This is a commentary on the first primary ethics of the teachings of the Buddha
In essence: The explicit teaching of the Buddha:
I UNDERTAKE THE TRAINING/PRACTICE NOT TO KILL, NOR CAUSE HARM TO OTHERS, NOR SUPPORT THE KILLING AND HARMING OF OTHERS.
This training/practice applies to all those committed to the Dharma and serves as the application of a deep principle for everybody.
Identification with the flag of the nation state, any nation state, can trigger views of national superiority upon the flag and inferiority of other nations. The flag is a piece of cloth. See it for what it is.
Twelve Ethical Applications to end Wars
- Never reduce people to a label/identity upon which to inflict suffering and death.
- Support without compromise a ceasefire, negotiation, diplomacy and aid to end war, a halt to invasions and destruction.
- Be specific about the reality of war – bombing, shelling, shooting, hostages, genocide, massacres, starvation, infliction of suffering on the innocent, widespread destruction, torture, sexual violence, domestic violence, refugees, social violence, suicide, severely traumatised men, women and children, intense grief, stress disorders, nightmares and more. This is an expression and outcome of all wars. Do you want to be associated with such abhorrent behaviour based on ideology and darkness in your mind?
- Engage in critiques/protests of governments who supply weapons and manufacturers who produce weapons. Engage in critiques/ protests against scientists/engineers who design missiles/weapons, transport armaments by land, sea and air. Engage in critiques/protests of armies and organisations using weapons to kill, wound and harm people.
- Political leaders, who fail to call for an immediate ceasefire, are complicit in the specifics of war.
- War depends upon being for one side and against the other. Those who take sides contribute to the specifics of war listed above.
- Citizens of both sides might claim their government have no choice but to wage war. Both sides share this delusion along with their international backers.
- War includes annihilation of people from both sides through the wilful destruction of men, women, children and their habitats.
- If you remain quiet, fearful of prowar voices, you need to ask yourselves, “What happened to my compassion?”
- Stay true to the principle of non-violence AND the steps towards the resolution of suffering.
- Be an agent for meaningful change to end war rather than remain blindly obedient to your government and media supporting war.
- Treat others as you wish to be treated. Associate with those who share the same primary ethic of putting an end to war.
Final Word
Do not be afraid to criticise your government.
Stay in touch with your humanity and the humanity of others.
What steps will you take to bring about political/social change to help put an end to a war?
MAY ALL BEINGS BECOME AGENTS OF CHANGE
MAY ALL BEINGS SUPPORT CAMPAIGNS TO END CONFLICT
MAY ALL BEINGS BE DEDICATED TO CO-EXISTENCE.
I absolutely love these “Twelve Ethical Applications to end Wars”– they should be enshrined at the legislature of our major US cities, especially in Lousiana in light of their recent law sanctioning the 12 Commandments in all their schools! Well done, Christopher!