Buddhism: A vanishing demarcation?
Buddhism is unique in its disassociation from politics
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Politics:The root of all evil!

Buddhism is unique in its disassociation from politics. That was when Lord Buddha introduced the Dhamma to the world. Is this the case now?

When you read the life story of the Buddha, He was a prince educated in all aspects of statecraft, ready to take over a kingdom, when he decided to renounce everything and go in search of enlightenment.

He would have been more than exposed to the ills of statecraft to convince Him of the need to keep the Sasana and the State apart.

Indeed, during his lifetime he was consulted on a number of occasions on political matters by the then ruling kings, in which He astutely avoided any involvement.

Yet He introduced 10 tenets for rulers for guidance, which will ensure fair Government for the population.

Since His departure, over the centuries, for whatever reason, this demarcation appears to have become a lot hazier than it was.

Perhaps the geographical issues influenced it. For example, as Buddhism spread into China and further east, there came the need for survival of the followers. Martial arts of self-defence, and its associated structures would have evolved as a result. A friend of mine, a martial arts practitioner, provided me some insight into this aspect.

I have limited experience to justify a universal theory on this matter. But, I can make some statements based on observations made in Sri Lanka and in the United Kingdom.

If I distil these experiences, what I see as the most influential reason to be the ever-increasing interaction of the Buddhist clergy and institutions with the lay society.

True, interactions with lay society is essential for the survival of the Sasana. But, where is the limit?

It is sad to say this, but I am compelled to say it: more often the Sasana had become the vehicle for attainment of political power, at national scale, and to power and fame at personal scale.

The gains are certainly not one way. The Sasana has been rewarded with universities, titles, positions, political affiliations,… which a sceptic could classify as backhanders.

To the utter consternation of the lay public (!!!), monks have been elected to the Sri Lanka parliament. Sangha is out on the streets protesting against purely lay issues. Sangha undergraduates go on the rampage, and get punished in courts.

As I said earlier in the main page, Buddhism is judged by its practitioners.

One cannot point the finger only at politicians and the minority of monks so inclined, for the excessive Sasana-Political interactions.

Monks who desire commitment to their primary objective, find "safety" in forest retreats. The word gets around in the lay world about these "real" Sangha, and then it becomes the primary purpose in life to grab an opportunity to offer Dana to the monks in these retreats.

The Sangha hierarchy itself has instituted a political structure, with its divisional, regional, national honorary titles. This stands in stark contrast to the two leading disciples: Sariputta and Moggallana and the "treasurer of the Dhamma": Rev. Ananda, during Buddha's time.

In the UK, I witnessed the gradual transition of the then premises of the British Mahabodhi Society from a centre for Buddhist scholarship into a centre for Buddhist culture for the Sri Lankan expatriates, and the political machinations behind that transition.

Is the detached public losing contact with the Doctrine as a result? Many I meet seem to say so. Respect for the Sangha, as a society, seem to be waning among the level-headed lay public.

Alternative movements are now flourishing in traditionally Buddhist countries. Please see the cover page for details.