaders. I always believe the rule In 1952, I think, I set up a was a little bit anxious [laughs]. by king or official leader is reform committee. I wanted to But when I met him, he was outdated. Now we must catch up start some kind of change. But I completely normal! I learned, yes with the modern world. faced a major reform obstacle— —this is a leader practicing So now I have handed over the Chinese officials wanted democracy. Disagreement is my political authority to an elect- reform according to their own something normal. ed government. I feel happy. pattern, their own way, which they In 1960, after I reached India, They carry full responsibility. I had already implemented in many Tibetans came to Bodh want to be just a pure spiritual China proper. The Chinese felt Gaya for my teaching. It was leader. But in case my services that if Tibetan reform was initiat- there we decided on a repre- are needed, I am still available. ed by Tibetans themselves, it sentative government—the first might be a hindrance to their own step for democratization. Since Do you also have personal way of reform. So it became then, as refugees, we go step by reasons for retirement? difficult. step toward full democratization. I always tell people that In the past 10 years, I have religious institutions and politi- You traveled to China in 1954 continued acting like a senior cal institutions should be sepa- and saw firsthand what Com- adviser. I called mine a semiretired rate. So while I’m telling people munist reform looked like. position. Since 2009, on many this, I myself continue with them Was it what you had envisioned occasions, I expressed, “Now I’m combined. Hypocrisy! [Laughs] for Tibet? looking forward to complete So what I am telling others I must

Vol.27 No.3 27 INEB implement for myself. not come immediately. But we with the decision. But they said Also, a more selfish reason. have to make the effort. This it’s very timely. The right Before the Dalai Lama became a moment, it looks only like an idea. decision. political figure, there was almost But every corner must make the no controversy. Since the fifth effort. Then there is possibility. So you feel good about your Dalai Lama, some controversy Then, if we fail in spite of that decision? — because of the political as- effort, no regret. Oh, yes. The 19th of March, pect, not spiritual. Now, after my after I offered a more detailed retirement, the institution of the It might surprise people to know explanation to the public about Dalai Lama is more pure, more that you really are what you my retirement—that night, my stable. I felt we must separate say: a simple monk. sleep was extraordinarily sound. political responsibility. The Dalai A few days ago, in this very So it seems some relief. Lama should not carry that room, the Tibetan political Now we are completely burden. So that is my selfish leadership came together to see changed from the theocracy of reason — to protect the old Dalai me. They brought all the amend- the past. Also, our decision is a Lama tradition. It is safer with- ments to the charter [regarding real answer to the Chinese Com- out political involvement. his retirement]. They explained munist accusation that the whole I have full conviction that what was written, and then they aim of our struggle is the res- Tibetans can carry all their work. asked me please to read it. I toration of the old system [in Therefore I voluntarily, proudly responded, “Oh, even if I read it feudal Tibet]. Now they can’t decide this four-century-old all, I will not understand fully. So, make that accusation. I am often tradition should end. it doesn’t matter.” I just asked saying that the Chinese Com- That does not mean the Dalai them, “Where I should sign?” munist Party should retire. Now Lama ends. The institution [Laughs] I can tell them, “Do like me. Retire remains, as a spiritual role. And with grace.” not only for my generation. If That’s very dangerous! the Tibetan people want the That’s a sign of a simple Why do the Chinese demonize institution to remain, it will remain Buddhist monk! you by calling you things like a continuously. “devil” or a “wolf in monk’s Do you worry that some people robes”? Is there a reason they Does your retirement mean think your decision to retire is speak about you in such archaic your long-term goals have wrong? language? changed? Well, some Tibetans, Generally speaking, such sort The rest of my life, I am fully particularly young Tibetans, are of expressions are childish. committed to these things: very critical. Those officials who use those Promotion of religious harmony. words, I think they want to show Promotion of human values. Is that just fear? Or is it based the Chinese government that the Human happiness. Like that. on a legitimate concern for Dalai Lama is so bad. And I think Tibet? also that they are hoping to reach So you will keep up with your Some people think that these the Tibetans. They want 100 daily routines? decisions are taken somewhat in percent negative. So they use I know that every morning a hurry. They don’t know, you these words. They actually you say a prayer for all sentient see, that I take these ideas step by disgrace themselves. I mean, beings. When you pray for us, step over the last few decades. childish! Very foolish! Nobody what is it that you want for us? I believes them. often tell people that this century The Dalai Lamas have long Usually, with human beings, should be century of dialogue. relied on the state oracles for one part of the brain develops Peace will not come from thought advice. Did you ask the oracles common sense. But with those or from Buddha. Peace must be to go into their prophetic trance Chinese leaders, particularly the built by humans, through action. and advise on your retirement? hard-liners, that part of their brain So that means, whenever we face I did. They fully support my is missing. When I met with problem—dialogue. That’s the decision. I know these oracles. I President Obama last year, I told only way. For that, we need inner ask them as a sort of adviser. him, “You should make a little disarmament. So our work They have observed the last four surgery. Put that part of brain should make a little contribution or five centuries of the Dalai into the Chinese.” [Laughs] to materialize a peaceful, com- Lama’s experiences, so logically, passionate world later this as human beings, I felt they might What do you think Tibet would century. That’s my wish. It will feel a little bit uncomfortable be like today if you had been its

28 SEEDS OF PEACE INEB leader for all these years? survival will depend on China blocked all the doors. They were Some change, some reforms changing from within. Are you shouting, “You should not go to would have happened. But it optimistic that will happen? the Chinese military camp!” would not be easy. There would When President Hu Jintao be opposition from within Tibet. expresses that his main interest is So Tibetans were afraid that an Some officials are more modern the promotion of harmony, I invitation from the Chinese at in their thinking. But there are fully support that. I express on this tense time was a trick to also some who have an old way many occasions that real har- imprison or assassinate you? of thinking. And then with the mony should come from the heart. Yes. That day, the sun was Chinese “liberators,” of course, For that, trust, respect and friend- very bright. I expressed to Mr. there is no freedom at all [laughs]. ship are all essential. To create a Phala, the Tibetan Lord I really feel that the last 52 more harmonious society, using Chamberlain, “Maybe this day, years is very sad. Refugees. And force is wrong. After almost 10 maybe this is a turning point in the worst thing is the destruction years of Hu Jintao’s presidency, history.” inside Tibet. Despite some his aim is very good. But the “Turning” does not mean construction, some economic method—relying more and more “hopeless.” In spite of some progress, the whole picture is on force—is counterproductive. difficulties, you see a long tunnel very, very sad. The first important thing is —at the end there is light. That But I have no regret. The last transparency. I am saying that 1.3 feeling has sustained our 52 years, because of India’s billion Chinese people have the determination. freedom, I really feel that I found right to know the reality. Then 1.3 the best opportunity to make my billion Chinese people also have I understand you’re going to life meaningful, to make a the ability to judge what is right meet with a group of Tibetan contribution. If I had remained in or what is wrong. spiritual leaders in November Lhasa, even without the Chinese On several occasions, to discuss your succession. occupation, I would probably Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has What issues will be on the table? have carried the ceremonial role expressed that China needs On the last few occasions in some orthodox way. political change. On some when we get religious leaders occasions, he even mentioned together, I raised this issue. When you were still a young democracy. And around Chinese Chinese Communists are very man, the Nechung Oracle intellectuals and artists, more much concerned about my prophesied about you that and more say they want political reincarnation! [Laughs] So we “the wish-fulfilling jewel will change, more freedom. So need to discuss. shine in the West.” Was the therefore, it is bound to change. The concrete decisions are oracle right? How long it will take, nobody not yet finalized. One thing is I think it seems that there is knows. Five years, 10 years, 15 quite sure. After all, the Dalai some truth. We escaped in 1959 years. It’s been now 52 years. In Lama reincarnation means my and reached India. To Tibetans, the next 50 years, I think it is reincarnation, my . So that itself was the West. Then almost certain things will logically, this is a matter of my from India, mainly Europe and change. Whether I live the next decision. No one else—even also America is our West. I have 50 years, or whether I don’t. spiritual leaders. My next life is done one thing that I think is a entirely up to me. contribution: I helped Buddhist If you had President Hu Jin- science and modern science tao’s ear and could suggest how But the Chinese government combine. No other Buddhist has to deal with Tibet, what would says they get to decide on all done that. Other lamas, I don’t you ask him to do? reincarnations, including yours. think they ever pay attention to I don’t know. I think it’s not This is quite controversial. modern science. Since my much use to discuss such things The Communists are not only childhood, I have a keen interest. [laughs]. nonbelievers, but they also As far as inner sciences [science consider of the mind] are concerned, Has there been any moment poisonous. So they deliberately modern science very young. In since 1959 when you thought try to minimize Tibetan Bud- the meantime, science in external the Chinese would leave Tibet? dhism. Should people who try to matters is highly developed. So Oh, yes. The 10th of March, minimize or eliminate Tibetan we Buddhists should learn from 1959 Ð the very day of the Tibetan Buddhism interfere about that as well. uprising. I remember very clearly, rebirth? It’s quite strange, really. there were a lot of Lhasa people Quite funny. They are only You have said that Tibet’s who came to Norbulingka and thinking about political power

Vol.27 No.3 29 INEB in Lhasa. That’s silly. I think it is not fit to be head of government, side world is much better. I think better for them to remain no problem. Whatever he can do definitely things will change. completely neutral. Or it would as a spiritual leader, he can do. Definitely. That is our view. And be more logical for the Chinese to Not very smart? OK! [Laughs] also many Chinese have that view. say, “There should not be any reincarnation.” Some traditions of Tibetan Do you remember where you Buddhism suggest that a boy were the moment you heard that Does it bother you that people born before the death of a high Osama bin Laden had been speak so much about your lama could actually be his rein- killed? What was your reac- death? carnation. Do you believe that tion? No, not at all. In Newark last the 15th Dalai Lama could al- Long Beach, California. I felt, month, a French journalist raised ready be alive today? of course, sad. Then, not that the issue. I took off my glasses It is possible. At least two simple. Very complex. and ask him, “According to your modern lamas before their death Since my childhood, I feel judgment of my face, the rein- said, “This boy who already is very bad about the death sen- carnation question is rather a alive is my reincarnation.” If it tence. In 1945 or 1946, when I hurry or not?” And he said, “No fits, after some investigation, then was 10 years old, they hanged hurry!” [Laughs] it is possible. German leaders at the Nurem- berg war-crime trials. I saw pic- Do you find yourself leaning If in fact this boy is alive today, tures in Life magazine. I felt very toward a more traditional would you take part in his train- sad. Then some Japanese leaders method of selecting the next ing? also. These people were already Dalai Lama — your reincarna- If I’m too old, then I don’t defeated. Killing them was not as tion — similar to the way you know! [Laughs] a sort of a precaution, but simply were discovered? revenge. At this moment, I feel I can You’ve been keeping a close Then when Saddam Hussein wait another 10 years, 15 years, watch on the uprisings in the hanged, I saw the picture. Very 20 years. Then we’ll see the situ- Middle East. Do you think that sad. No longer a threat. Old, de- ation. If the Tibetan people still the Arab Spring movement feated person. Give mercy rather want to keep this institution, and could have implications for than kill, I really think. want to follow the traditional way, Tibet? So the same thinking with then they will use past experi- That’s difficult to say. Au- bin Laden, also a defeated per- ence: a search for a young boy thoritarian systems are the same son. Since the tragedy of Septem- who has some special signifi- around the world. But in China, ber 11th, I express that if handl- cance. economic development really ing this problem goes wrong, As far as where the boy is brings some benefit to large then today one bin Laden, after born, that I have made clear. If I number of Chinese people. That some time, 10 bin Ladens, then die as a refugee, one still carrying is the difference. 100 bin Ladens could be possible. the Tibetan struggle, then the re- On September 12th, I wrote a incarnation logically must be Immediately after the crisis in letter to President Bush, since I found outside of Tibet. The very Tunisia and Egypt, there was had developed close friendship purpose of reincarnation is to some sort of impact in the with him. I expressed my condo- carry on the work started in the minds of young Chinese intel- lences, sadness. Meantime, I also previous life. So logically, if the lectuals. So the Chinese gov- express that handling this prob- previous person dies outside of ernment has become very, very lem, I hope nonviolent. Tibet as a refugee, the reincarna- nervous. They see danger from Of course, I know thousands tion must be found that way. within. But the Chinese authori- of Americans were killed. Unex- Otherwise, it creates more trou- tarian system is quite tight. pected, in peaceful times. Really, ble. Their domestic-security budget very bad. I know. I can feel what is more than their budget for they are feeling. So ordinary per- Can you foresee the challenges national defense. son, in the name of justice and your successor, the 15th Dalai Many people believe that the also some kind of feeling of re- Lama, might face? coming generation of leadership venge, they feel very happy to By my resignation, I already in China—because of their young some extent [about bin Laden]. made the role separate from the age, because of the Internet, be- Another way to look at it, a de- political world. So it will be much cause of large number of Chinese feated person has been killed. safer for the next Dalai Lama. students studying abroad—that The best way to solve these Now, if the 15th Dalai Lama is their knowledge about the out- problems is in the spirit of recon-

30 SEEDS OF PEACE INEB ciliation. Talk. Listen. And dis- personal level, direct to him. their culture. So unless the Chi- cuss. That’s the only way. So I return to Tibet full of nese government addresses the conviction. On the road, I meet a real issues, talks about my return Does evil exist in the world? Chinese general coming from to Tibet are irrelevant. This is an The seed of evil, from my Lhasa. I told him, “Last year, when issue of six million Tibetan viewpoint, is hate. On that level, I traveled this road, I was full of people. I am one of them. So we can say that everyone has that anxiety, suspicion. Now I’m re- naturally, like every Tibetan, I seed. As far as sort of potential of turning, full of confidence and also have the responsibility to murder is concerned, every per- hope.” That was the summer of serve. son has that potential. Hatred. 1955. Anger. Suspicion. These are the Then, in 1956, there were When your time comes, will you potentials of negative acts. problems in the eastern part of be buried at the Potala? There is also the potential for Tibet under Chinese jurisdiction. Most probably, if change mercy. Forgiveness. Tolerance. So I come to India. Month by comes and it is time to return to These also, everyone has this month, things become more seri- Tibet, my body will be preserved potential. ous. More trouble. So after I re- there. But it doesn’t matter. If the Evil means that the negative turn from India, I wrote at least airplane I’m on crashes, then fin- potential has become manifest. two letters to Chairman Mao about ished! Follow bin Laden! The positive remains dormant. the situation. No reply. No re- [Laughs] Those people who actually love sponse. Then I felt, “Oh, his prom- hatred, who deliberately always ise is just words.” You have said that Chenrezig practice anger, hatred—that’s — the Buddha of Compassion, evil. There are murals in the Potala of whom all Dalai Lamas are that depict important moments reincarnations — had a master Have you ever felt betrayed and people in the lives of past plan for the first and fifth Dalai personally? Dalai Lamas. Your life has been Lamas. Do you think that the In 1954 and 1955, for at least so different from the previous past 50 years of Tibetan history six months, I lived in Peking. Dalai Lamas. Who and what do is also part of his master plan? During that period, I met on a you imagine might be depicted That I don’t know. In the number of occasions with Chair- in a mural of your life? early Sixties, before the Cultural man Mao. At first, I was very Ahh, I don’t know. Of course, Revolution, I met Chenrezig in much nervous. Then—after the my mother at a young age. Then, one of my dreams at the Jokhang second time, third time, fourth my tutor. I never thought about Temple in Lhasa. There is a very time, I can’t remember how this. That’s up to other people. famous statue of Chenrezig there. many times—I develop real ad- The important thing is that In the dream, I enter that room miration for him. I really found my daily life should be some- and the statue of Chenrezig is him as a great revolutionary. No thing useful to others. As soon as winking and asking me to come question. Very straightforward. I wake up in the morning, I shape closer. And I am very moved. I go And his personal behavior—very my mind. The rest of the day, my and embrace him. Then he starts gentle, like an old farmer’s fa- body, speech, mind are dedicated one sentence, one verse. The ther. Like that. Very simple. to others. That is compulsory as meaning is: Keep persevering. He promised many things. a practitioner, and also that way The continuation of effort in spite On one occasion, Chairman Mao I gain some kind of inner strength. of any obstacle. You should carry pointed to two generals who were If I am concerned about my own all your work in spite of difficul- stationed in Lhasa. Mao said, “I sort of legacy, a genuine Bud- ties and obstacles. send these generals in order to dhist practitioner should not think At that time, I feel happy. help you. So if these generals not that. If you’re concerned much But now, when I think of that, I listen to your wish, then let me about your legacy, then your work think that was advice from know. I will withdraw them.” will not become sincere. You are Chenrezig: “Your life will not be Then, at my last meeting, at mainly thinking of your own good easy. Some difficulties. Quite long the last moment, he mentioned, name. Selfish. Not good. Spoiled. period. But no reason to feel dis- “Religion is poison.” couraged.” At that time, he advised me Do you believe the day will come how to listen, how to collect dif- when you will be allowed to Melissa Mathison ferent views, different sugges- return to Tibet? 21 July 2011 tions, and then how to lead. Re- The Tibet issue is not an is- ally wonderful sort of advice. He sue about the Dalai Lama. It is This is from the 4 August 2011 asked me to send telegrams on a about six million Tibetans and issue of Rolling Stone.

Vol.27 No.3 31 Sulak Sivaraksa

Why the 28th Niwano Peace Prize is Being Awarded to Mr. Sulak Sivaraksa

The Niwano Peace Prize Com- understanding of peace, democ- central themes of his work: mittee has decided to award racy, and development. He chal- rejection of consumerist devel- the 28th Niwano Peace Prize to lenges accepted approaches that opment, and pursuit of develop- Sulak Sivaraksa. He is a remark- fail to give priority to poor citi- ment rooted in indigenous cul- able and multifaceted Buddhist , men and women alike. He ture and socially-engaged reli- leader whose work for peace has has, over a lifetime of dedicated gious traditions and beliefs. His been marked, over many decades, service and unflagging commit- organizations reflect an indig- by the courage, determination, ment, given new life to ancient enous, sustainable, and spiritual imagination, and the constant Buddhist teachings about non- model for change. Today, these inspiration that are core princi- violence and about peace and organizations are active far ples of his Buddhist faith. justice. beyond Thailand. First let me review briefly Sulak Sivaraksa was born in Sulak combines his insights the selection process for the 28th 1933 in Siam (as he prefers to into politics and spirituality. He Niwano Peace Prize. call his country), to a family of appreciates that political and First, recommendations Chinese ancestry. His education institutional change are needed were solicited from about 620 was in Thailand, England, and to achieve peace and justice. individuals around the world. Wales, in law and other disci- Well aware that politics is im- The invited nominators are reli- plines. He returned to Bangkok portant for Buddhism, he none- gious leaders, scholars, peace in 1961. Over his long career he theless has never strayed from activists and well recognized has used his intellectual gifts the central role of spirituality. intellectuals in 125 different to propel the concept and move- He has been in jail many times, countries. Their recommenda- ment of Engaged Buddhism. due to his critical approach to tions, together with nominations Sulak is truly a teacher. It is numerous political and social from members of the Niwano a mark of Sulak’s approach that issues and protests. Peace Prize Committee, resulted he has nurtured and supported Sulak’s intelligent advocacy in 43 eligible nominees for the younger leaders over the years. for the environment is another 28th prize. The Niwano Peace Many today are leaders of a wide important reason we choose to Prize secretariat screened these range of organizations. He is also honor him . He speaks forcefully nominations and together with a scholar, publisher, and founder against environmental destruc- the Committee selected 17 for of many organizations. He has tion, promoting environmental further screening. After much authored over a hundred books preservation and environmental thoughtful reflection and ex- and monographs, in Thai and justice. Sekhiyadhamma (Stu- change, and discussion at our English. He promotes a spiritual dents of the Dhamma), a network Committee Meeting in October education movement grounded of Buddhist monks, works in 2010, from among these worthy in traditional culture and values. their communities to preserve candidates, Sulak Sivaraksa was Sulak never hesitates to local environments, principally selected to receive the 28th Ni- speak truth to those in power, and forests that are so essential to wano Peace Prize. he has always been an activist. village economies. Characteris- Now let me comment on To serve society truly, Sulak tic of Sulak’s approach, the work Sulak Sivaraksa and the qualities contends, one must stay in touch combines education, teaching that led the Committee to select with poor people and the grass villagers better ways to conserve him. roots. Working to bring about natural resources, and political Sulak is an example, in his change has embroiled him in action to protect local social, cul- life of dedication to peace and many controversial issues. He tural, and natural environments justice, to the principles of the aproaches advocacy with a com- from the encroachment of com- Niwano Peace Prize. He has bination of knowledge, courage, mercial, industrial, and urban used his insights, his courage, and absolute commitment to development. Sulak’s environ- and his persistent action, to nonviolence. He is widely cred- mental ethics is grounded in a change the views of political ited with having mobilized Thai holistic understanding of the leaders, scholars, and young civil society, creating many Buddhist principle of interde- people, in Thailand, Asia, and social welfare and development pendence and a deep respect for the world. He encourages a new organizations. All embody two nature. Knowledge of inter-be-

32 SEEDS OF PEACE Sulak Sivaraksa coming (a term he borrows from refrain from stealing is a call ronment into global discourse. Thich Nhat Hanh), is achieved by for global economic justice. Not His voice carries far and has developing mindful awareness. engaging in sexual misconduct influenced thinking at many In contrast to more reflective calls us to examine all systems levels. This is reflected in ad- and contemplative styles, he of male dominance which exploit miration and recognition of his aggressively fights in the tren- women. Prohibiting false speech work, including the 1995 award ches for the cause of human and is a call for honesty at the inter- of the Right Livelihood Award, environmental justice. national level. Avoiding intoxi- also known as the alternative Sulak uses the principles cation is a call for global respon- Nobel Prize. and practices of Buddhism as a sibility for drug and alcohol use For Sulak, Buddhism is a personal and political resource. and an examination of its causes. questioning process: question His life shows that the interior In Sulak’s Buddhist vision of everything, including oneself, life of spiritual contemplation, society, the individual is under- look deeply, and then act from and the exterior life of political stood as a starting point for that insight. He is among a hand- action, need not be seen as oppo- change: through individual ful of leaders world-wide work- sites or hostile to each other. On spiritual growth, social justice is ing to revive the socially engaged the contrary, each can be used to eventually achieved. aspects of spirituality. Whatever illuminate and inform and en- Sulak is a leading voice in he does, however he does it, at courage the other. He is a living global inter-religious dialogue the core of his work is a mission example of simplicity, loving and engagement, an acknow- to build a new leadership for kindness, and compassion. Self- ledged global leader for peace. change at all levels, within his lessness is at the heart of Sulak’s Sulak always argues that in- country and beyond. That is universal vision. terdependence is an essential, the essence of the spirit of the Sulak extends the Buddhist living concept. His is a voice of Niwano Peace Prize. into ethical guide- reason and ethics, speaking truth lines that can forge a more sus- to power and highlighting tan- Katherine Marshall, tainable, compassionate, and just gible issues that touch on human Chairman, global society. To refrain from dignity. He was one of the early Niwano Peace Prize Committee killing today means an end to all leaders who brought the ethical Kyoto, July 23, 2011 modern forms of violence. To challenges of caring for the envi- ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Twenty-Eighth Niwano Peace Prize Presentation Ceremony Address

I would like to offer my sincere March 11, we decided to post- seen him from time to time at expression of gratitude to the pone until today and to move WCRP’s international confer- many distinguished guests the venue to Kyoto. ences. During the discussion present here today for attending Despite the unusual circum- period, he always speaks from the Twenty-eighth Niwano Peace stances of the earthquake and the standpoint of the impover- Prize presentation ceremony. the subsequent postponement ished. as he advocates for the The Niwano Peace Founda- of the event, this year’s recipient, importance of religious leaders tion is greatly honored to present Ven.Sulak, and all of you have taking an active role in social this year’s Niwano Peace Prize come in large numbers to attend planning. For many years, his to the lay Buddhist leader the today’s ceremony. advocacy, rooted in religious Venerable Sulak Sivaraksa of From the bottom of my heart, practice, has continued to provide Thailand, who is one of the I thank you. valuable suggestions to the founders of INEB, the Interna- Many of you are well ac- world’s religious leaders. tional Network of Engaged quainted with Venerable Sulak, Ven.Sulak takes action not Buddhists. and know of his sharp intellect only as a lay Buddhist leader, but This year’s ceremony was and great passion, as well as his also as a lawyer, teacher, scholar, originally scheduled for May 19 dynamic energy. I often partici- author, and activist. He is ex- in Tokyo. Taking into consider- pate in the programs of the tremely versatile in many fields ation the lingering affects of the World Conference of Religions including religion, culture, edu- Eastern Japan Earthquake of for Peace (WCRP), and have cation, environmentalism, and so-

Vol.27 No.3 33 y

Sulak Sivaraksa cial justice and public welfare. In 1989, Ven.Sulak and a Japanese priest named Teruo Maruyama put forth the proposal to establish the Inter- national Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) in Thailand. With the goal of realizing a peaceful society with justice grounded in Buddhist principles, INEB is undertaking staff train- ing, publishing, and network building among Buddhists who are actively engaged in policy planning regarding peace, human rights, and the environment. Unfortunately, I must make a very sad announcement. Teruo Maruyama, one of the cofound- ers of INEB, passed away on June 13. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep respect for his many great achievements, and my heartfelt prayer that he may rest in peace. “First, we must critically locally.” With his rare intellect, I would now like to describe open our eyes to Western models he correctly perceives global some of Ven.Sulak’s current ac- of development, which encourage problems, and is clearly showing tivities, which cover a broad range violence, capitalism, materialism, the people of Asia the path to of fields. However, I have noticed and centralization.” pursue from now on. a common theme runn-ing “Second, we must open our Buddhism is the essence of through them allÐa fundamental eyes to the value of our own cul- his principles and practical inquiry into what it truly means tural roots. In other words, we methods. Ven.Sulak is highly to be rich. should show respect to the cul- esteemed as an activist, of course, After the Second World War, ture indigenous to our ancestors but above all else, he is known as Asian countries followed the and our region by ensuring that a true “seeker of the Way.” model of the advanced nations traditional values are relevantly While Ven.Sulak’s numerous of the West and set their course applied to the present-day and suggestions are primarily directed on rapid economic expansion. into the future.” toward the people of Thailand, Japan has been a prime example On the international level, he they are certainly applicable to of this. advocates that, “We should en- Japan as well. On the one hand, this path courage Westerners to pay more In the sixty years since satisfies people’s material de- attention to their own spiritual World War II ended, Japan has sires, but on the other, it has development. In other words, evolved into one of the world’s spawned several serious prob- when individuals change, they handful of economic power- lems, including an ever-widening bring about social change, and in houses. In the process, though, gap in wealth distribution, order to make that happen, they many basic things have been destruction of the natural en- need to realize inner peace.” forgotten as people have become vironment, and spiritual decay. He has also noted that “For obsessed with consumerism and Ven.Sulak sounded a warn- Buddhism to be more effective materialism. A number of prob- ing when he said, “We cannot today, it must be relevant to lems have become plainly evi- realize the true development of modern industrial society, and dent. human society as long as people be capable of adapting to prob- And now, Japan has suffered are forced to live in poverty.” lems on the global scale.” an earthquake and tsunami that He has also given us the Ven.Sulak is the embodiment occurs only once in 500 years, or following invaluable advice: of the phrase “think globally, act perhaps only once in 1,000 years.

34 SEEDS OF PEACE Sulak Sivaraksa

Even in Tokyo, which is not by little. are now receiving and allowing directly in the devastated region, From long ago, we Japanese the spirit of “wanting less and shortages of electric power and have valued a lifestyle of helping knowing how much is enough” certain necessities are continuing one another and sharing, leading to take root in our hearts and to cause some anxiety. simple lives aimed at securing minds. On the other hand, some basic needs and reducing waste. Four months have now changes have become evident In ancient times, Japan was passed since the Eastern Japan that we should pay attention to. given the name “Yamato”, which Earthquake. I believe it is Walking on streets dimly lit due literally means “great peace” or extremely significant that, at a to reductions in electric power, “great harmony”. A timeless, time in which Japanese are many people have realized that unchanging spirit of peace was reevaluating the basics of daily up until now, making nighttime thus the national ideal of our life. Ven Sulak has come here to so light was not normal. New ancestors. Japan to be honored at this customs are being born from As I mentioned earlier, Ven. presentation ceremony for the conserving energy. For instance, Sulak has indicated that we Niwano Peace Prize. At the people are cutting back on going should open our eyes to the commemorative lecture that out to eat. More people are value of our cultural roots and will follow, I hope to learn more packing their own lunches and adapt them to the present and the from him. eating at home in the evening, future, which I believe is one of I would like to conclude by which in turn provides a good the most important missions we making today’s presentation opportunity to reevaluate the have today. ceremony the opportunity to importance of one’s family and No matter how materially express my hope that more immediate neighborhood. wealthy we become, if we do not people will share in the wish and I think that the recent disas- know how to be satisfied with activities of Ven Sulak, and to ter has once again called upon what we have, then we will be offer my heartfelt prayers that me, as a critizen of Japan, to re- driven by the feeling of always his important work will meet turn to basics and reassess the wanting more, and we will never with even greater success. right way to live. find peace of mind. For me, this Thank you very much. And while it may seem is further confirmation that the ironic, due to this large-scale first step toward being truly Nichiko Niwano disaster, we Japanese may be “rich” is for each and every one President, Risho Kosei-kai regaining our humanity, little of us to be grateful for what we ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Commemorative Address at the Niwano Peace Ceremony

When a tree falls, it makes Notwithstanding our fear of a thunderous sound. But who change, peace movements con- listens to trees as they grow? tinue to grow quietly, continuing In the same way, we are the legacy of Gandhi’s - bombarded by news of war, en- graha (truth power) and ahimsa vironmental destruction, market (nonviolence). The Sloth Club exploitation, income inequality, here in Japan is one example. and most profoundly the recent They embrace the practice of earthquakes, tsunami, and ongo- Slow Is Beautiful in the spirit ing nuclear disaster in Japan. of E. F. Schumacher’s Small Is When we hear news about Beautiful—Buddhist Econo- actions for peace, freedom, and mics “as if people matter.” Schu- justice, we somehow feel threat- macher (whose centenary is this ened by it, as though our world is year) brought forth his book already the best of all possible forty years ago, yet mainstream worlds. economists still act as though

Vol.27 No.3 35 Sulak Sivaraksa unlimited growth is desirable see clearly, to be truly aware of societies into models of justice and possible. the state of the world, we must and peace. While engaging Buddhist begin by deprogramming our- teaches principles, Mr. Nikkyo Niwano selves and be free of prejudice proper breathing as the most im- worked for world peace long be- toward those we criticize. Work- portant element of life. When we fore the era of Fritz Schumacher. ing together with others of good learn to breathe in and out mind- Mr. Niwano manifested peace will, we can identify and confront fully, greed hatred, and delusion through both his words and his abuses of power. It is critical for naturally transform into generos- deeds, with the steadiness of a people of all faiths and ideolo- ity, compassion, and wisdom. tree growing tall and strong. gies, as well as atheists and ag- We are all connected to one an- Rissho Kosei-Kai is an outstand- nostics, to listen to each other as other and we can learn to breathe ing lay Buddhist organization, we promote justice and balance from that place. known throughout the world for through nonviolent means. And Throughout the ages, nature uplifting individuals and societ- we must uphold equality in all has caused a lot of suffering, but ies. Mr. Niwano also helped situations. It helps to stay in touch today natural disasters are exac- create the World Conference on with the poor and oppressed. erbated by the arrogance of Religion and Peace and the Asian To continue the work, we industrialists and scientists. We Conference on Religion and need to inspire the younger gen- must respect nature and not Peace, and both continue to play a eration. We must help them de- regard other living beings as vital role in promoting peace velop freedom, self-reliance, con- resources to be exploited. Tech- through interreligious coopera- tentedness, compassion, and nological developments are not tion and dialogue. generosity, to learn to collabo- always in our best interest, as Mr. Inazo Nitobe is another rate rather than compete and to seen so clearly with the Fuku- leading Japanese man who dedi- appreciate quality rather than shima Daiichi Nuclear Power cated his life to world peace con- excess. And the younger genera- Station, and we must learn to fronting The Powers That Be. tion needs accurate information, discern what advances to accept Although I never met him (he not just the propaganda of and apply, and which ones to passed away the year I was born), governments and media. The monitor closely or discard. I knew his disciple Mr. Shige- present financial crisis is an With humility and caring, haru Matsumoto and his wife opening for us to encourage not just for ourselves but for the very well. Matsumoto-san estab- these essential values. next seven generations, we can lished the International House For our children to realize bring about an era of ahimsa and of Japan to promote cultural ex- their potential and come forth as satyagraha. We can learn from change and intellectual coopera- leaders of their generation, we Gandhi, Prince Shotoku, and tion between the peoples of ourselves must be good models. even Emperor . Gross Japan and those of other coun- We must be homo sapiens, not National Product was once the tries. As a socially engaged Bud- homo hipocriticus or homo oeco- universal measurement of eco- dhist and cofounder of the Inter- nomicus. We must see through nomic well being. Today, Gross national Network of Engaged neoliberal economics and free National Happiness is gaining Buddhists, I feel honored to stand market fundamentalism. Today wider acceptance, with Bhutan, in the shadow of these great in Greece, austerity measures, Ladakh, and Kerala leading the figures. However, I feel that our which means privatizing the way. movement should not be directly commons, are being imple- Although the economic involved in politics, but should mented, not for the benefit of the theory of unlimited growth and work on the spiritual level to people, but for the super rich to nonstop accumulation of capital benefit all members of the move- own even more. We must help continues to dominate the World ment. the next generations develop the Bank, International Monetary We need to be culturally sen- critical thinking we have lacked Fund, World Trade Organization, sitive, politically concerned, and and the capacity for reflection and nearly every government, socially committed and have the taught by the Buddha to build a in recent years, there have been courage to tackle questions of the sustainable future. We must high-profile defections. Amart- common good and to point out confront our own greed, hatred, ya Sen, Joseph Stiglitz, Jeffery situations of abuse. To be able to and delusion and transform our Sachs, and others have expressed

36 SEEDS OF PEACE Sulak Sivaraksa their recognition that main- stream economics, if left un- checked, will destroy the world and its peoples. Last year the or- ganizers of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, invited Matthieu Ricard, a French Buddhist monk, to deliver a key- note address on Gross National Happiness. Let us hope this was more than a public relations stunt by the rich and powerful. A think tank at Schumacher College has joined with the New Economic Foundation in London to propa- gate the idea that Buddhist eco- nomics be taught at the university level. The University of Pennsyl- vania is considering including Gross National Happiness in its ceive their people, but the deceit- was his role model. masters’ curriculum. Chulalong- fulness of the ruling classes can- The politics in Cambodia, as korn University and the Sathira- not last forever. Although the in many other countries, are full koses-Nagapradipa Foundation mass media as a whole brain- of violence and deceitfulness. in Bangkok collaborate with washes us to be addicted to But the Dhammayatra move- Bhutan Studies Centre in Tim- capitalism and consumerism, ment, founded by the late Maha phu established a School of new technologies offer oppor- Ghosananda, a Cambodian Bud- Wellbeing with much concern tunities for new sources of infor- dhist monk and Niwano Peace on Gross National Happiness. mation, and a world beyond Prize laureate, is a vital and in- The Powers That Be will not capitalism is possible. fluential force in his country. give up their privileges voluntar- Although he came to power We can also refer to the Saffron ily. They will defend them to the through armed struggle, Fidel Revolution in Burma when bitter end. Violent structures will Castro now condemns mindless Buddhist monks struggled for not crumble by themselves. They violence and has stated that he democracy and responded to the need to be pushed—nonvio- prefers nonviolence. Despite military dictatorship’s counter- lently. The way forward requires decades of American terrorism revolutionary brutality with deep refraining from violence, even as against Cuba, Castro still sees meditation and prayers. Like- a means to an end. The U.S. in its the American people as friends wise in Tibet, monks have non- perpetration of violence in Iraq, of Cuba and sees young Ameri- violently resisted the Chinese Afghanistan, Libya, and else- cans tilt toward nonviolence as occupation for more than five where; China in Tibet and Xin- a move in the right direction. decades, and the Dalai Lama jiang; the military dictatorship in Former president José recently embarked on a path to Burma; and other perpetrators Ramos-Horta of Timor Leste democratize Tibet nonviolently. of violence are on the wrong side also upholds the virtue of non- In the academic world, of history. Like Aceh, the three violence and forgiveness. He is many books have followed along southernmost provinces of the willing to forgive and even coop- the trail blazed by Schumacher’s Thai kingdom must be granted a erate with despite the Buddhist economics, such as greater degree of self-rule. There latter’s bloody invasion and Glenn Paige’s Nonkilling Global is no other way to bring this about occupation of his country. He is Political Science and David except through nonviolence. inspired by Nelson Mandela, Loy’s A Buddhist History of the Mahatma Gandhi employed who was ready to forgive the West: Studies in Lack—not to satyagraha to expose the lies of crimes of apartheid. Former mention the works of the Mind the British empire. China and president of Indonesia Abdurrah- and Life Institute under the guid- many other countries still de- man Wahid declared that Gandhi ance of the Dalai Lama to shed

Vol.27 No.3 37 Sulak Sivaraksa light on the common insights of results from ignorance, greed Clearly this is a pivotal science and spirituality. and lack of respect for the generation. Global commu- Globalization, the latest earth’s living things. This nication is possible, yet con- phase of capitalism, is a facade lack of respect extends even frontations take place more of neo-imperialism. More than to the earth’s human descen- often than meaningful dia- ever we need self-rule—begin- dants, the future generations logues for peace. Our mar- ning with personal transforma- who will inherit a vastly vels of science and technol- tion—and the creation of a new degraded planet if world ogy are matched, if not out- collective subject. To bring this peace doesn’t become a weighed, by many current about requires, first of all, inter- reality and if destruction of tragedies, including human nal spiritual change. If we are the natural environment starvation in some parts of able to transform greed into gen- continues at the present the world and extinction of erosity, hatred into loving kind- rate. other life forms. Exploration ness, and delusion into wisdom, Our ancestors viewed of outer space takes place we have self-rule. Peace in the the earth as rich and bounti- at the same time the earth’s world requires the cultivation of ful, which it is. Many people own oceans, seas and fresh- seeds of peace within. As the in the past also saw nature water areas grow increas- Dalai Lama points out, this is as inexhaustibly sustainable, ingly polluted, and their difficult but it is the only way to which we now know is the life forms are still largely achieve world peace. case only if we care for it. unknown or misunderstood. I would like to end my com- It is not difficult to forgive Many of the earth’s habitats, memorative address with a quote destruction in the past that animals, plants, insects and from the Dalai Lama’s Toward resulted from ignorance. even microorganisms that Compassion and Equality: Today, however, we have we know as rare may not be Peace and survival of access to more information. known at all by future gen- life on earth as we know it It is essential that we re- erations. We have the capa- are threatened by human examine ethically what we bility and the responsibility. activities that lack a com- have inherited, what we are We must act before it is too mitment to humanitarian responsible for, and what late. values. Destruction of na- we will pass on to coming Sulak Sivaraksa ture and national resources generations. delivered at Kyoto 23 July 2011 ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Lese Majeste

A group of writers has General Arthit [Kamlangek]. It General Suchinda Kraprayoon recently petitioned the govern- was in the context of the rivalry of the National Peace-Keeping ment for the modification of between Arthit and General Prem Council (NPKC). It concerned a Article 112 of the criminal [Tinsulanonda]. Arthit wanted to speech that I gave at Thammasat code. As someone who had depose Prem when the latter was University in which I pointed to been charged with lese majeste both physically and politically how bad the first six months before perhaps you are in a weak. In any case, my book was under the NPKC were. I claimed good position to comment still at the printing house, and that General Suchinda’s action on this issue. What are your they came to arrest me there on constituted an act of lese majeste thoughts on this matter? the charge of lese majeste. because it violated the Constitu- SS: Yes, you can say that The lesson of this story is tion, which was signed by the I’ve had the privilege of being that politicians would attempt King. He retaliated by charging charged with lese majeste for to reap the most personal benefit me with lese majeste, forcing me three times. The first time hap- out of the Article. to flee the country in exile. pened in 1984 and involved The second time was due to As for the latest incident, it

38 SEEDS OF PEACE Sulak Sivaraksa was due to Thaksin Shinawatra. In other words, one has to go British model? In England, the I faced three lese majeste com- straight to prison. The military Crown still owns a lot of prop- plaints, concerning Same Sky removed Thanin from power a erty. But the Crown must pay magazine and my speech at Khon long time ago, but the draconian taxes too. Also, the Queen’s Khaen University. The authori- law is still with us. royal addresses to the public are ties came with an arrest warrant Why? Because the Article drafted by the government. Even to my house, and I had to travel to is useful for politicians to attack the Queen’s annual speech at the Khon Khaen. It was 2am before their opponents. The Article is State Opening of Parliament is I was out on a bail. Subsequently, not useful for the King. The King drafted by the government. And I had to travel to Khon Khaen is well aware of this fact. Re- so on. Do we want our monarch every month [to report to the member one of his royal ad- to play this kind of role? authority]. Abhisit [Vejjajiva] dresses on the eve of his birthday An important issue is whe- telephoned me and said that he several years ago? He stated ther or not the monarch is con- would do his best to help clear clearly that filing a lese majeste sidered to be divine or sacred; the cases. But in the end he complaint is tantamount to mis- that is, above ordinary human didn’t do a thing. treating the King and offending beings. King Chulalongkorn abol- the monarchy. Everybody says ished the practices of crawling, Wasn’t Article 112 essentially that they are his loyal subjects. prostrating, etc. before the mon- designed to protect the monar- But no one takes the King’s arch. He considered them to be chy? warning seriously. backward and uncivilized as SS: Article 112 states, During the Chuan Leekpai well as in violation of the spirit “Whoever defames, insults, or premiership, Sanan (Kachorn- of equality. He didn’t want the threatens the King, the Queen, prasart) served as the minister of country to look ‘barbaric’ in the the Heir-apparent or the Regent interior. He told me that the King eyes of Westerners.... shall be punished with 3-15 years had even requested him to tell imprisonment.” Here “protect- the police not to imprison anyone How then did we regress to the ing” means that “respect” must involved in a lese majeste case. way things were before? be paid to him or her. But in But the King’s request fell on SS: The simple answer is reality the anti-defamation laws deaf ears because the police are Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat. should already suffice—no spe- like a state within a state. For When he came to power through cial law is necessary. instance, the last time I was a military coup d’etat in 1957 and The special law was the pro- arrested the police were on threw away the constitution, he duct of the military dictatorship. Thaksin’s side; they were not needed something to help sustain During the time of absolute mon- with the government. his legitimacy. Aided by his archy, the punishment for lese ...It is clear that every politi- chief propagandist Luang Wichit majeste was up to three years cal party wants the country to be Wattakarn, Sarit resorted to the imprisonment. During the (Field a democracy with the monarch protection of the monarchy and Marshal) Sarit (Thanarat) dicta- as the head of state. But none of religion as his primary source of torship, it was increased to be up them cared to elaborate on what legitimacy.... to seven years. In 1976 during the role the King or monarchy should Thanin Kraivixien premiership play in this kind of democracy. There have been several ap- the punishment was 3-15 years What does it mean to have a head peals to modify Article 112. imprisonment. At least three of state who is a monarch that is There was one or two years years imprisonment was unprec- governed and bound by the con- ago signed by a number of edented! This also means that stitution? Should we use Japan internationally prominent there will be no suspension of the as our model? The Japanese academics and intellectuals punishment because the suspen- monarch is merely a titular ruler such as Noam Chomsky. sion only works for crimes that with little if any powers. SS: Yes, they sent their face up to 2 years imprisonment. Or should we refer to the appeal. But Abhisit did not do

Vol.27 No.3 39 Sulak Sivaraksa anything. He established a com- action. But the commissioners mendations provided by Somsak mission led by the permanent must be courageous. (Jeamteerasakul) in Same Sky secretary of the ministry of jus- .... magazine are really good. If the tice. But the commission also monarchy is able to reform itself did not do anything. My case If we can freely discuss about along this line, then it will be able was terminated when this com- the monarchy how can we to coexist in Thai society. mission convened a meeting be sure that this freedom For my part, I think that the after the King had expressed his wouldn’t be abused? (CPB) wish not to pursue further legal SS: The anti-defamation should be taken over by the state. actions. The commission is law should provide a sufficient It should be placed under the merely a rubber stamp. guarantee. Ministry of Finance. The King The problem is that no one The important point is shouldn’t involve himself in the wants to confront the truth in whether or not there’s truth in operations of the CPB. As to how Thai society. The problem can any criticism of the monarchy. many percent the Crown takes only be solved when you are not The idea is to maintain proper from the revenues, it should be afraid of the truth. Khun Anand conducts at all times so as not to agreed in advance.... (Panyarachun) is a very nice per- be the target of vicious criticisms son. He recently appeared on a or insults. If there’s truth in the What are your thoughts on the television show. He was very criticism then proper redress modification of Article 112? diplomatic in his remarks and must be made. If not, then the SS: I agree that it must be comments. He did not touch on accuser or critic is at a fault. done. But I propose a “compro- the truth at all. He said that mo- Moreover, the King is at the mised” version. In the short run, difying Article 112 is a little too summit of society. It is thus the severity of the punishment radical, too “red”—because from understandable that the King is must be drastically reduced. As allowing anyone to lodge a lese often the target of criticisms. it stands, Article 112 is a threat majeste complaint it would make People will find faults with him. to the monarchy’s survival. I no one able to do so. No one will King Rama VII fully real- suggest that the minimum three be able to protect the King. He ized this basic fact. When asked years imprisonment clause be did not care to tell us who should whether or not he feared public revoked. And a maximum sen- be in the position to do so. denunciations, he replied that tence of three or seven years the Thai people reproached their imprisonment should more than Does this mean that someone monarch all the time for all sorts suffice. In the long run, however, or a group of people should be of reason. When it didn’t rain the meaning of having a demo- given this task? according to the season, the King cracy with the monarch as the SS: We have several choices was to blame. And so on. In fact head of state must be carefully or candidates here. The commis- the title of Phraya Raek Na (the and clearly unpacked. The peo- sions led by Khun Anand, Ajarn Ploughing Lord) was created to ple must be clear about the Prawase (Wasi) and Khun Kanit shield the King from being criti- monarch’s role, duty, etc. The (na Nakorn) are still around. cized by farmers. For instance, if point is how to make the monar- Pick one. Let’s say we want the harvest was bad, then they chy most beneficial to the Khun Kanit’s commission to do could blame the Phraya Raek Na people. We have many existing this job. It is mostly made up of instead. models to learn from—e.g., those lawyers or legal experts. The of Japan, England, Sweden, Nor- government can issue a decree Does the monarchy have a way, the Netherlands, etc. stating that any lese majeste future in Thai society? complaint must first be eva- SS: If the monarchy wants Translated luated by this commission. The to be a part of Thai society in from Krungdep Dhurakij commission will then decide the future, it must undertake 21 June 2001 whether or not to pursue legal reforms. For starters, the recom-

40 SEEDS OF PEACE Articles

Traditional Village as Eco-village You must treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents. It is loaned to you by your children. Kenyan Proverb

Mabu has lived in traditional tional ways cannot cope with thus increasing self-esteem, self- Karen villages and refugee these onslaughts. People lose the determination and pride in cul- camps on the Thai-Burma Bor- sacred connection with their land tural roots. In addition cutting der. He joined the Thai EDE in and aided by the machinations edge, locally appropriate tech- 2011. He speaks of his experi- of sophisticated western media nologies and sustainable prac- ence: they become entranced with tices are introduced. Burning ‘EDE was such an enriching consumer goods and believe questions around the pros and and inspirational course that their looks, wisdom and tradi- cons of modernization and what has given me confidence to con- tions are ugly and obsolete. constitutes sustainability and tinue and improve my commu- ‘Please help us we are so behind’ resilience in the longer term are nity development work for the whispered Ja Bawk an ethnic explored in the four areas. oppressed Karen people.’ Kachin women when she first The eco-footprint of a Karen came to the Grassroots Leader- A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS forest village like Mabu’s is far ship Training (a predecessor —WHY ECO-VILLAGE IN less than the most cutting edge to EDE), later she became em- THE CONGO? northern eco-village. The elders powered and proud of her roots Lua Bashala, from the Con- tell stories of a wonderful cos- managing many community go at the recent Global Eco- mology, the untrained eye would eco-projects. village Network (GEN) confer- not notice that the forest is held Development policies ad- ence at Tamera, Portugal, moved sacred providing food and medi- vocate sustainability yet rarely the audience to tears as she cine with centuries old herb gar- address deep social and cultural spoke eloquently of dens, healing areas, burial grounds aspects. The eco-village move- ‘a people paralysed by and place for placentas of new ment marries well with the tradi- war — women victims of mass born children. tional sustainable way of life in war rape — street children with- All over the world traditional the South. An approach that out hope or homes’ villages and indigenous commu- encourages traditional villages She went on to talk of her nities have lived close to nature to empower themselves to learn hope when she met with the with sustainable social, ecologi- from eco-village ethos and alter- eco-village concept and the EDE cal and economic structures for native technology can stem the curriculum. millennia. As the juggernaut of flow of migrant workers to the ‘I had tears for a month — modernization sweeps through urban slums, desperate living I could not believe what I had the world these ancient, sustain- conditions and consumer-led found — I recognised this as the able ways of life are in grave culture. GEN has been leading answer — being close to nature danger. Climate change, deser- the way drafting guidelines to — spirituality and conscious- tification and other disasters this end along with the elegant ness’. including consumerism are cre- roadmap of Eco-village Design In May 2011 she presented ating a new kind of refugee. Com- Education that encompasses the the EDE approach at the Congo plex political and economic dy- four pillars of sustainability — GEN conference where it was namics mean many vulnerable ecological, worldview (cultural), recognised by her people : ‘this people in Africa, Latin America economic and social with mod- is the way we used to live’. Her and Asia are displaced, in debt, ules in each area. The curri- dream of building an eco-village migrant workers, in military or culum can be easily adapted demonstration centre in the refugee camps. There is huge to local conditions facilitating Congo with street children and rural-urban migration as tradi- revaluing traditional wisdom women rape victims was inspir-

Vol.27 No.3 41 Articles ing to all she aspires to create ‘a SOUTH & SOUTH EAST ASIA: munities. Orissa alumni are plan- light in the darkness — that will In Thailand there have been four ning an EDE in local language expand to a bonfire’. EDEs in association with Wong- and several pilot eco-villages in sanit Ashram, an engaged Bud- the near future. EMERGING GEN AFRICA: dhist community near Bangkok. EDEs in traditional com- Senegal is leading the way with These are primarily for com- munities are unique as they are eco-villages forming the core of munity workers from the region. informed from the indigenous its development policy with a This EDE has meditation as values particular to the area and plan to transition thousands of part of the daily schedule, holds harvest the knowledge of the villages in the next 5 years. They streams for traditional and inten- participants. This resurges and are experimenting with a picto- tional communities and includes reconstructs a wealth of sustain- rial EDE devised by design studio and training of able social, cultural and economic Marian Zeitlin that stimulates trainers using a participatory, practices as well as ecological discussion amongst villagers empowerment approach. The and most significantly is a tool of in the four dimensions. This is design studio uses both partici- empowerment. There is much a groundbreaking way to work patory action research (PAR) the intentional northern commu- with oral cultures where many where villagers map their com- nities can learn to reduce their do not read or write. EDEs are munities and prioritise their footprints, fire their hearts and planned in South Africa, the needs as well as permaculture soothe their souls. The EDE is a Congo and Senegal working design processes. This has gone wonderful tool for merging and with traditional villagers and the on to inspire emerging EDEs for sharing of traditional wisdom curriculum adapted accordingly. villagers and NGOs in China and and cutting edge sustainability if Adama Ly from Senegal is at the marginalised communities in the used in a participatory way. It is helm of a pilot participatory pro- region including the Philippines, inspiring that rather than a cen- cess supporting the emergence and more. Mabu is tralized authority imposing from of GEN Africa as an indepen- dreaming of bringing Deep Ecol- above there is space in the cur- dent entity. This will lead to a ogy and EDE to the refugee riculum for the contents of EDE GEN Pan African conference camps on the Thai-Burma bor- to be enriched by the flows of where GEN Africa will be der. wisdom from all traditions of the launched with a mission to ben- In India the first EDE with world. This can move all of us efit sustainable development, tribal people was held in Orissa towards resilience, sustainablity climate change adaptation and earlier this year, Kosha Joubert and conscious pathways for our mitigation along with maintain- who was instrumental in this children, grandchildren and ing African cultural identities tells of: future generations to grow up through EDE and eco-village ‘inspiring images of a happy, healthy and whole. methodologies. An exciting up- women’s movement: women coming GEN Africa project is a taking an oath over fire as they ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. five-country wide bio-diversity step into leadership — pledging (African proverb) project in West Africa that will to safeguard pledging to their have corridors linking national communities, their forests, their Jane Rasbash parks for wildlife and endan- children; climbing on tables and July 2011 gered species, sustainable devel- pitching speeches to each other; opment and climate change in political protest to counter the (Jane Rasbash has worked in mitigation. On the peripheries of potential of Monsanto to destroy sustainable community develop- the parks traditional villages will seed heritage’. ment largely in South East Asia for transition to eco-villages using The group largely consist- 15 years, teaches Findhorn and Thailand EDE courses and serves on EDE methodology. Solar cook- ing of villagers and NGO leaders the Board of Gaia Education) ers will be introduced, reforesta- witnessed how the reintroduc- The next EDE at Wongsanit tion, micro-credit and alternative tion of village technology, com- Ashram will be January to March sustainable livelihoods for the munal land cultivation and seed 2011 — for more information see many big game poachers in the banks is increasing solidarity, www.gaiaeducation.org area. building on traditional wisdom www.gen.ecovillage.org and moving towards eco-com-

42 SEEDS OF PEACE Articles

Is the Military Really Protecting Our Monarchy?

A recent article in New Man- “oppressive” practice still carried be allowed. dala about King Chulalong- out today, 138 years later? So how should we regard korn’s abolishing the practice The answer can be found in recent developments in which of before the king an article by Wat Walyangkurn the military establishment led by in 1873, has been the subject of in Khao Sod dated Oct 24, 2010. Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha vowed online discussions. A similar ar- Wat describes how the military to protect the monarchy and filed ticle in Asia Sentinel is blocked coup of Sept 16, 1957 which charges of lese majeste against by at least one internet service brought Field Marshal Sarit a number of red-shirt leaders provider and replaced by a Thanarat to power, ended an era and against historian Somsak blank page bearing the familiar of relative cultural freedom in Jeamteerasakul, who has been address. which democracy, human rights demanding abolition of the lese It seems that our ever-zeal- and social equality were com- majeste law? As Warangkana ous internet censors don’t want mon topics in literature and Chomchuen says in her excellent the Thai public to ponder over popular songs. NBC News article entitled “Will the enlightened act of Thailand’s After the coup, many cul- Thailand’s military allow free most highly-regarded king and tural reforms carried out since elections?” : “Thailand’s military ask why his act of reform was the times of King Mongkut and has a long history of meddling in undone over 80 years later. King Chulalongkorn were politics.” In the New Mandala article, reversed, including the reinstate- The present actions of the Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a ment of prostration before the military are clearly intended to research fellow at Singapore’s king, in efforts to reestablish the influence the results of the elec- Institute of Southeast Asian sacredness, power and mystique tions by once again implying that Studies, translates excerpts from of the ruling elite as a means of a threat to the monarchy is in- the Royal Gazette of 1873 in silencing opposition and rein- volved. In their actions, they have which King Chulalongkorn is forcing the legitimacy of the moved the boundaries of lese quoted as saying, “The practice military regime. majeste accusations to an extreme of prostration in Siam is severely It has always been the mili- never reached before at a time oppressive. The subordinates tary that has been keen to enforce when demands for reform of lese have been forced to prostrate in absolute reverence towards the majeste law are reaching a peak. order to elevate the dignity of monarchy, and all military coups This is a very tense and explo- the phuyai. I do not see how the in recent history have cited sive situation which, as history practice of prostration will render alleged threats to the monarchy clearly tells us, cannot possibly any benefit to Siam.” as justification for military rule. be beneficial to the monarchy. The Royal Gazette an- It is the kings themselves It is a situation in which Prime nounced that the practice of who, from time to time, have Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has prostration was to be replaced made attempts to reform the acted as a bystander, either by bowing and standing res- monarchy to be more in line helpless or unwilling to make pectfully before the king. The with democratic society. any positive intervention to fact that King Chulalongkorn On the one hand, the maxi- lower the political confrontation. abolished prostration is men- mum prison sentence for lese For years, critical comments tioned among many of his re- majeste was increased from among academics and intellec- forms in Thai history textbooks. SEVEN to 15 years after the tuals on the monarchy as an insti- However, the significance of this military coup of 1976; while on tution have been tolerated. This is act and the reasons given by the the other hand our present king is why Sulak Sivaraksa has never king are not discussed. on record in his birthday speech gone to prison for his consis- Naturally, the online discus- of 2005 as requesting that lese tently outspoken observations. sions of the New Mandala article majeste be used judiciously and Now, there seems to be no led to the question: Why is this that criticism of the king should left.

Vol.27 No.3 43 Articles

The unfairness of the lese people are charged and sen- multi-coloured shirt activists majeste law is that anyone can tenced under Article 112 of the and, in particular, the military file a complaint and there are no Criminal Code, is to reform the establishment. guidelines as to the interpreta- lese majeste law and the monar- It is the avowed protectors tion of the law. What did the chy as an institution in line with of the monarchy who are actually people charged by the military democratic principles. destabilising the monarchy and actually say to earn them the I’m sure that there are many preventing the reforms badly charge? The media is not politicians on both sides of the needed to sustain the monarchy. allowed to let us know. Is it political divide who recognise Will the military establishment considered lese majeste to the dangers and would like to recognise this fact in time and advocate the abolishment of the introduce political reforms to learn to stop meddling in Thai- lese majeste law, or to criticise ease the situation. land’s political affairs? institutions under royal patron- The reason why they don’t age? No one knows the bound- dare to do anything about it, Jon Ungphakorn aries of interpretation. however, is that they are afraid Bangkok Post The only peaceful solution of reprisals from the royalist 18 May 2011 to the political explosion that is movements such as the People’s building up as more and more Alliance for Democracy, the

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

Uthai Thani

Boonrob Pattanothai, 73, has phraya river. are much like their land-based been living aboard a houseboat “When Thailand came neighbours. They have registra- on Uthai Thani’s Sakaekrang under Pibun he ordered all Thai tion papers, a mailing address, river since she was nine, and she people to stop living on river electricity and more recently, can’t complain. boats because it was uncivi- portable toilets that the munici- “There’s never been a fire, lized,” said well-known social pality empties out once a week. I’ve never been robbed and I critic and historian Sulak “A lot of people still prefer leave the doors and windows Sivaraksa. “So now only Uthai to use the old toilets, because open every night so it’s nice and Thani and Ayutthaya have they are more convenient,” cool,” Boonrob said. “Nowadays, houseboats, with a few in Boonrob said. The traditional if I sleep in a hotel room with the Pitsanulok, but in Bangkok he houseboat toilet is a hole in the air-conditioning on it gives me a ordered them all out,” Sulak said. floor that provides direct access headache.” Uthai Thani, perched on to the river below. Boonrob, a former high- the Sakaekrang river that flows Uthai Thani, never one of school school teacher in the city into the Chaophraya, once had Thailand’s most popular destina- of Uthai Thani, 192 kilometres about 300 registered house- tions, only started to attract north of Bangkok, is arguably a boats, or “pae” as they are called visitors a decade ago as Thais member of a disappearing breed in Thai. and foreigners sought out new from old Siam, the country’s “Now there are fewer than attractions off the main tourist name before former dictator 200 houseboats left,” Boonrob map. Pibun Songkhram decided to said. “The younger generation “Thai tourists come here to change it to Thailand in 1939. mostly move to Bangkok for visit the temples, but foreigners Pibun, keen on Westernization, work and are not interested in come to take a river boat tour was opposed to the widespread living on houseboats anymore, and look at the house boats,” practice of houseboat living so when the old folks die some- said Krittaphon Pornpiboon, the which once characterized the times the houseboat is aban- owner of the Payamai Resort in river-laced, central plains and doned.” Uthai Thani. Bangkok, rimmed by the Chao- Uthai Thani’s houseboats Besides regular hotel rooms,

