CE 2022
BE 2566
Promote Harmony Through Mutual Respect And Helping Each Other

Seck Jit Heng

Everyone in the world hopes for “peace for the world, security for the country and people”, only then people are able to live and work in peace and contentment. However, looking at the world now, there are constant conflicts among countries because of their own interests and benefits, and even wars are triggered; disputes or even fights between people due to various small things in life, resulting in casualties are also heard from time to time. Everyone wants peace and happiness, but how can peace and happiness be achieved? Buddhism explains that life is created by the harmony of various karmic conditions, and when karmic conditions are dissipated, it perishes. Therefore, men cannot exist independently in this world. If we want to achieve a life of mutual benefit and harmonious coexistence, the living standard of the Buddhist Sangha, such as the Six Harmonies and Reverence, is the best example for us to learn from.

The Six Harmonies and Reverence has six items, namely: harmony in actions when living together, harmony in speech without discord, harmony in resolve through shared joy, harmony in views through common understanding, harmony in benefits through sharing equally and harmony in precepts through common practice. When Buddha lived in this world, there were a large number of Sangha. In order for his disciples to live in harmony and also for the Dharma to pass on for a long time, Buddha led the public with six harmonies and reverence. The Sangha and the Dharma, therefore can pass down to the present day. This is the great wisdom of the Buddha. He used the pure method to wash away the ignorance mind of people, so that later generations can continue to practice in the turbid world and fulfill the wish of the pure land on earth.

“Harmony in actions when living together” teaches us to get along well; people get along with each other with no physical conflict, everything orients towards harmony and the best interests of the public. When the body and karma are pure, naturally it creates a harmonious environment and atmosphere. In addition, “harmony in speech without discord” tells us the importance of communication. Language can be the truth or invisible poison. Language can resolve conflict; it can also stir up trouble. When dealing with people, be aware of verbal karma and do not use words to harm others; instead, always guide and encourage others with loving words, then naturally the relationship between people will be friendly. “Harmony in resolve through shared joy” makes us happy because we are like-minded and harmonious. Families take harmony as the direction, the Buddhist groups take altruism as the goal, country aims to unite its people and let them live and work in peace and contentment as the ultimate goal. Everyone works together, shares the same perspective, and happy to move towards and achieve the common goals.

Next is“harmony in views through common understanding”; when resolving matters, discuss and coordinate through mutual consultation, listen to each other’s opinions, and not clinging to personal ideas. “Harmony in benefits through sharing equally”allows us to share resources, altruistically benefits everyone. As long as we do not only take into account of the interests of individuals but also the benefits of others equally while handling matters, then disputes over unbalanced interests between people will naturally be resolved. “Harmony in precepts through common practice”is a very important guideline for group life. Country has national laws, family has house rules, living together has common rules to abide by so that everyone can live together harmoniously.

In the current situation where the epidemic is spreading, natural disasters, man-made disasters, internal and external troubles continue, it is more vital for us to practice the Six Harmonies and Reverence in our lives, carry out group mutual assistance with an attitude of harmony and respect, and promote the execution and negotiation of matters harmoniously. This is the good policy for world peace, national and civil security. Therefore, the theme of this year’s Wesak Day, “Promote Harmony Through Mutual Respect and Helping Each Other”, is a mutual encouragement for various Buddhist groups, Buddhists across the country and all Malaysian. I, Jit Heng, lead Malaysian Buddhist Association, and various temples across the country to bless the world for peace, national borders security, good weather, and peace for everyone. I also pray that everyone good health, good luck, growth of prosperity and wisdom, and all wishes come true.