Some nations preach but don't practice-MR

2 June 2012 03:38 pm Views - 7103

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that in today’s world certain nations and groups have endeavoured to preach and lord over others by virtue of their given labels, such as super power, regional power, economic power etc.

“The superiority of one individual or a group of people or community, therefore, is not through a particular divine right or by virtue of their birth, but by their actions.  The manner in which one group conducts itself will determine whether it is worthy of a higher or lower label.  Such words of wisdom are of paramount value in today’s context, where certain nations and groups have endeavoured to preach and lord over others by virtue of their given labels -- super power, regional power, economic power etc.  It is by the conduct of these nations that they must be judged and be determined whether they are superior to another,” the President said addressing the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations, in Bangkok today (June 2).

He also said that the teachings of the Buddha are relevant today as they were twenty six centuries ago. If the leaders of our modern world are to embrace this advice, many of today’s conflicts, both domestic and international, could be resolved for the benefit of mankind.

“Justice and the Rule of Law are not alien concepts for those of us who from our childhood are nurtured by the doctrine of Buddha.  These are, therefore not concepts that need to be preached to the converted,” the President said.