There is only one, true, long term answer to war in the world, to the cruel violence and suffering of children, and a variety of other ills which plague us:
A change in human nature, freeing us finally from our most aggressive, angry and selfish tendencies while bringing greater love, empathy, tolerance and peace to our hearts.
We should admit that we Buddhists, together with all the other preachers, teachers, national leaders, prophets, and moral pundits throughout history, have so far been abject failures in efforts to change humanity on a wide scale. Yes, Buddhism has helped so very many individuals through the centuries, but not yet all ... not more than a sliver ... of the suffering sentient beings we have vowed to save. Yes, this Path saved my life, I hope yours, and the lives of so many in this Sangha, yet the wars continue, the children's dying continues, the turmoil continues. Buddhism and the other great religions and moral philosophies have failed to get vital lessons into most of our heads and hearts despite many thousands of years of trying, but maybe tomorrow’s means will offer better chances to do so.
My book, in one small section, presents a plan to do so within the coming century. A wild suggestion, but one to consider, employing Upaya means which may soon become possible. A Buddhist dream can be realized, in ways respectful of human life and human rights.
May we survive long enough for the dream of peace to be realized.
Gassho, J
satLAH
