Difficult to stay silent

I am a Malaysian and a Buddhist and I find it very difficult to stay at the sideline of what's happening in this country. I am sadden and angered at the death of Teoh Beng Hock, a young life full of potential - lost in the mist of power struggle of the strong amongst political leaders. I support that the truth surrounding his death be expressed and demand that justice be done.

The Buddhist must have a voice - not a political voice, but a voice on consience that resonate the sounds of justice which echos the spirit of the 1st Precept - the value of life. No life is less important than another. No live should be taken away by others - in anyway. As a Buddhist, the loss of Teoh Beng Hock and the many lives lost in the custody of the authorities is not acceptable. An explanation of the truth must be made available the soonest.

My deepest condolences to the family relatives and fiancee of the late Teoh Beng Hock.

Anicca vata sankhara, uppadavaya-dhammino.
Uppajjitva nirujjhanti, tesam vupasamo sukho.

Spare the rod, spare the child too!

As Buddhists, do we spare the rod and spoil the child or otherwise?

I believe that we should SPARE THE ROD (adandena, "without the stick") & SPARE THE CHILD (mettena, "with loving-kindness").


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Buddhism and Politics

Does these two go together. It is easy to answer "yes" or "no" - depending which side you are on and what are you own inclinations. For me, I agree with Max Weber who defined politics as the struggle for power. A Buddhist's struggle is not for power - it is for peace, wisdom and enlightenment. In the Parabhava Sutta (SN1:6), the Buddha warned that the following will lead to downfall:

To be of noble birth, with vast ambition and of slender means, and to crave for

rulership — this is a cause of one's downfall.

Hence, I am of the opinion that Buddhism and politics does not go hand in hand. I believe that Buddhism should stand on the side of justice in accordance with the principles of the Dharma. How can one close one's eyesin meditation of calmness while environmental destruction is happening blatantly (some cases, in accordance to the law)? How can one radiate metta and wish all being to be well and happy while our country locks people up without trial and subject them to torture. One needs to speak out as the Buddha spoke out against injustices. But he never took sides of power.

When Buddhism talks about SILA, it is about human relationship, community, peace and harmony. SILA is the basis of social justice based upon the values of live, integrity, self-control, truth and mindfulness, all these are encompassed in the five precepts (panca sila).

Speak out with compassion, calmness and clarity is necessary, and every right and duty of Buddhists - just as the Buddha did.