I have a very controversial theory of why Sri Lanka has failed. A misunderstanding and misinterpretation of Buddhism has led to a self-serving and dangerously detached attitude where personal development in a material sense does not matter at all. What matters is a healthy accumulation of merit, or “ping”, to ensure that your next birth is comfortable. This also goes with an attitude of superiority over other beliefs and a self-centred view of what is good. Christians do far more charitable activities (may not always be for the right reasons) than Buddhists, who spend a fair amount of time, money and effort on monks and temples and on insurance for the after life..
I know these views are very controversial, but I am constantly reminded by devout Sinhalese Buddhists how special they are when they manage to find time to speak to you between temple visits and pandering to Buddhist priests. I hasten to add that this is NOT a criticism of Buddhism. Methta Karuna Muditha are central concepts and service to fellow human beings follow these like the shadow follows the ox.
Hello Mahen, this is the first time I am commenting on your blog. I admire your energy and dedication to keeping these blogs going. I don't think that focusing on the afterlife and accumulating merit are the main reasons for Sri Lanka's failure. I can give you a long list: Corruption at the very top, followed by nepotism, loss of one's values, selfishness, etcetera, etcetera and so forth...As in every religion certain Buddhist leaders interpret Buddha's teachings in their own way. In many temples they do encourage charitable activities. But, I do agree that by eschewing material comforts they are also denying the realities and necessities of life. Simply navel gazing and meditating may calm our inner turmoil, but not help the suffering of our fellow humans. Many among my fellow Christians have also strayed far away from Jesus Christ's teachings. I could go on and on about the far-right, self righteous Christians who are causing a lot of damage in the USA!
ReplyDeleteI hope this post generates a lively discussion, because you have expressed an interesting viewpoint.
Mahen
ReplyDeleteThanks for those interesting thoughts. The problems are several and complex as you know. Many people who are religious divide their lives into two. In their day to day lives they live as they please without much thought about religion. In their religious lives they immerse themselves fully in everything religious. This dissociation is most convenient for them. Perhaps they don’t realise that for most of their lives they don’t live according to their religion.
This is not a good thing at all for the country or the society in which they live. People assume what they say and do are guided by their philosophy/religion when in reality they are not. For many clergy/priests it is a job and a free meal ticket. They too lead this dual lives. This is a generalisation and there are some clergy/priests and lay people who lead good lives but they are a small minority.