Have you ever wonder what constitutes peace?
Or rather, who are the ones who have to bear the brunt of war?
Who are the ones who have to go out to the battlefields to fight, risking their lives, separated from their families, and enduring all the hardship?
Who are the ones who really suffer its consequences?
Not the politicians who sit in their ivory towers or palaces, that's for sure.
Please don't misunderstand.
The politicians do go out and fight war.
War of words that is, through their mouths, in their posh and cushy offices.
But what about the Real thing? The actual act itself?
The common people.
In 'Points To Ponder' (http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2006/11/eternal-maitre-eternal-wisdom-eternal.html), I said,
"Politics is about people : People for people, or people against people."
If only we could all wise up and realise that there are more important and pressing issues which we should all be concern about,
Such as the state of our Mother Earth, the environment, poverty and starvation, etc etc.
Instead of fighting for 'peace and freedom', staging protests (no matter how peaceful) and riots,
Just to satisfy the power-hungry, egoistic, selfish and greedy minds of some people and/or certain individuals.
If only we could all see the foolishness and futility of it all.
Think about all the time, money, energy, effort and resources that's wasted in these nonsensical affairs which could actually be better utilised.
If only we can group and work together as quickly, efficiently, and effectively to resolve the issues of Mother Earth, the environment, poverty and starvation,
Just as how we group and work together so quickly, efficiently and effectively for riots, protest and events that do nothing but hurt, harm and/or destroy us all.
Not forgetting all the negativity and negative energy generated, and all the negative kamma which we create collectively through such acts of anger and aggression that brings more harm than good, and worsens the state of destruction of our Mother Earth and environment even more.
If only we could all 'open' our eyes and see, really see,
Then we'll all realise the actual cost of peace, and the price we're paying for it.
For that is the real price of peace, and what constitutes it.
"As a flower that is lovely and beautiful but is scentless, even so fruitless is the well spoken words of one who does not practise it."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 51
"Wisdom for destructive purposes is essentially the wisdom of the animal world :
Where might is right; where force reigns supreme; and where happiness comes from satisfying sadistic desires."
- Venerable Ajahn Maha Boowa Nanasampanno
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"When a knowledgeable person turns to evil ways,
He or she is liable to cause more strife and trouble to the country than the uninformed person who does the same thing.
An ignoramus who doesn't do evil,
Is better than a learned man who uses his knowledge for evil means."
- Ajahn Tate .
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"It's because of our intelligence that we human beings can do one another so much harm."
- Ajahn Maha Boowa Nanasampanno
" 聪明反被聪明误 "
"Entangled by the bonds of hate,
He who seeks his own happiness by inflicting pain on others
Is never delivered from hatred."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 291
"Self-conquest is far greater than the conquest of others.
Not even a god, an angel, Mara or Brahma can turn into defeat,
The victory of a person who is self-subdued and ever restrained in conduct."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 104 - 105
"Victory breeds hatred.
The defeated live in pain.
Happily the peaceful live,
Giving up victory and defeat."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 201
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"Good scholars should only explore and enquire for knowledge that is concerned with weighty, significant issues that may lead to the enrichment of people's lives.
They shouldn't be aiming for knowledge to increase their social position or status."
- Ajahn Tate
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"We are our own weapons of mass destruction :
With our 'intelligence' (or rather, lack of intelligence ie. wisdom),
We destroy not only ourselves,
But also the world."
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"Actually man is not using religion to maintain peace but to disturb and hate others."
- Venerable Dr K Sri Dhammananda
"Humans may be intelligent; but we have no sense."
"Whether the world will develop or decline will depend on the minds of the people."
- Venerable Ajahn Maha Boowa Nanasampanno
