Buddhism in a Multi-faith Society
filed in Event on 20 Aug 2015
Mindfulness, harmony and peace are the ideals which Buddhism can bring to society. Speaking at the HFOF AGM in July 2015 Ven. Seelawimala gave the interested audience an overview of what Buddhism can offer in multi-faith Britain. With migration and intermarriage there is now wide religious diversity in the UK and living together with tolerance and understanding is essential. While Buddhism does not have a sense of a deity, it shares common values and ethics with other faiths.
Ven Seelawimala gave a brief history of the life of the Buddha who lived over 2600 years ago. Buddhism was introduced to the UK towards the end of the nineteenth century and the London Buddhist Vihara in Chiswick, where he is Head Monk was established in 1926.
To help us to live harmoniously we should work to develop right speech. We should refrain from lies; use speech in a positive way with kind words and patience. Even when we disagree, we must not be hurtful. We must fill our heart with love and compassion whatever the provocation.
People should think carefully before they convert to a different religion, but if they do they must be even more tolerant of their former faith. He quoted the 3rd century BC Emperor Ashoka ‘Whosoever condemns injures his own religion. Concord is good’.
During questions the value of mindfulness through meditation was raised. Mediation is used now in many settings including the NHS. Walking meditation was also mentioned where the changing process of our steps assists the process. We were recommended to do one minute of meditation in every 59 of work.
By request the session ended with a short experience of meditation.