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28/TheThe Third Third Pole, Pole Vol. 5-7, PP 28-36:2007

BUDDHISM AND GLOBAL PEACE : PERSPECTIVES ON CULTURAL Damodar Jnawali, PhD Dapartment of Geography Education [email protected] Abstract

Present paper deals with the major principles of and its need for maintaining global peace. The concept of , Buddha as an of , origin and of Buddhism and its spatial diffusion, the , major , and Buddha’s Teachings for global peace are the major areas of discussion in this paper. Buddha’s Teachings provide many practical techniques that are useful for calming anger, controlling and creating harmonious relationships. Present world is full of violence and corruption. People are in need of comfort that comes from a spiritual path and teaches nonviolence, contentment, , generosity of spirit, and peace of mind. Buddhism teaches us to cultivate peace in our and work to relieve the sufferings of all living . Peace at national as well as global level can be possible only if we apply Buddhism in our daily life. Key words: Philosophy, culture, , spatial diffusion, avatara, , , , global peace.

In this context, they are studied from a geographical CONTEXT perspective. The major of the world are associated with particular racial groups, cultures, Geography may be defined as the study of space political systems and lifestyles (Park, 2004). It is and place, and of movements between places (Park, difficult to imagine without Buddhism, 2004). The subject makes an attempt to investigate and without , and the British diverse issues about human activities over the world without . A religion has no globe. Its discussions begin with the following limited boundary. Buddhism is its example since it questions: has spread up to the western world. • Where is the phenomenon located? • Why is it located there? Buddhism is accepted as a religion as well as a • How and why does it affect the people in this philosophy. Philosophy is a discipline associted place? with the process of involving investigation, • In what other places do people confront this analysis, and development of ideas. It deals with a issue? general understanding of values and . The • What alternatives do people have to improve discipline is used to a) clarify the important ideas the existing situation? and concepts about , moral obligation, knowledge, causation, etc, b) solve issues and If any occurs in an area, it first affects the problems, c) provide and , d) give a neighbourhood. After that the event or new idea conceptual analysis and a theoretical aspect, e) starts to spread to other parts. The process of spread proceed by reasoning and argument, f) pose ultimate is known as spatial diffusion in geography. Present questions, and g) deal with interdisciplinary world, due to the faster growth of transport and knowledge. The frequently raised issues in a communication, has become a cultural complex philosophical study are: nature of the universe, because the world communities share several nature of God, nature and destiny of and laws distinctive cultural traits (Brown, 2001). Buddhism of the soul's life respectively. can be accepted as a cultural and religious phenomenon. Religious geography focuses on the If we want to trace out the history of the Hindu study of geographical factors influencing religions philosophy it started during the period of the and giving rise to new forms of cultural and (900-500 B.C.). There are six schools of religious beliefs influencing attitudes of the people the that accepts the existence of in a or community. the . The Vedas are regarded as the major root of all the religions. The dictum "Vedokhilo Generally, a person interested in the study of Moolam" is very popular. The , religion may have a little interest in the study of , , , Purva Mimamsa and geography. However, many interesting questions Uttara Mimamsa (Vedantadarshan) are the six about how religion spreads and influence the schools of the Hindu philosophy. Vedantadarshan people's lives are rooted in geographical factors. is also known as Brahmasutra. D. Jnawali …..BUDDHISM AND GLOBAL /29 The Samkhya, propounded by regards the Table 1 universe as consisting of two eternal : Major religions and their adherents purusha and prakriti. The prakriti (nature) is composed of three gunas (dispositions): satva, raja Country Number and tama. If the equilibrium among the gunas is Christianity 2 billion disturbed, the creation of the world starts. The 1.3 billion Vaisheshika system proposed by the Hinduism 900 million deals with an atomic pluralism. The God is accepted Secular/Zonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist 850 million as a major force to create consciousness among Buddhism 360 million atoms. The Nyaya School founded by Gautama Chinese traditional religion 225 million seeks to find out valid sources knowledge and Primal-indigenous 150 million differentiate them from false opinions. The sources African Traditional & Diasporic 95 million of knowledge are , inference, 23 million comparison and testimony. Juche 19 million Spiritism 14 million The main text of the Yoga Darshana is the Bhagavad 14 million Gita dealing with -Yoga; Yoga; Bahai 6 million Dhyana-Yoga; and -Yoga. Purva Mimamsa 4 million attempts to establish the authority of the Vedas 4 million whereas Uttara Mimamsa () is associated Cao Dai 3 million with the teaching of the Upanishads. This is also 2.4 million related to the later part of the Vedas. Neo- 1 million Unitarian- 800 thousand Religion as a complex component comprising Rastafarianism 700 thousand various aspects is an inseparable part of human 600 thousand behaviour, language, thought and culture. It is a 150 thousand part of individual life and provides certain guidelines to a society. Sociologically, religion may Source: Adherents.com database. September 2002 be explained as a ‘unified system of beliefs and practices’ uniting human beings into a single moral MATERIALS AND METHODS community. There are a number of religions in the world. Major religions by their followers are Present paper is based on secondary sources of presented in table 1. information. For this purpose, seminar papers, research reports and other documents published The world populatihas on marked 6.5 billion in were searched and reviewed. Selected materials 2006. The data in table 1 indicate that the were also searched through internet. Discussion is Christianity represents the largest population based on qualitative approach with specific (32.3%) followed by Islam (21%), Hinduism (14.5%) reference to cultural geographic perspective and secular or nonreligious group (13.7%) starting with the area of origin of Buddhism and its respectively. The share of Buddhist population at destination and its need in maintaining global global level is 5.8%. peace.

The followers of a specific religion are counted BUDDISM AND GLOBAL PEACE through the records of organizations, population census, surveys, estimates based on indirect data, Buddha as an Incarnation of Vishnu and field work. However, the relevant data on each About the incarnation of the God, the of the religions at global level are not available. in the Geeta has said to : These are based on rough estimates. Yada yada hi dharmasya glanirbhavati Abhyutthanam adharmasya tadatmanan srijamyaham The main objective of this paper is to deal with the Paritranaya sadhunam vinashaya cha duskritam major principles of Buddhism and its need for Dharma samsthapanarthaya sambhabami yuge yuge. maintaining global peace. Srimadbhagavadgita 4 (7 & 8). Ye te chansa kala punsa Krishnastu swayam Indrari vyakulam lokam mridayanti yuge yuge. Srimadbhagavat 1 (3 – 28) Ittham yad yada badha danavottha bhavishyati Tada tadavateeryaham karishyamyarisankshayam. Saptasati 11 (54-55) 30/The Third Pole Lord Krishna said that the God incarnates on the waves. Diffusion is a process by which an earth in order to restore religion, punish the evil innovation is communicated through certain and protect the weak and the righteous living channels. The key elements involved in the beings. The same message is available from the diffusion of new ideas are the innovation, Srimadbagatamahapurana and the Saptasati, an communication channels, time, and the social system. extract from the Markandeyapurana. Generally, all the of God are associated with Lord Neighbourhood plays a significant role in the Vishnu, because Vishnu is the preserver of the process of diffusion. There is a rule of distance decay worlds and the purpose of an incarnation is also function. Larger the distance less will be the the same. The incarnation of Vishnu's varies from possibility of accepting new innovation or idea. time to time according to the situation. Generally, This rule is applied in case of Buddhism and its ten incarnations are popular. Nine of them have philosophy. Buddhism spread to the Asian countries already appeared. The tenth incarnation has not like Sri , Thailand, , and yet come. . Today, Buddhism is found to be dominant in these countries. The top 10 countries with the largest The -Purana mentions 10 and the national Buddhist populations are presented in Purana records 24 (22 in Prathama and two table 2. later on) incarnations of Vishnu. They are Kumara, Varaha, , Nara , Kapila, , Table 2 , , , , , Top 10 Largest National Buddhist Populations , , Narsimha, , Country Number , , , Balrama, Krishna, Buddha, , Hansa and respectively. 102,000,000 89,650,000 Of the 24 incarnations, the ten are considered as the Thailand 55,480,000 most important ones. They are: 49,690,000 Myanmar 41,610,000 1. Varaha 2. Matsya 3. Kurma and 4. Narsimha at 12,540,000 the beginning; 5. Vamana 6. Parashurama and 7. South 10,920,000 Rama at the middle and 8. Krishna 9. Buddha and 9,150,000 10. Kalki at the later period. Cambodia 9,130,000 India 7,000,000 Origin and Spatial Diffusion of Buddhism Source: Russell, 1997. Buddhism is one of the major founded in the Indian sub-continent and based on There are seven countries where Buddhism the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, later on represents a large proportion of population ranging known as the Buddha, or Enlightened One. Today from 10,920,000 in South Korea to more than it is divided into two major branches known as 102,000,000 in china. In Sri Lanka, 69% of the Theravada, the Way of the Elders, and Mahayana, population is Buddhist followed by Hindu (15%) the Great Vehicle. Buddha was the founder of this and Muslim (8%) respectively. Thus, Buddhism has philosophy. He rejected the major aspects of the become popular in the countries of destination. Hindu philosophy and challenged the authority of the priesthood. He did not agree with the validity Major Schools of Buddhism of the Vedic scriptures and the sacrificial cult based The Buddhist councils and conferences played a on them. The process of the development of significant role for the diffusion of Buddhism at Buddhism was associated with a monastic global level. The first council was held at Rajagriha movement. Buddha did not believe caste system. immediately after the death of Buddha. It was Geographically, arrangement of phenomena or presided over by a named Mahakasyapa. Its events are analysed in terms of spatial distribution. purpose was to recite and agree on the Buddha’s In this context, is a place where the Lord actual teachings and on proper monastic discipline. Buddha was born. Buddhism is a new idea or a new The second great council was held at Vaisali. Its innovation. Gradually, this idea started to spread purpose was to deal with ten questionable monastic to other parts like a process of diffusion of practices—the use of money, the drinking of palm innovation in . Buddha attained wine, and other irregularities. The council declared the enlightenment in India. Nepal and India worked these practices unlawful. The third council was held as the centres of innovation from which Buddhism at . It was called by King Asoka in the spread to other parts of the world in innovative 3d century BC. Convened by the monk D. Jnawali …..BUDDHISM AND GLOBAL /31 Moggaliputta Tissa, it was held in order to purify Buddhist sites in India. They have been the of the large number of false and very successful and now have temples with monks heretics who had joined the order because of its at each of these sites, as do several other Buddhist royal patronage. The compilation of the Buddhist traditions. In the 1950s, Ambedkar started a neo- scriptures (Tripitaka) was supposedly completed, Buddhist movement among untouchables in with the addition of a body of subtle philosophy western India. Hundreds of thousands joined this () to the doctrine (dharma) and monastic movement. They belonged to the lowest caste. The discipline () that had been recited at the first emphasis was on gaining political and social rights council. The dispatch of to various for themselves. After the death of Ambedkar, it countries was the result of this council. The fourth was headed by , an Englishman. This council was held about AD 100 at Jalandhar or in form of Buddhism was especially designed for under the patronage of King Western practitioners. but the Theravada Buddhists do not recognize its authenticity. In Thailand, the Buddhist monastic community has a Supreme Patriarch and a Council of Elders with There are two main schools of Buddhism: responsibility for keeping the purity of the tradition. Theravada and Mahayana. There are two types of monastic communities, those dwelling in the forests and living in the villages. Theravada Buddhism is associated with the 'the There is also a Buddhist university for monks. It is teaching of the Elders'. The Theravadins follow the primarily for training. An attempt has been made practices that passed down by the senior monks to translate the Buddhist scriptures from classical from the Buddha's time, such as living in the forests into modern Thai. and meditating. The goal in Theravada Buddhism is to become an , a person who is free of In Myanmar, the military regime brutally destroyed suffering. This is also known as the Southern the where dissidents had been living, School. particularly in the north of the country. Now the government is giving great sums of money to the The school of Theravada has flourished in the monks in order to win their support and silence. countries of South and . They are Sri The country has a long tradition of equal emphasis Lanka, and , India, Thailand, on and study, particularly of the Myanmar, , Laos, Vietnam and "abhidharma" system of Buddhist , Cambodia (Alexander, 1996). Theravada is the and ethics. There are many meditation strongest in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar, but centers where monks and teachers instruct people seriously weakened in Laos, Cambodia and in basic meditation practices. Vietnam. Sri Lankan monks have helped to revive Theravada Buddhism in , other parts of There are many isolated villages traditionally Indonesia, and Malaysia, where it had slowly died following the Burmese Buddhist tradition in out by the end of the fifteenth century. In Indonesia, southern hills along the Burmese border of Buddhism is officially recognized and accepted as Bangladesh. But their level of understanding and one of the five state religions. The other four are practice is quite low. Buddhism is still taught and Islam, Hinduism and the Catholic and Protestant practiced in a rural setting of Laos. Its practice is forms of Christianity. traditional and the monasteries are in poor condition due to the effect of the American-Vietnam Buddhism in India arose as a spiritual force against War. The meditation tradition is extremely weak. social injustice, degrading superstitious rites, Buddhism is revived after 's ceremonies and , and tyranny of the caste destruction and persecution in Kampuchea system. It advocated the equality of all men; (Cambodia). In Vietnam, Buddhism is considered emancipated women and gave them complete as the enemy of the state. It is thought that the spiritual freedom. Buddhism in India was almost monks challenge the state authority and control. collapsed between the 8th and 12th centuries AD. Later on, B. R. Ambedkar made an attempt to Mahayana Buddhism popularise it among untouchables. About 3.5 million members of the untouchable caste were The Mahayana is also known as Northern School. converted into Buddhists under his leadership. It is associated with the Path. A Buddhism could not flourish in India at the end of Bodhisattva is one who enlightens oneself as well the nineteenth century. However, the Sri Lankans as others. There are many Buddhas and with the help of British scholars founded the Maha in this school. is more important than in Bodhi Society for the purpose of restoring the holy Theravada school. This type of Buddhism was originated in China and developed in the countries 32/The Third Pole of East and . Now it is well flourished are centered on achieving concentration through in Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea. Taiwan meditation in order to receive bodhisattva. has a strong monastic community of monks and . There are Buddhist programms for social The Dalai is the Head of the dominant school welfare. Hong Kong is also noted for monastic of the . From 1642 to 1959, he community. The Chinese Buddhist communities in was the spiritual and political leader of and Malaysia, , Indonesia, Thailand and the resided in in Lhasa in the winter and give emphasis on ceremonies for the in the during summer. The welfare of ancestors, and for prosperity and wealth won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.Tibetan for the living (Alexander, 1996). In South Korea, Buddhism is known to the world through his office. many monastic communities of monks and nuns There was a Chinese takeover in 1959 and he is still are getting popular support and the tradition of in exile. meditation known as the Korean has Buddhism had to face a number of problems in flourished. China. A majority of the Buddhist monasteries in In Japan a number of Buddhist temples are kept for the areas of the were destroyed. There tourists and visitors. However, many of them are was a Cultural Revolution during the period of commercialized. From the thirteenth century, the 1960s and 1970s. Most of the well-trained monks, Japanese have had a tradition of married temple nuns and teachers were either executed or priests. They are not prohibited against drinking imprisoned. Many Han Chinese are interested in alcohol. They gradually replaced the tradition of Buddhism but there is a lack of teachers. The celibate monks. Most Japanese follow a government has established some Buddhist colleges combination of Buddhism and the traditional to run two to four year programmes associated with Shinto religion. The priests perform both the Shinto Buddhism but political education has been one of and Buddhist customs. The Shinto ceremonies are the major components in its syllabus. Physical popular for births and marriages whereas the reconstruction of Buddhism has