The enlightened one emphasised that an individual’s social position or birth does not determine their intrinsic goodness or badness

A deeper comprehension of the fundamental philosophies of different religions from a young age ensures that no race or religion is deemed superior to another

Hostile thoughts and actions act as obstacles to spiritual liberation, the sacred goal of all spiritual endeavors

In 1948, D.S. Senanayake encountered pressure from leading Buddhist clergy to include a special clause for Buddhism in the newly independent nation’s Constitution. The two Mahanayake Theros of Asgiriya and Malwatta threatened to boycott the inauguration ceremony in Kandy. Despite the pressure, the Prime Minister did not yield. Instead, he travelled to Kandy and convinced the Mahanayake Theros of the importance of not introducing special provisions for the “foremost and protection of Buddhism” in the new Constitution. He argued, “If equality is a provision in Dhamma, then you cannot give primacy to one religion.” The Mahanayake Theros recognised the fundamental Buddhist principle reflected in this statement and peacefully attended the ceremony. [ref: Times of Ceylon - 9/1/1948 to 12/1/48]

In 1972, Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, mindful of Article 5 of the 1815 Kandyan Convention, directed Dr. Colvin R. de Silva to include a provision for giving Buddhism the ‘foremost place’ in the republican Constitution. Consequently, Chapter II, Article 9 states: “The Republic of Sri Lanka shall give to Buddhism the foremost place and accordingly it shall be the duty of the State to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana, while assuring to all religions the rights granted by Articles 10 and 14(1)(e).” This provision was incorporated alongside other protections under Chapter III.

If we Sri Lankans genuinely wish to protect, conserve, and foster Dhamma instead of “Buddhism”, then it is our duty to impart the pure Dhamma to our younger generations. The wisdom of the Buddha on chauvinism and racism remains profoundly relevant today. The enlightened one emphasised that an individual’s social position or birth does not determine their intrinsic goodness or badness. Rather, one’s character should be assessed solely based on their actions, free from considerations of skin colour, caste, creed, or race. Trustworthiness cannot be discerned from outward appearances; judging others by their exterior diminishes our humanity.

It is our solemn obligation to impart the untainted Dhamma to the younger generations, delivered by learned Buddhist prelates who have attained profound philosophical insights. This endeavour will ultimately lead to religious freedom for all communities, fostering greater inter-racial and interreligious tolerance and harmony. Introducing the subject of Comparative Religion in all schools is imperative, as it enables students to understand the beliefs and practices of diverse faiths. A deeper comprehension of the fundamental philosophies of different religions from a young age ensures that no race or religion is deemed superior to another. This knowledge cultivates a sense of mutual respect and acceptance, eliminating feelings of harm or threat towards practitioners of other religions.

Buddha Dhamma, often hailed as the most peaceful teaching among world religions, is founded on the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence towards every living being. Its teachings emphasise that cruelty or hostility not only harms the spiritual well-being of the perpetrator but also of the victim. Hostile thoughts and actions act as obstacles to spiritual liberation, the sacred goal of all spiritual endeavors.

By instilling these principles in our youth, we pave the way for a more compassionate and harmonious society, where individuals appreciate and respect the diversity of religious beliefs and practices. This fosters a deeper understanding and empathy towards diverging viewpoints, promoting mutual sympathy and cooperation among all members of society.

“O’ great King! the birds of the air and the beasts on the earth have an equal right to live and move about in any part of this land as thou. The land belongs to the people and all other beings and thou art only the guardian of it.” --Arhant Mahinda Thero 

This represents one of the earliest documented efforts to advocate for the protection of fauna and flora. Before this, in non-Buddhist societies, hunting was often considered a leisure activity for the privileged few. However, the influence of Buddhist principles led to a significant shift in attitudes towards respecting all forms of life, with killing being expressly forbidden. The harmonious coexistence of all beings, including humans and animals, lies at the core of Buddhist doctrine. Buddhist teachings address issues of animal welfare and offer insights into the origins of cruelty, advocating for measures to mitigate its harmful effects.

By adhering to these principles, we can strive towards the ultimate goal of creating a peaceful nation free from religious and racial tensions. Such unity prevents certain factions from exploiting divisions for their own gain, fostering a society where compassion and understanding prevail.

“By accepting a belief that one does not oneself actually see as true, the mind is thereby prevented from discovering truth as it actually is. If you discern the falseness of organised belief, that through any particular belief you cannot understand reality, nor through any authority whatsoever can intelligence be awakened, then you as individuals, not as an organised group, will free yourselves from this destructive imposition.”-Jiddu Krishnamurthi

Kalama Sutta

“Do not accept any doctrine from reverence, but first try it as gold is tried by fire”–Lord Buddha

The Kalama Sutta, renowned for its promotion of liberal inquiry and skepticism, stands as a beacon against fanaticism, dogmatism, bigotry, and intolerance in Buddhist teachings. When confronted by a group of individuals struggling to discern truth from falsehood amidst conflicting doctrines, the Buddha encouraged them to adopt a critical and questioning mindset. His advice to doubt and scrutinize all assertions, regardless of their source or apparent credibility, underscores the importance of independent thinking and discernment. Rejecting blind acceptance of tradition, the Buddha urged his followers to challenge conventions and question established beliefs. He cautioned against relying on authority, tradition, personal bias, or logical reasoning alone as criteria for accepting truth.

It is our solemn obligation to impart the untainted Dhamma to the younger generations, delivered by learned Buddhist prelates who have attained profound philosophical insights. This endeavour will ultimately lead to religious freedom for all communities, fostering greater inter-racial and interreligious tolerance and harmony

By advocating for a skeptical approach and promoting critical inquiry, the Kalama Sutta invites individuals to break free from the shackles of inherited beliefs and societal norms. It empowers seekers of truth to navigate the complexities of spiritual teachings with an open mind and a willingness to question, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding and personal realization of truth.

A careful examination of the passage reveals not only the critique of customary practices but also an implicit acknowledgment of a deeper philosophical insight. The Buddha’s guidance to question and challenge conventional beliefs extends beyond mere skepticism; it encompasses a nuanced understanding of tradition and spirituality. While advocating for critical inquiry, the Buddha did not outrightly dismiss supernatural traditions. Instead, he encouraged his followers to engage with these traditions thoughtfully, neither blindly accepting nor outrightly rejecting them. This nuanced approach recognizes the value of spiritual traditions while emphasizing the importance of discernment and critical thinking.

Moreover, the passage highlights a contemporary realization among some thinkers and scientists regarding the limitations of a purely scientific worldview. While science has contributed immensely to human understanding, it has also at times led to the dismissal of religious customs without due consideration for their deeper significance.

The Buddha’s own life and teachings exemplify a critical and spiritual attitude towards tradition. He fearlessly challenged prevailing Vedic and other traditions, advocating for a deeper understanding of spiritual truths beyond mere ritualistic practices. In doing so, he paved the way for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to spirituality, one that embraces critical inquiry while honouring the richness of religious and cultural traditions.

(The writer can be reached at [email protected] )