The Eightfold Path for Malaysia on Wesak Day

 

Wesak Day is being celebrated in Malaysia today.

It marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. The Buddha’s message of peace, compassion and love for all living beings tells us to open our hearts and embrace all members of our human family, especially those in need.

This is particularly poignant in the current polarised atmosphere in Malaysia. If we can rise above narrow self-interest, and think and act as members of a singular “Malaysian community,” our nation will be a better place to live in.

Theologists and Buddhist scholars have explained at length the teachings of the faith. I am neither an expert nor a Buddhist, but I am aware of The Eightfold Path. It is regarded as the first sermon that the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, delivered after his enlightenment.

This path consists of (1) Right View. (2) Right Thought. (3) Right Speech. (4) Right Action. (5) Right Livelihood. (6) Right Effort (7) Right Mindfulness. (8) Right Concentration.

In Malaysia we need to cultivate the “right view,” and have an accurate understanding of things. We must know the truth and origins of the “suffering” that we face as Malaysians. Where does the parochialism and narrowmindedness come from? Where does the economic distress, the regressive education system, and the weakening of our national institutions come from?

Once we recognise the origins of these problems, we can take the next step, which is “right thought.”

Malaysian leaders must have the correct purpose, while avoiding thoughts of hatred, and harmful intent. Tall order I know, but really, this is what is needed. Our country needs leadership that condemns religious bigotry, and the pitting of races against each other.

The third in the Buddha’s Eightfold Path is “right speech.” This is when Malaysia, collectively as a nation, refrains from verbal transgressions such as speaking divisively and senselessly.

Ads by Kiosked

The state polls are just around the corner. Go to a few “ceramah” and observe if the politician on stage is speaking sense or nonsense, and if they are speaking inclusively or divisively. This will indicate if the candidate is speaking without hatred or harmful thoughts.

Then there is “right action.” In Buddhist parlance, this means correct behaviour that refrains from physical wrongdoing like killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct.

In our national context, it means taking the right action by bringing to justice corruptors, and those who engage in malfeasance. Every Malaysian will tell you that the most endemic problem that we have in our country is corruption. Political leaders and public officials, in cahoots with miscreant business people, have been having a gala time with their hands in the nation’s cookie jar.

For ordinary Malaysians to regain trust in our government, speeches on not tolerating corruption are not enough. Decisive action must follow these words.

Then, the Buddha spoke of “right livelihood.” This is about avoiding jobs that directly or indirectly harm others. In Malaysia, our leaders must provide the right opportunities for citizens to make an honest livelihood.

At the same, our politicians should only be focused on one thing, which is to serve the people and not themselves. Isn’t it high time that the relevant authorities go after politicians who work as lobbyists for special interest groups, or own stakes in businesses that have dealings with the government?

Ads by Kiosked

The comedian Robin Williams once said that politicians should be made to wear sponsorship badges like F1 drivers on their suits, so that we know who they actually represent in the legislative chamber.

The next in the Eightfold Path is “right effort.” This means stopping to be negative about things that have already happened, as well as pursuing continued negativity, but instead, creating positivism.

In our nation, we need to stop leaders who keep regurgitating old negative nonsense, and who spend their time fear-mongering, especially with race and religion baiting. Many chauvinistic politicians stand on their soap boxes to repeatedly remind us of our racial, religious, and cultural differences.

This just propagates a negative narrative of Malaysia.

Seventh of the Eightfold Path is “right mindfulness.” The Buddha felt that it was imperative to cultivate right mindfulness for all aspects of life. Or in other words, to “stop and smell the roses.” He encouraged keen attention and awareness of all things.

Can you imagine what a wonderful nation Malaysia would be if we all cultivate the right mindfulness of each other, our environment, and for all living beings. If only our politicians help us create that mindfulness, instead of being a hindrance to it.

Ads by Kiosked

And the final tenet is “right concentration,” which is about single-mindedness in the quest to end suffering. Malaysia needs this most. Citizens are still struggling with basic necessities. Our politicians need to concentrate on the task at hand, and stop wasting their energy on stabbing each other.

As we celebrate Wesak Day, the timeless teachings of the Buddha can help guide our government. And as Malaysians, lets embrace the “middle-path” the Buddha advocated. So remember, PM 10 and this unity government are “not too good” but they are “not too bad,” either.

Happy Wesak Day, everyone. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT,