Features

Buddhist Way to Peace and Prosperity

Published

2 years ago

2024/10/6

by Ven. Siri Vajiraramaye Nanasiha

Economic and social policies based on Buddhist principles were the foundation of peace and prosperity in ancient Sri Lanka. A close examination of this Buddhist foundation would be of assistance to attain, once again, the cherished goal of peace and economic prosperity.

Economic and political theories before Western influence were based on two famous ancient treatises, namely, Kautilya’s Arthaśāstra and Brihaspati’s Arthaśāstra. They had one common feature, in that, under the title of ‘Arthaśātra’ both writers had written on politics and economics, leaving out the most important ingredient for any development process, i.e. the mental and spiritual development of man.

Generally speaking, the word attha as ‘well-being’ relates to the various aspects of man’s socio-economic development – such as economic prosperity, good governance, education, healthy lifestyle, rule of law and morality. It refers to social progress due to the harmonious unification of all the above factors, contributing to the prosperity and peaceful co-existence of a people. A socio-economic system based on Buddhist principles and practices could easily be formulated to suit today’s modern progressive society.

Current economic thought is based primarily on the works of Adam Smith and Karl Marx, the fathers of the theories of free enterprise and socialism. Neither of these systems pays attention to, nor considers, the inner development of man as an important ingredient in the growth of society. Hence there has been a rapid deterioration in human values and standards of behaviour in societies following these systems. Thus, what the world requires today is a socially stable economic system which yields the highest place to man’s moral development and cultivation of human values.

The Buddha lived in a society entangled and confused by 62 divergent views. The Buddha realized the importance of the external environment created by the laws of a country etc, in assisting the endeavours of the populace in working towards their socio-economic well-being. Hence the Buddha delivered many discourses on how to achieve human well-being through peace and prosperity.

One such is the Kûṭadanta Sutta of the Digha Nikaya. Therein, the Buddha has explained the importance of equitable distribution of wealth amongst its people, and the satisfaction of the basic needs of the populace, if peace and prosperity, and freedom from crime were to be achieved in a country. More specifically the Sutta indicates how the State could assist the people in their different walks of life.

To quote: “And he (King Maha Vijita) had the Brahman Chaplain called and said, ‘I am desirous, O Brahman, to offer a great sacrifice for my weal and my welfare for many days. Let the venerable one instruct me how.’

“Thereupon, the Brahman who was chaplain said to the King thus: ‘The King’s country, Sire, is harassed and harried. There are dacoits abroad who pillage the villages and town-ships, and who make the roads unsafe. Were the King, so long as that is so, to levy a fresh tax, verily His Majesty would be acting wrongly. But perchance His Majesty might think: ‘I will soon put a stop to these scoundrels’ game by degradation and banishment, and fines and bonds and death!’ But their activities cannot be put to a stop satisfactorily. Those left unpunished would still go on harassing the realm.

“Now there is one method to adopt to put a thorough end to this disorder. Whosever there be in the King’s realm who devote themselves to keeping cattle and the farm, to them let His Majesty the King give food and seed corn. Whosoever there be in the King’s realm who devote themselves to trade, to them let His Majesty the King give capital. Whosoever there be in the King’s realm who devote themselves to government service, to them let His Majesty the King give wages and food. Then those men, following each his own business, will no longer harass the realm; the King’s revenue will go up, the country will be quiet and at peace; and the populace, pleased one with another and happy, dancing their children in their arms, will dwell with open doors.”

“Then King Maha Vijita, O Brahman, accepted the word of his chaplain, and did as he said. And those men following each his business, harassed the realm no more And the King’s revenue went up. And the country became quiet and at peace. And the populace, pleased with one another and happy, dancing their children in their arms, dwelt with open doors.

“So, King Maha Vijita had his chaplain called and said, ‘The disorder is at an end. The country is at peace.’”

For economic stability and well-being, the Buddhist system stresses four factors:

· Uṭṭhâna Sampadâ – production of wealth through skilled, earnest endeavour;

· Ârakkha Sampadâ

– its protection;

· Samajivikatâ

– living within one’s means; and

· Kalyâṇa Mittatâ

– association with the virtuous i.e. good counsel

(Vyaggapajja Sutta)

The Buddha has encouraged the production of wealth by righteous means. There are five forbidden trades according to the Buddhist texts and ancient Kings of Sri Lanka eschewed them in their economic planning. The forbidden trades were trade in arms or weaponry, trade in living beings (slavery, prostitution), trade in meat or flesh, trade in intoxicating and addictive substances, and trade in poisons.

The main economic pursuit was agriculture even during the time of the Buddha. Hence in the discourses many references were made to agriculture. For example, in the Sadâ Puñña Pavaḍḍhana Sutta, it is mentioned that providing irrigation facilities yields increasing and continuous merit. In another discourse it is mentioned that the greatest asset for agriculture is cattle, from which man obtains milk, ghee, curd, butter and they are the best friends of a country. In developing countries, draught power that is provided by cattle and water were considered basic to agriculture. Dairy farming was encouraged to maintain the nutritional level of the people. Hence our ancient kings prohibited slaughter of cattle, under any circumstance.

In the discourse pertaining to a layman’s happiness, domestic and otherwise, (Gahapati Sutta), foremost is mentioned the satisfaction derived by a layman from the possession of wealth obtained through righteous means (atthi sukha). However, the Buddha warns society against the tendency of becoming slave to the accumulation of wealth for its own sake. This would lead to both physical and mental suffering. On the other hand, adequate means of livelihood to support oneself and family, to help relatives and friends, and to distribute among the needy and the deserving, would lead to contentment and inner satisfaction. The latter would form the basis for the moral and spiritual development of man, necessary for greater social good.

What has been righteously obtained should be protected from burglary, fire, floods, forfeitures etc. This is ârakkha sampadâ. The Buddha has extolled the virtue of personal savings. Hence this also forms a part of ârakkha or protection.

Obtaining money on credit was prevalent even during the Buddha’s time. Persons like Anâthapinḍika were the bankers of the day. The Buddhist texts make reference to instances where he gave loans both to the State as well as to ordinary people. However, Buddhism does not approve excessive borrowing. The Buddha advocates a life free from debts (anaṇa sukha) as being conducive to the happiness of a layman. This applies even to a country.

In the discourses of the Buddha, there are details of the proper use of one’s earnings. In the Sigâlovada Sutta He admonishes Sigâla to apportion his earnings into four and to spend one portion for his daily upkeep and that of his family, two portions for investment in his business, and to set aside the fourth for any emergency.

The third of the four basic principles for economic stability and well-being is samajîvikatâ – living within one’s means. A person should spend reasonably in proportion to his income, neither too much nor too little. In the discourse relating to the happiness of a household (Gahapati Sutta), enjoyment of one’s income appropriately and wisely (bhoga sukha) is stated as one of the four factors conductive to lay happiness.

The Buddha extols simple living as being most conducive to the development of one’s mind. A society progresses to the extent the mind of the individual is developed. Administration of such a society becomes easy when law and order is well established. Knowing this, ancient kings of Sri Lanka gave much publicity to the contents of the Ariyavaṃsa Sutta. In this Sutta, preached by the Buddha for the benefit of bhikkhus, they are exhorted to be content with the robes, the alms-food, and the abodes they receive and to develop the mind through meditation.

The last of the four principles for economic and social well-being is kalyâṇa mittatâ: companionship or association with the good and virtuous. Such a person or body of persons will always give good counsel and advice on matters of state business or personal life. What King Maha Vijita wanted was a tamasha, in today’s parlance, to celebrate his victories and achievements. His chaplain directed him on the correct path and brought about true peace and happiness to the people of his land through economic prosperity. The King too was humble enough to heed good counsel when given.

By advocating contentment along with increase in production and the equitable distribution of wealth, it is possible to reduce economic unease. At the same time, such action will help to inculcate the value and habit of simple living. With meditation the human mind will advance both morally and spiritually. This will result in reducing social disharmony and insurrection, which arise first in the minds of persons and then manifested externally. Peace and prosperity of a country will be assured. In this process, everyone from the highest in the land to the lowest will have a role to play and will become partners of peace and progress.

(NOTE: This article – edited and shortened – is from one written in 2005 as a layman (Olcott Gunasekera), which appeared in Vesak Sirisara of 2549/2005. The contents are relevant today with the country poised for considerable change.)

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Features

The hard challenge of clinching a political settlement in the Middle East

Published

8 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Bruised hearts: Displaced Palestinian civilians in the Gaza.(Photo by Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Despite some sections of the Trump administration persisting with the view that the possibility could not be entirely ruled out of there being a diplomatic solution to the current US-Iran hostilities in West Asia, the skeptic could not be blamed for thinking otherwise. The intensity, scale and frequency of the tit-for-tat strikes by the antagonists over the past few days against selected military targets and civilian infrastructure in particular in West Asia make the adoption of this stance excusable.

The continuing hostilities render the mentioning of the MOU signed between the warring parties in mid-June a laughable matter. While it could very well be that the foes are wishing privately for a cessation of hostilities before long, what seems to be uppermost on their minds right now is to negotiate with each other from a position of strength. This strategy compels them to incapacitate each other militarily to the extent possible, lest they have to concede too much to each other during negotiations. Hence the stepped-up hostilities.

However, even on the question of there being a negotiated political settlement in the West Asian theatre in the longer term, the skeptic could come to be seen as scoring over the optimist. Developments on the ground account for this.

At the time of writing Israel’s Netanyahu government is going ahead in fairly care-free fashion with the establishment of more Jewish settlements in the Gaza and the West Bank, and it’s all happening under the apparently complacent gaze of the US. In fact, some quarters estimate that Israel is in control of some 65% of the Gaza Strip. Ethnic cleansing, that is, is being drastically stepped-up.

Accordingly, in terms of the power relations of West Asia, the world is almost back to the status quo of the late forties of the last century when the state of Israel was established and the Palestinians were reduced to a microscopic minority in the land they came to inhabit. Therefore, even the impartial observer would be compelled to ask: ‘Will a negotiated peace be ever possible in the Middle East?’

The humanist in the observer would prefer to answer this question in the affirmative and it is indeed the ideal stance to adopt considering the staggering human and material costs of the conflict. But the way ahead to peace could be expected to be highly hazardous and arduous. Among other odds, it would also prove an uphill endeavour to win minds and hearts.

The US’ Trump administration would need to be counted out in this pursuit. This is on account of the fact that it has been far too wayward in its management of West Asian affairs in particular over the past couple of years. Given its unpredictable character it is a matter for conjecture whether it could be counted on to live up to its commitments.

Moreover, Israel could be expected to ‘go it alone’ in the Middle East regardless of whether US help is coming or otherwise. It has indicated as much in recent times and Israel could be doubted on this score only at the doubter’s peril. Because time and again Israel has demonstrated that it could steadfastly defend its interests even single-handedly in the Middle East. History bears this out.

However, a durable alliance with the US would stand Israel in good stead. On the matter of military and intelligence assistance, for example, the US’s help proved invaluable for Israel in the past and going forward this is bound to be so as well. Moreover, it is unlikely that the Trump administration would give up on Israel, considering that a strong Israel is crucial for the furtherance of the US’ strategic and economic interests in West Asia.

But whether the above factors would have a considerable bearing on the question of working out a durable solution to the West Asian tangle is an entirely different matter. Israel, as in the case of the Palestinian enclaves, is acutely security conscious and would need to satisfy itself fully that it could live in a security environment that would guarantee its complete safety, going forward.

The Middle East is badly in need of another peace effort on the lines of the Oslo Accords of the mid-nineties that brought the key actors together and helped hammer out a solution that addressed some of their notable concerns. To be sure, that process did not prove to be the ideal answer to the tangle, but it yielded some respite to the region and drove home that one-time sworn foes could indeed negotiate with a degree of success. The West Bank authority, although falling short of fulfilling some key Palestinian aspirations, is testimony that a degree of success is possible if the intent is right.

Given the current realities of West Asia, peace-making is bound to be an uphill challenge. The violence faced in recent times by the Palestinian community, in particular, has been nothing less than mind-numbing. Merciless has been the violence visited on them by the Israeli side. In such circumstances, durable peace in the region could smack of an idealist’s dream.

Nevertheless, there needs to be urgently, a meeting of minds over the divides. The US would need to be counted out as an honest broker in bringing the sides together but the rest of the West would do well to step up to the challenge.

In this exercise the onus would be on the world’s democracies to take the initiative and doggedly stay the course. An acceptable combination would be the EU and the UN. Given their credentials, the main sides in West Asia ought to find them the least controversial.

Even if the relevant institutional and political arrangements could be shored up to take a reconciliation process forward, winning hearts and minds for the peace drive would prove a grueling challenge. Over the past few years in particular tens of thousands of hearts and minds on both sides of the divide have been bruised badly in the runaway murderous violence that has come to define the Middle East.

These badly scarred personalities would need to experience healing without much delay. It is therefore a multi-faceted challenge that is at hand. Since wide-ranging expertise would be needed in the healing process, people’s participation in peace-making, ranging over the divides, would need to be made a durable reality. It will be a time for enthroning humanity and ensuring the rejection of all forms of violence and coercion.

Features

Amazing Thailand …right here in Colombo

Published

8 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

For many Sri Lankans, Thailand is the go-to holiday — beaches, temples, food, and that famous warm hospitality.

In fact, I’ve been to Amazing Thailand 24 times myself, and was honoured with the Friends of Thailand International Media Award by the Tourism Authority of Thailand for promoting Thai tourism.

The good news I have for you today is that you don’t even need a passport to get a taste of Amazing Thailand.

The Royal Thai Embassy, in Colombo, is bringing a vibrant slice of Thailand, to the city of Colombo, with Thai Festival 2026 — a cultural experience like never before.

Whether you are an avid enthusiast of Thai culture, a total novice, or simply just interested in exploring foreign cultures, Thai Festival 2026 is going to be the perfect opportunity for you to get more than just a glimpse into one of the most celebrated cultural heritages in South East Asia. And ENTRANCE IS FREE.

The festival will be held on the 1st and 2nd of August, 2026, at Siam Nivasa, 43, C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo 7, and the East Parking Area, of the Colombo Municipal Council, from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Both days will be full of live entertainment, and dispersed throughout with Thai cultural displays, including exhilarating traditional dance performances and breathtaking Muay Thai demonstrations.

Exploring art and craft specific to Thailand, tasting irresistible authentic Thai cuisine, and playing arcade games, are just a few more fun-filled events available for visitors at the festival premises.

An array of Thai products will also be available for purchase.

While at the festival, you will find Sri Lankan Alumni from Thai universities sharing their experiences with you and willing to answer any questions you might have, related to studying abroad in Thailand.

You can also register for the Muay Thai workshop that will be happening on the 7th and 8th of August, 2026, in Colombo.

Irresistible authentic Thai cuisine

Visitors can also stand a chance to win traditional Thai souvenirs, get exclusive photo opportunities, and, the big one — to enter the raffle draw, at the end of each day, for the grand prize of an all-inclusive round trip to Thailand.

Be sure to avail yourself of this exceptional opportunity and add a cultural spin to your weekend.

To keep up with the latest updates on Thai Festival 2026, head over to the Thai Festival official social media pages.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo official webpage:

https://colombo.thaiembassy.org

Official social media:

Facebook: @RTEColombo

Instagram: @thaiembassysrilanka

Thai Festival official social media:

Facebook: Thai Festival in Colombo

Instagram: @thaifestival_colombo

TikTok: @thaifestival.incolombo

Features

Thicker, stronger hair …

Published

8 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Hair fall, in this heat, can be so frustrating, and noticing a thin patch is even more worrying. The good news is … yes, with a little care and kitchen ingredients, you can nourish your scalp and support healthy regrowth.

Try these four easy home remedies … even our grandmothers trusted:

* Coconut Oil and Curry Leaves Tonic:

Warm 04 tablespoons of coconut oil, with a handful of curry leaves, till the leaves turn black. Cool, strain, and massage into scalp 02-03 times a week. Leave for 01 hour, or overnight.

Why:

Coconut oil deeply nourishes, while curry leaves help strengthen roots and add shine.

* Onion Juice for Spot Treatment:

With cotton, dab the juice of 01 small onion, directly on the thin/bald patches. Leave for 20-30 minutes, and then wash with a mild shampoo. Use twice a week.

Why:

Rich in sulfur, onion juice helps boost blood circulation to the scalp.

* Aloe Vera and Castor Oil Mask:

Mix 02 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and 01 tablespoon castor oil and apply to the scalp, focusing on thinning areas. Leave for 45 minutes, and then rinse with cool water.

Why:

Aloe vera soothes the scalp, while castor oil coats hair to make it look thicker.

* Fenugreek and Curd Strengthening Pack:

You will need 02 tablespoons fenugreek seeds, soaked overnight, and 02 tablespoons plain curd.

Grind to a paste, apply to scalp for 30 minutes, and then wash.

Why:

Fenugreek strengthens strands and reduces breakage.

Extra Tips for Healthy Hair:

Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp.

Eat iron and protein rich foods: greens, dhal, eggs, fish.

Use lukewarm water, not hot.

Be gentle when brushing and drying.