Page 100 - Applied Buddhism
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Can                            Monastics can educate the

                                                                                                                               politicians, but do not involve
                                                                                             Monastics                        themselves in the control and


                                                                                             Participate                      nor in the struggle for political
                                                                                                                               execution of political power,
                                                                                             in Politics?                                 power.







                                                                                                 Can monastics participate in politics? To answer this question,
                                                                                             one must first examine the teachings and conduct of the Buddha
                                                                                             with regards to politics.


                                                                                                 Gautama  Buddha  was  the  first  Buddhist  monastic.  He  was
                                                                                             originally the heir to the throne of the kingdom of Kapilavastu. In
                                                                                             other words, he could have become a full-time politician. However,
                                                                                             in order to discover the truth and seek ultimate liberation,  He
                                                                                             renounced His family and kingdom to live the life of a recluse.


                                                                                                 After renunciation, He concentrated  in pursuing his noble
                                                                                             objective. Although King Bimbisara induced Him to return to home
                                                                                             life by offering Him half of his kingdom, He decisively declined.


                                                                                                 After  attaining  Buddhahood,  He  travelled  the  length  and
                                                                                             breath of India to preach the Dharma. In the course of doing so, He
                                                                                             was involved in political affairs, but this was limited to resolving
                                                                                             conflicts and educating the kings and ministers on spiritual values.
                                                                                             He was not involved in the control and execution of political power,
                                                                                             nor in the struggle for political power.




           088    Applied Buddhism                                                                                                         Applied Buddhism   089
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