44 SEEDS OF PEACE Articles

Payamai Resort also offers two ity rice, which was floated by largest wildlife conservation authentic river houseboats which barges down the Chaophraya area which was named a UNES- have been renovated and spruced river to Bangkok. River trans- CO World Heritage Site in 1991. up, minus the original toilets. port, however, became more Although much of the Sombat Poonsawat, a roti difficult after Thailand built conservation area is restricted to vendor at Uthai Thani’s main its first huge dam on the Chao- tourists, requiring prior permis- market, has opened the first phraya in 1957 at Chai Nat, about sion before one can spend the houseboat “home-stay,” charg- 50 kilometres south of Uthai night in a designated camping ing 200 baht (6.60 dollars) per Thani. area, one can travel by car to the person per night, but it is perhaps The dam provided better park’s main office in Lan Sak too authentic an experience for irrigation for rice fields in Chai district, about 80 kilometres the average foreign tourist. Nat, which thereafter outper- from Uthai Thani city. “My place boasts the big- formed Uthai Thani’s crop, and A very tastefully done me- gest bathroom in town,” Sombat made deliveries from Uthai morial has been built at the joked, pointing to the river flow- Thani more difficult. park’s headquarters to honour ing past his houseboat. For most “Uthai Thani’s rice busi- Sueb Nakhasathian, a former tourists, a ride aboard one of the ness has been in the decline for head of the Wildlife Conserva- barges of the Sakaekrang River decades,” said Manote Pornpi- tion Station who took his own Cruise Company provides a boon, whose family once owned life in 1990, allegedly out of de- sufficient glimpse of houseboat the city’s biggest rice mill. spair over the rampant poaching living. “Nowadays, everything is trans- and illegal logging in the park. The Sakaekrang river used ported by road, not river.” to be Uthai Thani’s commercial The province’s second main Peter Janssen lifeline. A century ago, the prov- attraction for foreign tourists is ince was famed for its high-qual- Huay Kha Khaeng, Thailand’s

Vol.27 No.3 45 Obituaries

Dr Sem Dies at Age 100

Dr Sem Pringpuangkaew, a national policy on medicine and devoted physician and champion the national list of essential me- of health care for rural people, dicine, resulted in the National died yesterday morning at Drug List, which promotes the Rajavithi Hospital. He was 100. proper and reasonable use of Sem’s son, Chatchawal Pring- drugs. puangkaew, said his father died Sem was also recognised of old age. for health care reform that com- Throughout his career bined illness prevention and which spanned more then 70 treatment services. The national years, Sem was actively involved health care structure he advo- in promoting health care and He also pushed for the cated is still being used today. medical services. A total of 137 establishment of Thailand’s first Bathing rites were held health organisations held cere- blood bank in 1950. Sem is yesterday at the Rajavithi Hos- monies for Sem’s 100th birthday remembered for his success in pital, where he was admitted on May 31. performing the surgical separa- last October to have clogged Sem’s contribution to the tion of conjoined twins at the arteries treated. development of public health Children’s Hospital in 1955, the Mr Chatchawal said Sem’s included the establishment of first successful operation of its body will be moved to Wat That hospitals and nursing schools kind in Thailand. Thong today for religious rites. and initiating basic health care He took national health care Funeral services will be held for programmes in rural areas. development to a higher level seven days. He played a crucial role in when he served as deputy public the establishment of Rajavithi health minister from 1973 to Bangkok Post, Hospital and Queen Sirikit 1975 and public health minister 9 July 2011 National Institute of Child from 1980 to 1983. Health. His 1981 initiatives, the

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Closing Remarks on Sem Pringpuangkaew’s 100th Birthday Anniversary

Dr. Sem is one of our truly with moral courage and nonvio- cause of my mouth, in particular venerable contemporaries. How- lence. Moreover, many of us find because of the lese majeste law. ever, society at large has not Dr. Sem’s simple and humble He would help sustain me medi- sufficiently acknowledged this lifestyle worth emulating for he cally as well as mentally every fact. In this case, we are the has always shunned the lime- time I was charged with lese exception. Many of us have long light. majeste or faced other worldly respected him. We realize that Dr. Sem once told me that if sufferings. I’m certain that to a our social contributions thus far I want to give a talk I should much greater extent several are merely a fraction of his. He is simply read out what I’ve pre- others have also been beneficia- thus an inspirational role model pared—not improvise or speak ries of his good will and support. for those of us who are struggling freely. He was afraid that I We’ve already heard a lot for justice and the public good would get into more trouble be- today about Dr. Sem from vari-

46 SEEDS OF PEACE Obituaries ous speakers. I’m sure that more Dr. Sem has led a life follow- is dominated by capitalism and will be spoken about him in the ing the footsteps of the Buddha, consumerism. For instance, big future. I have nothing substantial who was both a teacher as well pharmaceutical corporations to add aside from my personal as a physician. In Bud- pose a major threat to the medical impression of him. dhism there is a Bhaisajaguru science. I perceive him as first and Buddha statue to remind Bud- Physicians should realize foremost a good Buddhist who dhists of this fact. Put diffe- that avijja is often linked with has grasped the essence of the rently, a good teacher learns greed. Small wonder that many Dhamma. On the contrary, most from herself, others, and nature. doctors are excessively wealthy. self-proclaimed Buddhists today A good student is therefore also The medical science in general is merely focus on its superficial or in a position to be a good teacher. further connected to hatefulness ceremonial practices. A good teacher will not teach in the form of the quest for con- Grasping the essence of something that is beyond her trol, dominance, and power over. Buddhism entails taking refuge knowledge and experience. Any This helps to explain why many in the Buddha, the Dhamma and knowledge taught must also go physicians are now occupying the Sangha. The Threefold Ref- hand in hand with good conduct. major administrative positions uge will be absolute for us, will This is something that main- such as presidents of universi- guide and sustain our daily life. stream education seriously lacks. ties. Many physicians are also We may be awakened like the If the teacher is not someone developing close personal con- Buddha. We may touch upon the who is willing to give, learn, and nections and working relation- Good like the Dhamma. And we be humble then she will bring ships with politicians and mili- may lead a life based on frater- more harm rather than benefit to tary figures. Some of them are nity and egalitarianism like the her students. preparing their children to Sangha. With these we will be The same logic applies to become future politicians. Do able to emancipate ourselves medical doctors. In the Thai all these physicians recognize from greed, hatred and delusion. language the word for physician the pitfalls of avijja, greed, and We will live far more meaningful (Baidya) is synonymous to the hatred? lives beyond the endless com- word for real knowledge (Vid- In lieu of conclusion, I want petition for greater wealth and ya). In this word is vijja, the audience to think seriously property as advocated by main- which is the antonym of avijja, about the issues that I’ve made. I stream society. meaning ignorance and false also want all of us to closely Dr. Sem upholds the Triple attachments. This often comes examine the life of Dr. Sem to Gem in a way that many people in the form of arrogance or see that he is both a good teacher in contemporary society will not priding oneself for being more and a good physician. Through- understand. He thus gives more learned or having higher educa- out his long life he has taken than he takes. He is always tion than others. Sometimes refuge in the Buddha, the Dham- forthcoming and filled with being educated abroad is a source ma and the Sangha. kindness rather than anger and of this arrogance. If physicians hatred. He’s also a very wise are filled with avijja then the Sulak Sivaraksa, man who understands things consequences are likely to be 31 May 2011, holistically rather than in a com- catastrophic. We must also not Main Auditorium Hall, partmentalized manner. forget that the medical science Chulalongkorn University ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Rev. Teruo Maruyama (1933-2011) One of the leading founders of INEB back in 1989. Rev. Maru- group which has become power- INEB, Rev. Teruo Maruyama, yama was known in Japan as a ful in Japanese politics. passed away on June 13th from a fiery social critic and journalist Rev. Maruyama was born the sudden heart attack. Rev. Maru- who campaigned against Ameri- son of a Buddhist priest of the yama was the leader of INEB can military presence in Japan Nichiren denomination amongst Japan, a group of priests brought and the influence of Soka Gakkai, a group of temples at the foot of in by Sulak to help form a large evangelical Buddhist the denomination’s holy moun-

Vol.27 No.3 47 Obituaries tain, Mt. Minobu, near Mt. Fuji. building of INEB. The sudden death of his mother INEB Japan was a very im- due to tuberculosis at the end of portant member organization in the war and his denominations the first decade of INEB’s his- sudden about face from actively tory. It provided very important supporting the war to becoming financial stability to the INEB active in praying for peace led Secretariat with generous annual the young Maruyama to deeply donations. It also took keen inter- question his existence and seek est in INEB members in the most for understanding himself and difficult situations in Burma, society on his own terms. The Bangladesh, Nepal, northeast subsequent shift of Japanese Thailand, and Cambodia and society away from democratiza- sought to educate Japanese on tion in the late 1940s and support than social issues. At this time, their suffering and campaign to for American efforts in war on his main concern was to try to relieve it. Unfortunately, INEB the Korean peninsula further see Marxism from a Buddhist Japan could not develop into a radicalized the young Maruya- standpoint, a struggle which led nationwide network in Japan ma to join the Communist Party him to a deeper examination of and has largely become defunct, at age 17 in 1950. He became an Nichiren and how to modernize while INEB has caught along influential young leader among his thought for present society with a new generation of socially other Buddhist priests active in and to understand the implica- engaged Buddhists in Japan in the party as well as working to tions of his ideas for modern the new JNEB group. Still, Rev. reform his own Nichiren deno- society. In this way, he noticed Maruyama will be remembered mination. Ultimately, the party how Christians had developed a for his passionate energy for could not tolerate his concern theology to confront our modern social justice and his devoted and loyalty for Buddhism and he crisis and had subsequently built work to build INEB in its first was kicked out of the party in international networks to realize decade. 1955. this vision. This recognition led In the late 1960s, his activi- to his interest in developing a Jon Watts ties focused on reforming the similar movement in Buddhism Nichiren denomination rather and thus his participation in the

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Roshan Dhunjibhoy (30 March 1931 — 24 April 2011)

Roshan Dhunjibhoy was born ing her filmmaking years she She worked for several into a Parsee family in Calcutta, later embraced Buddhism. With decades in media initially in radio India. She had a cosmopolitan her German husband Regi she and was a journalist in France upbringing and was educated in made documentaries on diverse and later in the 1960s became the theatre studies in Boston and influential people including Mao Indian anchor discussing cutting Political Science at the Sorbonne Zedong, Bob Marley, Kim II edge issues on German televi- before living in Cologne, Ger- Sung and the Shah of Iran. Her sion. She directed political, cul- many. She spoke at least seven renowned yet eclectic career tural and historical documenta- languages and travelled the was underpinned by an immense ries working in Asia, Africa, the world bearing witness to the sense of justice, compassion and Middle East and Latin America, effects of political, social and political awareness and she taught film making in Jamaica, cultural issues often sharing her became a role model and mentor mass communication techniques insights in various forms of for many concerned with the state in Zimbabwe, Sudan and Ger- media. An avowed Marxist dur- of the world. many and studied political move-

48 SEEDS OF PEACE Obituaries ments and culture. After her Development that was funded husband’s death she championed by Heinrich Boll Foundation. the plight of poor and exploited This was the forerunner of the women in . In 1993 she groundbreaking Grassroots changed focus moving to work Leadership Training programme with the newly founded Heinrich for marginalised people in South Boll Foundation where she East Asia. Heinrich Boll under served on the Board of Directors Roshan’s direction supported and later Representative and the initiation of both programmes. Director for Asia / South Asia I remember Roshan as a colour- where she opened their first ful character with a huge pres- regional office in Lahore. As ence, passion, a sharp intellect projects multiplied she moved to and ready wit. She had a pro- Chiang Mai where she opened a found affiliation with Buddhism second regional Asian office. often discussing deeply with Heinrich Boll is affiliated with Ajarn Sulak Sivaraksa, founder the Green Party in Germany and of SEM and many other Thai they support projects with values NGOs. of empowerment, participation, approach included working with Roshan touched the lives of cross cultural understanding and local government and commu- many as is evidenced by the environmental awareness all nities to promote animal and masses of tributes from around close to Roshan’s heart. humane dog population control the world that flew in after her After her retirement in 2001 in a non-violent way. She unexpected passing in April. She in Chiang Mai she went on to became well-known and inspira- will be sadly missed by her many found Lanna Dog Rescue becom- tional as the Dog Lady of Chiang friends, colleagues and students ing a passionate defender of Mai. and of course the canine popula- animal rights after noticing how I met Roshan in 1995 whilst tion of Chiang Mai. many sick, neglected and desti- working with Spirit in Education tute dogs were wandering in the Movement in Thailand on a pilot Jane Rasbash streets of her adopted city. The programme on Buddhism and

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17 May 2011

Dear Ajahn Sulak: Happy Wisakha Bucha. I am very honored to join Harsha and Moo at your ceremony in Kyoto. Thank you for inviting me. I feel grateful for having met both Moo and Harsha. They are both dynamic, forward thinking intellectuals and I have nothing but the highest respect for them both. I read the review of your The Wisdom of Sustainability. I did not want to monopolize time at the lunch at your house with Harsha and the Art professors, but I had made so many side notes when I read your book in March of this year. Economic globalization is something I strongly feel is destroying our environment, economy and ultimately, individual happiness. I was recently at a meeting in NYC where a group of salesmen were trying to foray into a small Asian country. They bastardized the term “sustainable” to equate it with renewable resources. These Western salesmen wanted to link “high end U.S. designers” directly with the Asian factories. They would not follow the complete supply chain, and therefore, would not be involved in the environ- mental footprint, or the social effect of their value chain. They did not know if these goods would be purchased at fair trade prices. They cited Target and Wal-Mart as the end consumer, stating that this could create a plethora of jobs in this particular Asian country. They did not know the GDP of the target country, or even the population size. In my opinion, they had finished exploiting the larger Asian countries, and were now moving toward the smaller ones.

Vol.27 No.3 49 Letters

Although that is true that jobs would be created in this venue, in the end it perpetrates the hyper- consumerism that plagues the United States and now China, as the middle class swells in a post- manufacturing era. In the end it ultimately depletes the natural resources of the Asian country. Alternative economics is something I very much want to impart to my fellow Americans—that simple globalization cannot be the answer. The West and East are interdependent, as are all things in nature, but by no means subject to identical models of economics, time, or intrinsic values. This is already happening with the collapse of the UAE’s economy, as they purchase more land in Vietnam to have a means to feed the Arabic population. What about the Vietnamese and their need for food? I was very happy to find your book on alternative economics, as there are not many out there. I look forward to learning from you in the future, either directly or indirectly through my work with INEB. I hope you are not offended by my strong opinions—it’s something that caused me to leave my job and strike out on my own right livelihood.

With my supreme respect,

Lisa Bratt Stephens Village www.stephensvillage.com

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ 21 June 2011

Ajarn Sulak, I attended the panel discussion at the FCCT some weeks ago. It was very crowded and there were many people wanting to connect with you. So let me please just say what a privilege it was to hear you speak, and how your voice and perspective are so clear and compelling. I hope that those who can change things in Thailand really hear what you are saying and that they take it to heart. Your courage and wisdom are inspiring. Thank you.

Best wishes, Mona Khan ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

23 June 2011

Dear Sulak, Thank you for sending me the New Year greetings for 2011. Belatedly, I offer best wishes to you, with health, liberty and happiness. Thank you also for sharing with me Seeds of Peace. I am always glad to catch up with your life. Interestingly, I have recently been asked to give a lecture at UNSW on our Peoples Tribunal on Tibet. When I do this, I will be thinking of the happy days I spent with you so long ago. I hope that we will meet before the end of our present lives.

With admiration and good wishes Michael Kirby Level 7, 195 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Tuesday, 28 June 2011

Dear Sulak, Just received your letter of June 16th, together with the review of your latest book: The Wisdom of Sustainability. I am looking forward to seeing it : not the Dutch edition, though!!! I am getting very old now...Having got over my 90th birthday, I feel that eye sight and hearing are

50 SEEDS OF PEACE Letters problems and walking a burden, though I don’t use any walking stick; slow and careful is my policy. Not sure we shall even meet again. I am now thinking of retiring in a house for the elder brothers. Anyhow I will never forget the happy years spent in the Siam with so many dear old students. So long Bro. Vic 8, Av. Reny Rene-Bazin 85290, St. Laurent/Sevre ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

28 June 2011

Respected sir, WE have met in ASTANA during the “World Forum of Spiritual Culture” I have seen your full interview on BBC on 28th June 2011 in INDIA at 2.00pm. As mentioned by you I also agree with you that the Capitalistic movement has started annihilation of the poor masses of the world. Materialistic approach of the capitalistic movement has created a sense of fear in the minds of the people all over the world along with its uncertain behavior towards the humanity which benefits only 10% people of the world. I have spoken in my speech in ASTANA in Kazakhstan regarding this problem and after a mindful thought I have come to the conclusion that Buddhism is the only answer for all the wrong doings of this Capitalistic movement. But I still wonder how Buddhism and Monarchy can go together as far as liberalization of Mind is concerned? Can you please explain it in detail to me by email?

Best regards

Milind R. Gaikwad. 205, Imperial C.H.S. LTD. Ashar Residency, Near Lok Hospital, Pokhran Road No.2, Thane, Maharashtra State India ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ 28 June 2011

I am watching Sulak being interviewed on BBC International Hardtalk program. I agree with what Sulak has to say. I am a 63 year old Canadian living in Aswan Egypt. I worked over 40 years in the IT and retail industries in Canada. I am sick to death of capitalism and consumerism. People in the west are trapped in an endless cycle of stress and debt and have no time to ‘breathe properly’ in order to stop this terrible treadmill they are on. I spent two years attending Tibetan Buddhism gatherings and what I learned has never left me. I guess I am a Buddhist at heart. I think every country needs what Bhutan has done — appoint a Minister of Happiness.

Sandra Baumgartner

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ 28 June 2011 Dear Sir, I was fortunate to be able to watch parts of the BBC World TV Hard Talk program by Stephen Sackur, this morning, and am pleased to say that I was most impressed with your ideas and thinking. I will try to watch the whole program, once again, this evening hopefully since I was only able to catch parts of it this morning since I was preparing myself for work. I am a Sri Lankan, male, 63 years of age, born to Muslim (Ceylon Moor ethnicity) parents in Colombo and enjoyed a very lucrative career in information technology since 1970. My family and I moved to take

Vol.27 No.3 51 Letters up expatriate employment in Saudi Arebia where we have been living and working since 1979. Having worked for Citibank Technology for 20 years and other private sector corporations in the region for another 10, I retired my day job in 2008 and now concentrate on executing private IT consulting projects for local corporations in the region, being located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. During the past decade I too have been pondering a lot about the situation of the nations on our planet and the many violent and oppressive situations so many nations, peoples, and communities are being forced into, even though humanity has advanced in leaps and bounds in the areas of science, technology and education. There has to be a primary cause for this sad state of affairs within the hearts and minds of the peoples of this planet? My contention, at its infancy stage, is that it is religion that causes all this chaos and mayhem. And all these religions are also based, mainly on, myth, folklore, superstitions, man-made rituals, fear, and forced subversion, so that those in authority could wield power, strength, prosperity, and contentment, while the rest suffer in silence. Would like to discuss this thought with you if you do have the time and inclination.

Kind Regards Fazli Sameer Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

30 June 2011

Dear Sulak, Just a happy word of congratulations to you: my wife and I saw you on the BBC world service television program last night. How rare to see something actually interesting on the news! I think you had the poor interview guy wondering what to ask next. He’s usually a tough questioning fellow, but you had him admiring you. Very happy to see it. We hope everything is going well there. Haven’t been to Siam/Thailand for a while now, although I was working on a new book in India last year. In dharma,

Trevor Carolan Vancouver ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

1 July 2011 Yes, I believe what Roberts is saying is true—“Neo-Nazis [(in the form of the Neoliberal Global System and its acolytes posted at the various centers of the system—including China—but primarily in Washington, DC)] won the Cold War.” That’s the last line of a not-so-good poem I wrote about 6 years ago in the same series as the ones I’ve publishing recently. Danny Schechter, “The Media Dissector,” pointed out a couple months ago, Corporate Control (it already controls the mainstream media) of government, and bolstered by the Supreme Court “Citizens United” decision—that is, the problem of economy RULING politics, not the other way around, as it should be: what we have, in Shambhalian terms, is The Horse Riding The Rider!—: Tibetans, and one Tibeto-American in particular, are asleep at the wheel on this, as they were about events swirling around them in Old Tibet before the Chinese took over. They seem think China becoming capitalist/Neoliberal with some fake democracy thrown in, like we have here—a facade—is the way to “get Tibet back”: pathetic!. Anyway, as Roberts reminds us and Mussolini pointed out decades ago, Corporate Control IS fascism! If Americans woke up like those brave Egyptians in Tahrir Square or the ones in Tunisia or Greece and Great Britain today, and took to the streets, they be mowed down just like those others were (maybe rather than on camelback, jackassback)—because DC IS the center of the system. But the counter-revolution has already won the so-called Springtime in the Middle East (and is preparing to rollback the “spring” in Latin America, too, amongst the ALBA nations, the U.S. about to proclaim Venezuela a “terrorist state”), it appears: plug in a new face in the center(s) of the essentially FASCIST system, like is happening in Egypt via throwing those brave individuals acting collectively a

52 SEEDS OF PEACE Letters

“democratic” bone, with Fascists still running those (police state) countries behind the democratic facade. (It’s that phony set-up we wish to impose on Iran and Syria, as well.) Anyway, in Buddhist-Shambhalian terms, RUDRA RULES, the embodiment of “dualistic-fixation”/ “center-periphery polarization.” (And the Tibetans seem to have taken up residence in Rudra’s “marsupial pocket,” where they think it’s “safe.” Wise? Or, more likely, cowardly and ignorant—in the bigger picture?)

Jim http://www.counterpunch.org/roberts06292011.html ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ 4 July 2011

Dear Sulak, I read your Seeds of Peace, especially of course, the articles you write or about you. It is a joy to know that you are still teaching and influencing so many people around the world with your good humor and common sense. Are you able to keep up your many activities or like me, doing a bit less and enjoying some free time to myself? America is not doing well right now. Greed and money seem to be the Gods that are worshipped here and more people are out of work and losing their homes. One of our programs at work is to counsel people who are in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure. It is a sad program as the lenders are totally unwilling to help people who have lost jobs and the value of their homes. As I have said many times, you are welcome in my house whenever you can come — as I am sure you are in many homes around the world. Until then, be well and may you and your family be blessed. Love, Nancy Kanyon San Francisco ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

4 July 2011

I watched with great interest, your recent interview on the BBC. You are young and vigilant, quickly and appropriately responding to piercing questions. There is a change of Government after the elections and you are having a woman prime minister. I wish the Thai people about whose welfare your heart is after, the very best.

Kind regards Please keep in touch. Maravanpulavu K. Sachithananthan ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

5 July 2011

Dear Sulak, I would like to send you my hearty congratulations on your being awarded the 2011 Niwano Peace Prize. You certainly deserve this distinguished prize more than anyone else. I am pleased that what you have accomplished as a Buddhist leader, social reformer and intellectual leader have been recognized and to be honored by the Niwano Foundation. As a long standing friend of yours, I am pleased and proud of you. Your devoted wife, who helped you through many difficulty times may deserve at least half of the award and I hope you feel the same way. As the award presentation ceremonies will be in Osaka, I shall not be able to attend, but I look forward to seeing you very much while you are staying at the International House.

Sincerely yours, Mikio Kato The International House of Japan, Inc.

Vol.27 No.3 53 Letters

18 July 2011

Dear Sulak I have seen you on the BBC and I like you very much. I was a member of the Thai Buddha Sangha at Section 5, Wat Mahadathu in the 1980’s, mostly interested and practicing the science of Dhamma in its utter simplicity of noticing, knowing and seeing. A wonderful base, out of which all what makes life dignified flows. I write to you from Mauritania, being an anthropologist researching the bases of Oneness of the different Faiths. It shows that Islam and Dhamma are fully compatible, adaptations to different climates and environments. It takes a lucid mind. It would be wonderful to get together when I visit Siam (we have much in common, I am a traditionalist, and have kept calling Mueng Thai as such)

Namo,

Marc (Formerly Buddhiñano ) — Cansado Mauritania Tel. 00 222 22 48 87 55

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ 21 July 2011

Dear Sulak,

Many thanks for the copy of your book The Wisdom of Sustainability. It has been read to me from cover and I very much appreciate your combination of enthusiasm and clear thinking. I hope the book will have a wide circulation in many languages. You will, I think, be interested to know that the other week the hundredth birth anniversary of Dr Schumacher was celebrated at the Palace of Westminster with a special meeting at which many prominent people spoke. The radio programme was also devoted to Dr Schumacher’s life and work. It would appear that his ideas are being regarded with increasing respect in this country. I hope this is not just a temporary phenomenon. Under seperate cover I am sending you copies of three of my own books, namely The FWBO and ‘Protestant Buddhism’, The Priceless Jewel, and Know Your Mind. It is a mixed bunch, in keeping with your own varied interests! Our mutual friend Lokamitra will be in Birmingham in a few days time, and I am sure your name will come up in the course of our discussions. With all good wishes, yours in the Dharma,

Urgyen Sangharakshita Madhyamaloka U.K.

54 SEEDS OF PEACE Book Reviews

Breathe In, Breathe Out, and Drop the Coke

Buddhist economist Sulak World Bank. in the late 1950s at what is Sivaraksa has advice for These may be tough words, now the University of Wales, Western capitalist societies. but Sivaraksa is not one for Lampeter, where he was one of Sholto Byrnes slows down and thinking great thoughts from a very few foreigners: “Once, in listens monastic seclusion that means Carmarthen, two ladies saw me. he never has to try them out in One said to the other: ‘Black practice. Over four decades, he man!’ I turned to her and said, If David Cameron wishes to has set up numerous NGOs in ‘Not quite, madam.’” When he take fresh advice on how to Thailand, taught at universities returned to Thailand, he thought increase happiness, now that the across the world and advised he had “the Western answer”: American psychologist who the government of Bhutan on “We, the elite can change the inspired his well-being index has how to implement its famed world. The plebs will follow us.” admitted that the theory needs concept of Gross National However, after working with the some adjustment, he might find Happiness. His efforts have poor he began to follow their it fruitful to study a new book by been recognised with numerous example instead. “I learnt from Sulak Sivaraksa. awards, the latest of which is those who suffer.” The 78-year-old Thai Budd- the Niwano Peace Prize, which Sivaraksa’s view is that true hist, twice nominated for the comes with a cheque for around happiness is not to be found in Nobel Peace Prize and a winner £150,000. (The ceremony was material gains or in the constant of the Right Livelihood Award due to take place in Tokyo this pursuit of unlimited growth, but (considered the “alternative month but has been delayed starts with the search for inner Nobel”), has been called “one of because of the tsunami.) calm. “You in the West have been Asia’s leading social thinkers” by He also had to go into exile indoctrinated by the Cartesian Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi. It is twice, when his forthrightness concept of thinking: I think, possible, however, that if the about the coups that occur therefore I am. But the ego, the Prime Minister were to leaf frequently in his country led to ‘I’ – it’s not real. We are all inter- through The Wisdom of Sustain- threats on his life. “The first related.” His path is not “cogito ability: Buddhist Economics time was accidental,” he tells me ergo sum” but “I breathe, there- for the 21st Century, some of in his leafy garden, which is a fore I am”. Sivaraksa’s conclusions might miraculous hidden oasis amid “We breathe all the time, yet strike Cameron as a little strong. the concrete chaos of Bangkok. we are not taught how to. Are we “Globalisation,” he writes, “I was in London, and found out so arrogant that we ignore the “is a demonic religion imposing from the newspaper that I had most important element in life? materialistic values,” and “a new been arrested in absentia. They Once you learn how to breathe form of colonialism”. If Cameron burnt all my books. They would properly, respect the air, cultivate is fond of the odd cola on the have burnt me alive too, so, like a peace within, that is the beginn- beach, he’d better stop. “To drink brave man, I stayed away. The ing of Gross National Happiness.” Coca-Cola or Pepsi-Cola in Siam second time, the coup leader was It also means doing away is not just to ingest junk food, but very angry with me. He would with what he considers the to support exploitative values.” have done anything.” The School West’s “mania for success”: Economic crises such as those of Oriental and African Studies “Real success is not to conquer that hit the West in 2008 and East in London and Cornell University others, not to have more cars and Asia a decade earlier are in New York provided a safe money, but to appreciate what “heavenly messengers” to “en- haven on each occasion. you have, how to share with courage us to seek alternative” Sivaraksa’s outspokenness others.” modelsÐas Sivaraksa told a no originally stemmed from a desire He admits that what he doubt startled James Wolfen- to bring Western-style freedoms proposes may strike some as sohn, the former president of the to his country. He was educated “Eastern garbage”. Neither would

Vol.27 No.3 55 Book Reviews all find it easy, or even desirable, our arrogance. We think we can to follow one example he gives control it. But look at Japan, at of a friend in America: “He Chernobyl, and Bhopal. If we noticed that when a man he don’t bring a spiritual essence knew missed a bus, he would into our lives ... bang, we’re say, ‘Wonderful! I have more finished.” time to contemplate.’ The same He is pleased that in Europe, when the train was late. My less materialist notions of well- friend asked how he had this being are being considered more attitude, and he said: ‘I’m a seriously, with Richard Layard, Buddhist.’” Geoff Mulgan and Anthony Instead, Sivaraksa stresses Seldon setting up their Action that the West has its own tradi- for Happiness group, and the tions that he thinks we should Nobel laureate economists revisit. “You need to go back into Amartya Sen and Joseph Stiglitz your spiritual past, to those such advising the French on how to as Francis of Assisi. In my look beyond GDP. Still, Sivaraksa opinion, that’s very close to cautions that “the West needs the Buddhist approach.” For question the fundamentals of to be more qualitative than quan- Sivaraksa, a rationalism that the Enlightenment in order to titative”. We have a long way to only accepts what can be proven become truly enlightened.” go, he thinks. “Stiglitz is a very scientifically has led us to How, though, I ask him, can nice man,” he says, “but I’m afraid ignore riches from our own governments incorporate these even he has not learnt how to culture. “The West took Plato, ideas into practice? “You don’t breathe properly yet.” Socrates and Aristotle only on persuade a whole society to The Wisdom of Sustainability: the intellectual level. Plato’s the become humble,” he responds. Buddhist Economics for the man! Everything else is foot- “That is a very Western appr- 21st Century by Sulak Sivaraksa notes. But in Plato, there is also oach. With GNH you have to (Souvenir Press £10) mysticismÐbeing in the cave, start with personal happiness, talking to the gods. You dis- with helping others and the “Capitalism brainwashes us missed all that.” feeling that others are more through advertising and the Sivaraksa suggests that the important than us. You have to skewing of priorities .... We need West should open itself up to ask yourself, how will this tree economies that promote human “cognitive diversity”, to truths be happy? When people change, values, seek to limit suffering, from different cultures. “As then the governments will and are committed to democratic Gandhi said, ‘Any wind coming change.” principles, rather than ones through.’” Or, as Sivaraksa puts If we do not turn to a less dependent on global trade and a it in his new book: “We un- I-driven future, Sivaraska says, blind commitment to neo-liberal critically accept ‘established we will reap the consequences. economic policies.” knowledge’ ... It is time for us to “Even nature suffers because of from Sunday Independence 8 May 2011

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56 SEEDS OF PEACE Book Reviews

Mother Teresa, CEO Ruma Bose & Lou Faust (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, San Francisco)

Nearly all Buddhists would, I deny that these achievements put into practice by the leaders think, agree that you don’t have point to having of the Sangha in Thailand there to be a Buddhist to be a Bo- managerial skills that the most would be a renaissance of Thai dhisattva. It could well be claim- successful CEO of multinational Buddhism. And if the newly ed that Mother Teresa was one companies would envy. elected government of Thailand of the outstanding Ruma Bose, a Canadian were to put them into practice of our time, but one of the great whose parents were Hindu the future of the Kingdom would business leaders of the 20th cen- Bengali immigrants, writes with look a lot brighter that it seems tury? Mother Teresa? That idea first hand of Mother Teresa’s to look now. would not occur to many people management style because as What are these eight simple however much they admired an idealistic young teenager of principles? It would be counter- her. But this is exactly what 19 she went to work as a volun- productive for me simply to list Ruma Bose and Lou Faust set out teer with Mother Teresa in them here. You really need to to demonstrate and they pro- Calcutta. Now as a CEO herself read the book. Some of them duce convincing statistics to she has been looking back on the might seem obvious such as prove their point. Mother Teresa lessons she learned from Mother “Communicate in a language founded the Missionaries of Teresa and has identified and people understand.” And in a Charity in 1948 with just twelve articulated, with the help of her country where everyone is nuns. By the time she died in co-author Lou Faust, the eight encouraged to spend daily time 1997 it had grown to a multina- guiding principles that govern- in meditation the principle “Use tional organization operating in ed all of Mother Teresa’s deci- the power of silence” should be over one hundred countries with sions in growing her organiza- well understood. But to see the a full time work force of four tion. Faust, who also has experi- full eight principles together thousand plus over a million ence as a CEO of a large commer- with the clear expositions and volunteer team members. And cial undertaking, and Bose to- examples given by the authors even after her death it continues gether make a strong case for the you really need to read this book. to grow. Building such a huge relevance of these principles in Anyone who aspires to leader- and globally respected organiza- organizations today. It is almost ship needs to go and get a copy. tion dollars involved raising certain that if these simple billions in capital. It is hard to principles were, for example, Ian Mayor-Smith

Suksit Siam Bookshop opened on 20th April 2510 at 175 Rama IV Road, Bangkok has now moved to its new location at 117-119 Fuang Nakorn Road, Bangkok 10200 Tel: 02-225-9536-8, Fax: 02-222-5188 email: [email protected] www.kledthaishopping.com Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Sunday. English books on Engaged Buddhism are available.

Vol.27 No.3 57 Recommended Readings

Buddhism on the Path to Text by Swati Chopra Editor Shalini Saran Photo Editor by Lance Dane First published by Brijbasi Art Press Ltd., 2005

Dancing in Shadows By Benny Widyono Published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 2008

Ethical Principles and Economic Transformation Ð A Buddhist Approach Edited by Laszlo Zsolnai, published by Springer, 2011

In the Shadow of the Buddha: Secret Journey, Sacred Histories, and Spiritual Discovery in Tibet By Matteo Pistono Foreword by Richard Gere, Published by Dutton, 2011

La Sabiduria de la Sostenibilidad: Economia Budista Para El Siglo XXI By Sulak Sivaraksa Published by Ediciones Dharma, 2011

Sergio Regazzoni, la solidarité n’a pas de frontiers By François Bellec Published by La Toisan D’Or, 2011

The Wisdom of Sustainability: Buddhist Economics for the 21st Century By Sulak Sivaraksa First published in Great Britain in 2011 by Souvenir Press Ltd.

The Wisdom of Sustainability: Buddhist Economics for the 21st Century (Japanese edition) By Sulak Sivaraksa

I am Eri: My Experience Overseas A tragedy of a Thai woman who was destined to become a sex worker. By Thanadda Sawangduean Translated by Mimi Grachangnetrra Published by Woman Publisher, 2011 Voies de l’orient nû 118, janvier, février, mars 2011

58 SEEDS OF PEACE Vol.27 No.3 59