The endless conflicts going on around the world suggest that religion has completely failed to stifle man’s murderous and criminal impulses. Wherever we turn we see conflict, brutality, murder and fraud, and these are coming at us in increasingly bigger waves.
In this country we see and hear at every turn– at meetings and gatherings –preachers and eminent persons exhorting the people to take the path of good conduct.
Such gatherings invariably start proceedings with a religious ritual. Those assembled, from the highest to the humblest, intone the Five Buddhist Precepts. They solemnly pledge to refrain from the five evils: Killing in any form; thieving or misappropriating what is not theirs; indulging in sexual misconduct; uttering lies and untruths, and consuming intoxicants.
But very few make the slightest effort to live up to the oft-repeated precepts.
Our temples, kovils and churches are filled with devotees on religious occasions. But, behold, what is happening right opposite such places of worship? Assault, battery, theft, sexual offences and murder.
Our religious preachers – persons wearing robe and cassocks – should practise what they preach. They should lead exemplary lives and exemplify correct and right conduct consonant with their religious teachings. It is only then that laymen will follow their example.
If those who undertake to observe the five precepts –the Panchaseela – make an earnest and determined effort to live up to what they solemnly promise, all this turbulence and bloodshed will start to recede, so that peace and contentment will prevail.
R. M. A. B. Dassanayake, Matale |
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