also started. Buddhist ones are practiced for funerals. Temples, and statues are being reconstructed and the Chinese government is also Tibetan Buddhism helping their reconstruction. Most part of the reconstruction is financed by the local Tibet is located in the central part of Asia. The communities. Tibetan Buddhism is in the form of Mahayana Buddhism. It is also known as Lamaism. Vajrayana Buddhism in and Australia Buddhism is also followed in Tibet. Tibetan Buddhism was developed here at the beginning of Buddhism has also spread to the countries of Europe the 7th century CE. It follows Madhyamika and and Australia.The European countries have many Yogacara philosophy, Tantric , Theravadin organizations and thousands of the European monastic discipline and the shamanistic features of practice Buddhism in their own countries. The the , Bön. The system is based Buddhist population in European countries is on reincarnating and a large number of presented in table 3. . Buddhist population is rapidly growing in a There are four schools of the Tibetan Buddhism. number of European countries. As a result, Buddhist They are identified as Nyingmapa, Kagyüpa, Unions have been founded. Of them, the German Sakyapa and Gelugpa respectively. Nyingmapa is Buddhist Union (Deutsche Buddhistische Union-DBU) the oldest of the Tibetan Buddhist Schools. Its and the Italian Buddhist Union (Unione Buddhista doctrine is based on ati-yoga (extraordinary yoga). Italiana-UBI) are very popular. Such organizations It also makes wide use of local divinities related to are being established all over Europe. Today, more the indigenous, pre-Buddhist religion. The than fifteen nations have become the members of monks under this school are not required to be the European Buddhist Union (EBU). They are celibate. Kagyüpa School places value on the , Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, England, U.K.; transmission of teachings from teacher to disciple. , , Greece, Hungary, , is practiced in it. It is also called the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, and "Tibetan Zen." Sakyapa School is the smallest one. Switzerland. It is related with tantrism. Gelugpa is the School of the Virtuous and also called the Hats. This is the youngest of the Tibetan schools, but is today Nepal is the birth place of Lord Buddha, the the largest and the most important one. Practices propounder of Buddhism. However, the Buddhist D. Jnawali …..BUDDHISM AND GLOBAL /33 Table 3 Buddhist Populations in European Countries in 2000 Country Total Population Buddhists % Great Britain 58 Mill. 180,000 0.3 Germany 82 Mill. 170,000 0.2 France 58 Mill. 350,000 0.6 Austria 8 Mill. 17,000 0.2 Switzerland 7 Mill. 25,000 0.3 The Netherlands 15 Mill. 33,000 0.2 Italy 57 Mill. 75,000 0.1 Portugal, Spain, Greece 60 Mill. a few 1000s -- Yugoslavia and Hungary 20 Mill. 10,000 0.01 Poland and Czech 49 Mill. 10,000 0.01 Russian Federation 147 Mill. one million 0.7 Denmark and Scandinavia 23 Mill. 15-20,000 0.1

Source: Baumann, 2001. population in this country is very small. Buddhism Nepal is a multi-cultural and multi-religious is the dominant religion of the people in thinly- country. Its cultural aspects are influenced by populated northern areas. These are inhabited by Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism is widely practised the Mongoliods identified as the Sherpa, Lopa, in Nepal. The practice Vajrayana Manangi, Thakali, Lhomi, Dolpa and Nyimba. They Buddhism. During the period of the Ranas, there represent a small proportion of population in the was a great control over Buddhism. After the country. The religious status of population in Nepal overthrown of , Buddhism gradually is presented in table 4. developed in the country. Theravadins played a great role for the revival campaign. Presently, there Some ethnic groups like the Gurung, Lepcha, are three main Buddhist schools; Tibetan Tamang, Magar, Newar, Yakkha, and Buddhism, and Theravada Chepang in the central Nepal are the followers of Buddhism. Buddhism. Populations of these groups are larger

. Table 4 Religious composition of population in Nepal Religion Percentage share 1981 19912001 Hindu 89.50 86.51 80.62 Bouddha 5.32 7.78 10.74 Islam 2.66 3.53 4.20 Kirat -- 1.72 3.60 Jain 0.06 0.04 0.02 Christian 0.03 0.17 0.45 Sikh -- -- 0.03 Bahai -- -- 0.01 Others 2.43 0.14 0.35 Not stated -- 0.10 -- Total 100.0 100.0 100.0

Source: CBS, 1995 & 2003. compared to those of the northern ones. They were in close contact with the Hindu castes. So they are In 1824, Mr. Brian Hodgson, a British diplomat, also influenced by Hinduism. Tibetan Buddhism discovered a great number of Buddhist has also been adopted by the Kirant tribes like manuscripts in Nepal. This work has brought about Limbu and Rai of the eastern hill region in our a revolutionary change in the . country. The European people got information on Buddhism in the early part of this century. Copies of these works total 381 bundles and have been distributed 34/The Third Pole to make them accessible to European scholars Buddhist Theosophical Society, the All-Ceylon (, date unknown). Buddhist Women's Association, and the Young Men's Buddhist Association have been founded. Prof. Jayadeva Singh in his "Introduction to They are supporting the Sinhalese nationalism. Madhyamika Philosophy" has stated that "Books Individual monks are also involved in party on Mahayana Buddhism were completely lost in politics. In this context, Buddhism has also become India. Their translation existed in Chinese, Japanese a source of political motivation in Sri Lanka. and Tibetan. Mahayana literature was written mostly in Sanskrit and mixed Sanskrit. Scholars, The ten rules for Good Government mentioned in who have made a study of Buddhism, hardly the Jataka are known as 'Dasa Raja Dharma'. These suspected that there were also books on Buddhism rules can be applied by any government which in original Sanskrit." Similarly, Dr. Suniti Kumar wishes to rule the country peacefully. The rules Chatterji states that "One great service the people were as follows: of Nepal, particularly the highly civilized Newars • Be liberal and avoid selfishness of the Nepal valley did, was the preservation of all • Maintain a high moral character the manuscripts of Mahayana Buddhist literature • Be prepared to one's own pleasure in Sanskrit. It was similarly the great achievement for the well-being of the subjects of to have preserved the equally • Be honest and maintain absolute integrity valuable original Sanskrit texts of Mahayana • Be kind and gentle Buddhism (Shakya, date unknown)." Thus, Nepalese • Lead a simple life for the subjects to emulate Buddhism has contributed to academic world by • Be free from hatred of any kind supplying the Sanskrit manuscript. • Exercise non-violence • Practice patience and Buddhism for Peace and Political Stability • Respect public opinion to promote peace and harmony. Buddhism is not directly related to political aspects. Regarding the behaviour of rulers, Buddha Its major thrust is to guide the society towards provided following suggestions: . In the same way, its objective was to • A good ruler should act impartially and should find out the problems of society and provide not be biased and discriminate between suggestions to guide it towards humanism, welfare particular groups of subjects against another. of its members, and more equitable sharing of • A good ruler should not harbor any form of resources. Buddha also discussed about the hatred against any of his subjects. importance and the prerequisites of a good • A good ruler should show no fear whatsoever government. He stated that if the head of the in the enforcement of the law, if it is justifiable. government becomes corrupt, the country could • A good ruler must possess a clear become corrupt. He gave a message against understanding of the law to be enforced. It corruption and about humanitarian principles of a should not be enforced just because the ruler good government. Buddha said, 'When the ruler of has the authority to enforce the law. It must a country is just and good, the ministers become be done in a reasonable manner and with just and good; when the ministers are just and good, common . the higher officials become just and good; when the higher officials are just and good, the rank and The Buddha's emphasis on the moral duty of a ruler file become just and good; when the rank and file to use public power to improve the welfare of the become just and good, the people become just and people had inspired Emperor Asoka in the Third good.’ Buddha encouraged the spirit of consultation Century B.C. to do likewise. Emperor Asoka, a and the democratic process. This is shown within sparkling example of this principle, resolved to the community of the order in which all members live according to the Dhamma and served his have the right to decide on matters of general subjects and all humanity. concern. Buddha should be considered as a social reformer. Buddhism has played an eminent role in Sri Lankan He did not agree with the caste system, recognized politics. It has worked as a unifying force for a the equality of people, spoke on the need to majority the Sinhalese. The monks have to maintain improve socio-economic conditions, recognized the close relationships with the lay community, whose importance of a more equitable distribution of members supply them with food, shelter, and wealth among the rich and the poor, raised the clothing. The have paid devotion status of women, recommended the incorporation to Buddhism. A number of organizations, such as of humanism in government and administration, the All-Ceylon Buddhist Congress, the Colombo and taught that a society should not be run by greed D. Jnawali …..BUDDHISM AND GLOBAL /35 but with consideration and compassion for the The Buddhist canon (Dharmagrantha) is known as people. the Tripitaka, or Three Baskets, because it consists of three collections of writings: the Pitaka, a Many scholars and critics have pointed out that the collection of discourses; the , the code commercialization of Buddhism has resulted in the of monastic discipline; and the Abhidharma Pitaka, moral decline and dishonourable scandals within containing philosophical, psychological, and the Sangha in Thailand. Santikaro , an doctrinal discussions and classifications. American monk living in Thailand discussed about corruption of the Thai monks. His paper was Firstly, Buddha spoke about the equality of all published in the Asia Week. He mentioned that human beings. The classification of human beings money has replaced Buddhist moral values in the should be based on the quality of their moral Sangha and this has resulted in the decline of the conduct. Secondly, Buddha encouraged the spirit monastic discipline. Instances of Sangha of social co-operation and active participation in misconducts include a wide range of scandals such society. This spirit can motivate a better political as corruption, utilisation of temple property, drug process of modern societies. Thirdly, since no one abuse and sex scandals. was appointed as the Buddha's successor, the members of the Order were to be guided by the There are a number of causes of conflict at national Dhamma and Vinaya, or in short, the Rule of Law. as well as global Level. The main causes of conflict Until today every member of the Sangha is to abide are associated with disparity between rich and by the Rule of Law which governs and guides their poor, racism, ethnic conflict and lack of conduct. Fourthly, the Buddha encouraged the spirit information. Disparity between rich and poor is a of consultation and the democratic process. source of acute suffering. It keeps the world in a state of instability, conflict and war. Racism is also Buddhism is based on the principle of non-violence an evil, working as a barrier to peace. Lack of and directs us towards transformation in our way communication among peoples also undermines of life. We are attached to material desire. This the efforts towards peace. Buddhism is based on attachment should be transformed to spiritual the teachings of Buddha. The core concept of values. We always give a slogan of peace. Peace is Buddhism or the enlightenment is the realization actually a state of inner tranquility. It is the of the . They are mentioned enlightenment attained by Buddha which is also below. known as "." It is possible only if our mind becomes free from greed, hatred and ignorance. (1) Life as suffering The of Buddhism is the interdependence of all living beings and other phenomena. It teaches This is more than a mere recognition of the presence us that all the things can exist through their of suffering in existence. It is a statement that, in its interrelationship with all other phenomena. The very nature, human existence is essentially painful principle of mutually supportive coexistence is from the moment of birth to the moment of death. essential for the welfare of human beings. This is Even death brings no relief, for the Buddha accepted the core thinking of Buddhism. It would be better the Hindu idea of life as cyclical, with death leading to recite the beautiful epic poem of Edwin Arnold to further . that offers great respect to Lord Buddha. (2) Ignorance of the nature as the cause of suffering ‘The Light of Asia" All suffering is caused by ignorance of the nature Edwin Arnold of reality and the craving, attachment, and grasping So that the Devas knew the signs, and said that result from such ignorance. "Buddha will go again to help the World." "Yea!" spake He, "now I go to help the World (3) End of suffering by overcoming ignorance and This last of many times; for birth and death attachment End hence for me and those who learn my Law. I will go down among the Sâkyas, Suffering can be ended by overcoming ignorance Under the southward snows of Himalaya, and attachment. Where pious people live and a just King." (4) to be followed for the end Ah! Blessed Lord! Oh, high deliverer! of suffering Forgive this feeble script, which doth thee wrong, The path to the suppression of suffering is the Noble measuring with little wit thy lofty love. Eightfold Path, which consists of right views, right Ah! Lover! Brother! Guide! Lamp of the law! intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right I take my in thy name and thee! effort, right-mindedness, and right contemplation. 36/The Third Pole I take my refuge in thy law of good! hands to demonstrate our commitment towards I take my refuge in thy order! ! peace by correcting social and economic The dew is on the lotus! — rise, great sun! inequalities. And lift my leaf and mix me with the wave. Asato Ma Sadgamaya; Tamaso Ma Jyotir-Gamaya , the sunrise comes! Mrityor-Ma Amritam Gamaya The dewdrop slips into the Shining Sea! Lead me from the unreal to the real; lead me CONCLUSION from darkness to the light and lead me from mortality to immortality. Present paper is an attempt to deal with the major principles of Buddhism and its need for maintaining Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah Sarve Santu Niramayah global peace. The concept of philosophy, major Sarve Bhadrani Pasyantu Ma Kaschid-Duhkha-Bhag- schools under Hindu Philosophy, Buddha as an Bhavet Incarnation of Vishnu, Origin and Evolution of May all be happy; may all be free from Buddhism and its spatial diffusion, the Buddhist disabilities; may all behold what is auspicious Councils, the Schools of Buddhism, and Buddha’s and may none suffer from sorrow. Teachings for global peace were the major areas of discussion in this paper. Buddhism has two major O creator of the Universe! schools of the Theravada and Mahayana but the We meditate upon thy supreme splendour. ultimate goals of both the schools are to secure and May thy radiant power illuminate our intellects, maintain peace, , social welfare and destroy our , and guide us in the right direction. harmony in human society all over the world. Om Shanti Shanti Shantih! This is a revised version of We can conclude that the principles and teachings Acknowledgement of Buddhism should be followed in order to the paper presented at the seminar organized by maintain peace at global level. In this aspect, the the Siddhartha University on November 18 2006. I new democratic government has to play a crucial would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Bhikshu role. The establishment of the Siddhartha Dr. Sunanda Mahasthavir and Mr. Prasad University in Nepal will be a noble step in this Munankarmi for their encouragement to prepare area. this paper.

We have to join hands with all in order to raise the REFERENCES world-embracing vision of a Buddha where all Adherents.com database. September 2002. nations, races and creeds will come to love one Alexander, Berzin, 1996. The Current Situation of another, and injustices, wars and discrimination Buddhism in the World Originally published as part will vanish. We have to develop better of Buddhism and Its Impact on Asia, Asian understanding among the peoples with different Monographs, No. 8. Cairo: Cairo University, Center cultures and cooperate together to improve the lives for Asian Studies. of the people not only spiritually and intellectually, Baumann, Martin, 2001. : An but also socially, economically in terms of proper Annotated Bibliography. Lucerne, Switzerland: utilization of resources available. Department of the History of Religions, University of Lucerne, Kasernenplatz (Web page: We are in need of changing the world in which [email protected] harmony and cooperation will prevail. The Brown, Nina, 2001-2005. Friedrich Ratzel, Clark Wissler, Buddha’s teachings contain many practical and Carl Sauer: Culture Area Research and Mapping, techniques for calming anger, controlling desire, web page:[email protected]. and creating harmonious relationships. In a world CBS, 1995. Population Monograph of Nepal. as full of violence and corruption as ours, people Kathmnadu: Central Bureau of Statistics. seek comfort and from a spiritual path that CBS, 2003. Population Monograph of Nepal Vols 1& 2. teaches nonviolence, contentment, compassion, Kathmnadu: Central Bureau of Statistics. generosity of spirit, and peace of mind. Buddhism Park, C., 2004. Religion and Geography. In Hinnells, J. teaches us to cultivate peace in our hearts and work (ed), Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion. to relieve the sufferings of all living beings, without London: Routledge. exception. Now, in this time of fear and uncertainty Russell, Ash, 1997. The Top 10 of Everything, New York: in Nepal, Buddha’s message of peace and DK Publishing. compassion is very essential to unite us all in an Shakya, Min Bahadur, date unknown. Input of Sanskrit atmosphere of peace and political stability. on Mahayana Strotras and Buddhism must address current social problems Carygitas of Nepal and Its Importance to Buddhist such as racism, sexism, environmental World, Paper Prepared for Institute, deterioration, and economic injustice. We must join Nepal.