Last week I was invited to share some of my thoughts on the Buddhist community and nation building in conjunction with the celebration of our beloved nation Malaysia’s 52nd Independence.
As we take a glance at the last 52 years of independent Malaysia, what does it meant to all us, Malaysians of the Buddhist faith?
For the past 52 years of independence, religious programs are carried out in all nooks and corners of the country by different traditions, using different languages and methods. Buddhist publications are in abundance nowadays and we even exported it to other countries. Fund raising campaigns are happening everywhere to build new temples or to extend the current one.
In social development, Buddhist community has been moving on community services. Buddhists has been supporting the needy beyond race and religions. During the time of crisis and natural disasters, whether locally or overseas, Malaysian Buddhists will be out in the streets to collect funds to help those suffering from the calamities.
It can be acknowledged that the Buddhist community in this country is always respectful to the rule of law, honouring the Federal Constitution and follows the principles of the Rukun Negara. In the last 52 years, we have been playing the role as responsible citizens of the country even during the time when we faced continuous challenges.
As we take a glance at the last 52 years of independent Malaysia, what does it meant to all us, Malaysians of the Buddhist faith?
For the past 52 years of independence, religious programs are carried out in all nooks and corners of the country by different traditions, using different languages and methods. Buddhist publications are in abundance nowadays and we even exported it to other countries. Fund raising campaigns are happening everywhere to build new temples or to extend the current one.
In social development, Buddhist community has been moving on community services. Buddhists has been supporting the needy beyond race and religions. During the time of crisis and natural disasters, whether locally or overseas, Malaysian Buddhists will be out in the streets to collect funds to help those suffering from the calamities.
It can be acknowledged that the Buddhist community in this country is always respectful to the rule of law, honouring the Federal Constitution and follows the principles of the Rukun Negara. In the last 52 years, we have been playing the role as responsible citizens of the country even during the time when we faced continuous challenges.
Have we ever heard or come across of Buddhists contructing illegal structures as their temples and is there any incidents of Buddhist temples being demolished because it was built on land belonging to private owners or the government? Have we ever heard of Buddhists barricading themselves against the bulldozers to defend any temple which was built against the law?
We always persevered peacefully with patience and compassion. But then, does the powers-that-be knows and acknowleged this act of compassion and respect of the rule of law by the Buddhist community? Did they take notice that we have not ever gives them any headaches in running the country or in any state in the country? We just meditate in silence and transferred our merits to them hoping they will open their hearts to hear and understands our goodwill and compassion.
As Buddhists we are guided in our daily living based on the Five Precepts. As laymen we undertake to respect everybody and not to cause harm to other being, either through body, speech or mind. In that sense, this applies to all disregarding what religious beliefs the person upholds. This is the least we expected from those who claim to serve us and managed the country.
But one thing I am sure, we must keep on putting our efforts in nurturing and educating our children and young ones along the path of Dharma. With our strong commitment in developing our children to be a good person, caring and compassionate, benevolence and spiritually strong, we will be building the next generation of good citizenship for our beloved country. - Loka
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