Letters to the Editor

16th December 2001

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'Letters to the Editor' should be brief and to the point.
Address them to:
'Letters to the Editor,
The Sunday Times,
P.O.Box 1136, Colombo.
Or e-mail to 
steditor@wijeya.lk or 
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Please note that letters cannot be acknowledged or returned.

Let's leave a legacy of peace and prosperity

As has too often been the case in the past 19 years, our beloved Sri Lanka is once again facing a challenge. We have had a change of regime, and find opposing parties in the Presidency and the Parliament. 

We stand at the crossroads. Do we play partisan politics? Do we face a constitutional crisis, as some scholars warn? Or do we come to our senses and realize it's time now to swallow our pride over our relative political strengths, avoid gloating, and join forces for the good of our desperate little country? The Dhammapada says, "Victory begets enmity; the defeated dwell in pain. Happily the peaceful live, discarding both victory and defeat."

It's time now for a government of national unity. Just as in the US, where President Bush and Congressman Gephardt have called for, "Country first, and parties, second", Ranil Wickre-mesinghe has offered to form a coalition government in the spirit of unity. 

Referring to our long tradition of Buddhism, we should remember that the Buddha said, "Sukkha sanghassa samaggi"(Happy is the unity of the Sangha), but this applies to every group of people, not only to ordained monks. 

What can we learn from the Buddha to foster unity among the diverse groups of our small buu–complicated land? When questioned by his closest disciple, Ananda, the Buddha explained how a certain group of people, the Vajji, were able to maintain their prosperity, unity and peaceful co-existence. The Vajji had what they called the Practices of Non-Decline. They included: 

* gathering together for discussion frequently; 

* meeting in harmony and unity, leaving in harmony and unity, and carrying out their affairs in harmony and unity;

* respecting and following all their laws under their constitution;

* respecting and listening to worthy leaders, both religious and secular;

* refraining from committing or advocating violent crimes, rape, destroying other's property, or killing; 

* respecting, protecting, and maintaining their ancestral religion and shrines; 

* providing for the safety of, studying from, and respecting teachers who have attained the way.

The Buddha said, "As the people of Vajji continue to observe these seven practices, it is certain that their country still prospers."

This is also the perfect opportunity for the LTTE leaders also change their tactics, leave behind violence and separatism, and move forward to negotiate in peace. With future generations in mind, we should all try peaceful methods and patience for their sake so that they need not grow up in fear. 

The Dhammapada says "All tremble at violence; all fear death. Putting oneself in the place of another, one should not kill nor cause another to kill."

The Buddha taught us that, "Hate is never overcome by hate. By love is hatred overcome. This is the eternal law." 

Jesus Christ said, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Following their example, let us aim at creating a society where calm, peace, and understanding can prevail over conquest and defeat; where the persecution of the innocent is vigorously denounced; where one who conquers oneself is more respected than those who conquer millions by violence; and where hatred is conquered by love. Let wisdom and compassion be the driving forces of our actions; let all living beings be treated with fairness; and let peace and harmony reign in our hearts. 

Let's leave a legacy of peace, progress, and prosperity for Lankan children, no matter their religious, ethnic, or socio-economic group. I urge our politicians to join together in a powerful coalition for the good of all, and I urge my fellow Sri Lankans to support such a coalition. 

Ven. Dr. Walpola Piyananda
Chief Sangha Nayake for the U.S.A.


Remedy to stay awake

The article extolling the virtues of tea as a health drink was interesting. However, it has its drawbacks as a stimulant which increases the activity of the brain (like coffee) specially for those who imbibe copious quantities to keep awake for meditation. 

Many foreign monks visiting me took tea after their only main meal, at mid-day, to sit up during the nights to pursue meditation techniques. 

It was pointed out that though tea-drinking definitely helped one to ward off sleep, it also enhanced the stream of thought. All agreed that monks took tea in their hermitages as they had no alternative. 

In my wanderings in India, Nepal and Tibet, I have found that most of the monks there drank hot (owing to the cold) non-stimulant herbal drinks instead of tea or coffee during meditation, to keep thought-distraction to a minimum. This made it possible to experience the 'no mind' realm behind all mental activity. 

Can someone suggest a substitute for tea available here, for those who want to keep up for meditation? Perhaps an Ayurveda remedy may be the answer. 

Sam Wickremasinghe
Minuwangoda 


Save the healthy cuppa

Dr. D.P. Atukorala has written about the useful properties of tea in 'A healthy cuppa' (The Sunday Times, December 2). 

Tea has some properties which prevent certain diseases and it is unfortunate that the tea drinking habit of our people is threatened by soft drinks. These are heavily promoted by multinational companies. 

Today one finds that some people have a soft drink after their breakfast instead of tea. 

Usually Saiva boutiques, serve rasam with rice and curry meals. But today one finds many people requesting soft drinks. 

Therefore, tea needs to be promoted among the people as a health drink. 

Arul 
Colombo 13


Laugh it out

With reference to 'Suicide - why it's not the answer', Dr. K. Subramaniam has a different solution to the problem. 

Says this erudite scholar, inter alia, in his book review: 

"Every human being upon this earth has to face off and on, difficulties, disappointments, problems, ill-health, sorrow and worry. Some foolish people even commit suicide when in a depressed state of mind. You may tell a person, 'Don't worry' but it is easier said than done. It is particularly when you are faced with disappointments and other worries and in a depressed state of mind that this book 'Laugh A While' comes to your rescue. 

A Reader 
Mt. Lavinia 


Sting is on in spite of water bags

With reference to the letter 'Water remedy to fight sting' by Seetha Wanigatunga on ridding homes of mosquitoes (November 4) I wish to make the following comments. 

* If this method proves to be effective the health authorities should conduct research and ascertain the scientific reason for it. 

* Having found out the reason for its effectiveness, the health authorities should launch a campaign to make people aware of this easy method and distribute clear polythene bags free to all with instructions on proper use. 

* I have tried this method but found it ineffective. Perhaps this may be due to the fact that there are many doors to my house. 

* I also seek clarification whether bags of water should be hung over the windows too. Should the water bag be hung outside or inside the doorway? 

* If this method is to keep mosquitoes from coming in what about those already inside the house in dark corners? 

S. Thiyagarajah
Ratmalana


Badge did not belong to Robert Knox

The article "Escape to freedom" (The Sunday Times, November 18) carried a photograph of a badge referred to as a priceless relic of Robert Knox.

It is actually the cap badge of the British Army's Royal Regiment of Artillery. This pattern was in use from 1902-1954, and is probably the most familiar military badge. The motto UBIQUE means "Everywhere", and the words on the lower scroll are "Wherever Right and Glory Lead".

The current badge of the Sri Lanka Army's Artillery Regiment is derived from this with the crown being replaced by the lion and the scroll bearing a different wording.

I thought this information might be of interest to you, and if it can be conveyed to the owner, he may be able to trace its real history.

Michael Daniels
Nawala 

Writer Gamini G. Punchihewa's note: I thank Mr. Daniels for enlightening us on the identity of the badge.

As Mr. Karunaratne of Eladetta found it buried in his garden, it was presumed to be Robert Knox's as he had stayed there. 



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