Today we're delving into Buddhism to examine what tenets of this faith should be applied as legislation in the United States. As you're aware, currently we are using the Christian Holy Bible to introduce legislation based solely on Christian Biblical teaching.
As we are a nation that values freedom of and from religion, it logically follows that we should also select important tenets from ALL faiths represented here in the U.S. to be entered into legislation.
Yesterday we explored certain tenets of Hinduism. A peaceful religion, Hindus value meditation, acquiring knowledge and peace rather than earthly possessions, a clean, vegetarian diet, among other moral codes that will assist in achieving divine knowledge [salvation, if you will]. Today we're taking a look at Buddhism.
Most monotheistic religions have one or just a couple of "sacred texts", in which are the guidelines to achieving salvation. Buddhism, however, is a much more complicated religion in that there are many, many texts that are considered sacred. I'll be referencing a few texts to gain a general understanding and will highlight a few tenets that are very important to Buddhists and thus should be made into law. Because it's very difficult to get a direct translation, some of these may not be EXACT word-for-word quotes or may be summaries.
"Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. This is law eternal." Verse 5, the Dhammapada
I recommend legislation outlining the criminalization of hatred. For instance, the Westboro Baptist Clan should all be punished for their outright hateful behavior, as should anyone engaging in willful discrimination and bigotry.
"Self and others are equal...benefit others before self." Bodhisattva Correspondence, Bodhicatta DharmaI recommend legislation in which any citizen may rebuke another citizen for putting themselves before others. In fact, if a proven act of selfishness occurs, it should be punishable by law. For instance, if an actor earns $10M making a film, he must by law donate at least 50% of his earnings to the poor or to the charity of his choice. Exceptions will be made when a family is at poverty level and they are using most of their income in the physical support of themselves and/or their children or elderly family members, as those dependent family members do come before the main bread-winner. However, if it is discovered that within a family, the parents have expensive electronics, clothing, etc. and their children are poorly dressed and fed, those parents shall be punished under this statute.
"The supernatural feat of joyous effort/energy/perseverance--profound absorption through diligence." 10th factor of enlightenment Viryaddhipado-viriya
I recommend legislation outlawing giving up. There IS a profound joy in completing a difficult task, so if someone begins college, it will be their lawful duty to complete some sort of degree program. If someone begins writing a book, it will be their lawful duty to complete a body of writing. [Side note: I do believe this would inherently outlaw divorce.]
As a part of this law, I would also like to see a law stating that every man and woman must also have a garden, even if it's only a few herbs in a window-box. The process of growing a plant from seed to an edible food product is an example lesson in joyous effort, perseverance, and diligence. This would also contribute to teaching our society about responsible food practices and may go a great distance to reducing or even eliminating hunger.
"Four Noble Truths *The most basic statement of Buddhist belief:
(1) All is suffering (dukka).
(2) Suffering is caused by desire.
(3) If one can eliminate desire, they can eliminate suffering.
(4) The Noble Eight-fold Path can eliminate desire.
- The Noble Eightfold path consists of the eight steps by which a person can achieve Nirvana. This is the path by which one ceases to desire and thereby ceases to suffer (see dukkha). This path leads to a form of meditation which, similar to Raja Yoga in Hinduism, enables a person to reach enlightenment. The eight stages are:
- 1) Right Views.
- 2) Right Intent.
- 3) Right Speech.
- 4) Right Conduct.
- 5) Right livelihood.
- 6) Right effort.
- 7) Right mindfulness.
- 8) Right concentration."
I again recommend legislation mandating meditation. Many of the Noble Truths can be begun, much less achieved, only through self-awareness made possible by diligent meditation. A minimum one-hour meditation time should be required of all citizens. In addition, a citizen not displaying a public practicing of the Noble Eightfold path shall be punished by law and entered into a "rehabilitation" program forcing that individual to follow this path, as it shall lead to ultimate salvation.
This post is significantly shorter than my previous as it's so difficult to obtain direct translation of Buddhist texts, in the format with which we're familiar, anyway. I do hope that the point I'm attempting to make is coming through loud and clear, however....we do share our nation with Hindus and Buddhists, and their religious views are no less important than the Christian majority.
Next I'll be looking at Judaism, which should be interesting as it shares many of the same laws as are present in the Christian Bible. It should be a fascinating trip! Please check back and COMMENT! I love and cherish feedback and discussion!
See you soon!
~m
