Thich Minh Thien's Column

MEMORIAL DAY THOUGHTS

As I sat down to write my column for this month, I was struck by the celebration of our national holiday called Memorial Day. It is a day meant for Americans everywhere to reflect on the sacrifices and service of those in the military who placed country interests before self-interests. My street was lined with American flags flying proudly and there were many services at military cemeteries and veteran locations. Many families gathered together for parades, picnics and early summer fun at beaches, parks and lakes. Whether you personally served in the armed forces or not, we all know family and friends who have. The overall objective of this holiday is to demonstrate our national gratitude for our military and the history of conflicts where blood was shed, and lives changed forever.

No doubt, most would agree that peace in this world is what we really desire and prefer to war. However, it is because of the lack of peace that we find ourselves celebrating a national holiday to remember all those affected by the ravages of war. We live in a world where war is considered by many to be a sometimes, necessary evil. A popular opinion, supported by the media, tends to be that the use of military force is at times justified. The world’s major religions teach that it is wrong to kill and maim others, yet it is condoned claiming we have a right to protect ourselves, our property and our perceived national interests.    

So how does all of this connect with the teachings of the Buddha? In the most basic sense, it seems to be in direct conflict with the precept against killing. In the Four Noble Truths we are told that happiness is possible through the elimination of the factors that create suffering. Also, according to the teachings of the Buddha, there is no problem that cannot be resolved by living the interlocking set of virtues known as the Noble Eightfold Path. There are many references in the earliest Buddhist texts to the futility of war. In the Dhammapada one can find the following verses… “Hatreds never cease through hatred in this world. Through love alone they cease. This is the eternal law” … and …” Victory breeds hatred. The defeated live in pain. Happily the peaceful live, giving up victory and defeat.”  

Peace versus war is only possible when it is cultivated in our minds and our thoughts through principal components like loving kindness (Metta). In Metta, a boundless loving friendship is extended to all beings, regardless of racial, religious or territorial boundaries. When our Metta is coupled with compassion (Karuna), joy (Mudita) and equanimity (Upeksha), the development of non-violent modes of thought and action can be achieved, and the devastations of war can be avoided. It seems to follow that we will act in a less violent fashion if we can overcome our sense of a permanent and unique self, and we can come to see the interconnectedness of all things.

So, another Memorial Day holiday has come and gone. My hope is that those who have suffered loss because of military conflicts may find consolation in the nation’s recognition of that ultimate sacrifice. May we all recognize the futility of war and conflicts and awaken to the teachings of the Buddha so that suffering for ourselves and all beings can be reduced, and peace is what we memorialize and celebrate.

 

Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa