Buddha's Wisdom in A World Shorn of Love

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 13 May 2025 Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti or Vesak, is one of the most sacred days in Buddhism. In 2025, this significant occasion will be celebrated on Monday, May 12, marking the 2587th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, the enlightened one. It's indeed ironic that the land of Buddha is witnessing war and violence at the moment, whereas Buddha said so tellingly, "Passivity at any price. Suffer dishonour and disgrace but never resort to arms. Be bullied, be outraged, be killed. But do not kill." While it's almost impossible to follow his sane and sage advice when mankind has become collectively so violent and belligerent, the beleaguered humanity can still imbibe the spirit of Buddha's universal love and compassion; two qualities we're completely destitute of. Buddha's teachings are relevant for all ages and eras. Just ponder his famous aphorism: Understanding is the key to compassion. It reflects a profound insight into the nature of human empathy and kindness. It suggests that the true essence of compassion lies in our ability to deeply comprehend and appreciate others' thoughts, emotions, and experiences. By striving to understand the perspectives and challenges of others, we nurture a sense of empathy that allows us to connect with them on a deeper level. Through understanding, we cultivate a genuine and heartfelt compassion that goes beyond mere sympathy or pity. This axiomatic truth reminds us that by truly comprehending others, we unlock the gates to a greater empathy and compassion that is essential for fostering a harmonious and compassionate society. Elsewhere, Buddha says that to understand everything is to forgive everything. By truly understanding another person's perspective, motivations, and experiences, one can transcend judgment and find it within themselves to forgive. It implies that forgiveness is not merely an act of benevolence towards others but a profound internal liberation from negativity and resentment. When we are able to comprehend the complexities of a situation or an individual's actions, we can let go of the burden of anger, grudges, and animosity. This quote serves as a gentle reminder that forgiveness is deeply interconnected with understanding, and through this union, one can truly embrace the path of peace and compassion. Every thinking and sensitive person concurs with Buddha that if we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change. This encapsulates the profound wisdom of perceiving the beauty and wonder in the simplest aspects of life. In our fast-paced and often chaotic world, we often overlook the countless miracles that surround us each day. By truly seeing and appreciating the intricate details and delicate perfection within a single flower, we are reminded to slow down, cultivate mindfulness, and nurture a deep sense of gratitude. This shift in perception has the power to transform our lives, allowing us to find joy and meaning in the present moment, and fostering a deeper connection with the natural world and the universe as a whole. We all nod our heads in agreement when Buddha says that happiness never decreases by being shared. According to this enlightened perspective, sharing one's happiness does not diminish it but rather enhances and multiplies it. In a world where many tend to believe that happiness is a finite resource and their own joy might be threatened by sharing it with others, this axiom serves as a reminder of the abundant and boundless nature of happiness. It signifies that the act of spreading joy and uplifting others not only benefits them but also enriches our own sense of well-being. Ultimately, this profound insight challenges us to embody compassion, kindness, and generosity, recognizing that true fulfilment lies in the happiness we create and share with others. A cluttered mind, filled with all sorts of toxic gases and garbage is the primary reason for all the conflicts in the world. Buddha exhorts us to de-clutter the mind: Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. It reflects the essence of mindfulness and adaptability. In the teachings of Buddha, emptying the mind and letting go of attachments is seen as a path to enlightenment. By letting go of preconceived notions and desires, one can attain a state of formlessness and fluidity, much like water. Water has no fixed shape; it takes the form of its surroundings effortlessly. Similarly, an empty mind can adapt and flow with the ups and downs of life. This quote encourages us to embrace a state of mental flexibility, enabling us to face change and challenges in a serene and harmonious manner. When Buddha says, "You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger," it encapsulates the profound wisdom and teachings of Buddhism. It reminds us that anger, in itself, is not an inherently bad emotion, but it is the way we respond to and harbour that anger that can lead to suffering and punishment. Buddha urges us to recognize that it is our own attachment to anger, our inability to let go and move forward, that brings about our own torment and self-destruction. By releasing ourselves from the grip of anger and practising compassion and forgiveness, we can liberate ourselves from its destructive consequences and find peace within. Remember, 'Anger' is one letter short from ' Danger.' In this world, devoid of love and understanding, only three things matter in the end: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you. It reminds us that when all is said and done, only three things truly matter: the depth of love we have experienced and shared, the manner in which we have chosen to live, and our ability to gracefully release that which is not destined for us. Love, in all its forms, is the ultimate source of happiness and fulfilment. Living gently refers to approaching life with kindness, compassion, and humility, treating others and ourselves with respect. The ability to let go gracefully signifies the wisdom and strength to accept that some things are not meant for us, and to release them with an open heart. Ultimately, this quote reminds us to prioritize love, kindness, and acceptance, as they are the fundamental elements of a meaningful and contented life. And the icing on the cake is," Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense." This emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and personal judgment. Buddha encourages individuals to question and analyse the information they come across, regardless of its source or origin. He advises that blind acceptance should be avoided and encourages people to trust their own reasoning and common sense. In doing so, one can ensure that beliefs align with their personal understanding, keeping them grounded in truth and authenticity. Ultimately, this quote highlights Buddha's profound wisdom and his call for self-reliance and independent thinking in the pursuit of knowledge. Believe nothing and no one barring your voice of conscience and the spirit of consciousness. But do we listen to our voice of conscience and heed the spirit of our consciousness? That's a million-dollar question. ---- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/buddha-wisdom-world-love/d/135512 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism