May all beings everywhere plagued with sufferings of
body and mind quickly be freed from their illnesses.

May those frightened cease to be afraid,
and may those in bondage and slavery find freedom.

May people in every land think of befriending each other.

May all beings be Well, Happy and Peaceful.

May all beings have Dignity, Love and Respect.

May all efforts to relieve Suffering be successful.

“Do not injure any living being.”
This is the eternal, perennial, and unalterable
way of spiritual life.
No weapon, no hatred nor any act of aggression can
be superior to non-violence and love. The fires of hatred are never
quenched by more fire. So, like the roots of the great oaks
underground we are all connected, it is our connections to each
other that frame the fabric of humanity. With a pure and
understanding mind may our thoughts be right; from our thoughts
may our speech be right. From our speech may our actions be right.
So that all we do becomes for the benefit of all.

Compassion does not belong to one faith
For it belongs to all.
Love is not the possession of one faith
It is the teachings of all.

I Wish You Peace,

Bhante Kassapa

Bhante n. Kassapa Bhikkhu
bhante_kassapa@yahoo.com
Buu Mon Temple
Port Arthur, Texas, 77640
409.982.9319

The World Peace Prayer was delivered to the Congregants at the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Beaumont Texas. 22 November 2009.

On this occasion, we recognize the life of our Lord Shakyamuni Buddha, as you offer the robes this Kathina season remember the compassion that has been shown to you and allows each of us to offer towards each other the loving kindness and compassion modeled by Lord Buddha.

The Buddha set forth a path that is built upon wisdom, compassion and loving-kindness. It is a path that stresses the importance of charity, non-violence, community, and learning and understanding.  Kathina is one our most important ceremonies of the year, and is an opportunity for all of us to remember the patience, truthfulness, equanimity, and determination of the Buddha.  The Kathina ceremony is the only traditional ceremony placed into practice by the Buddha himself.

This day, also, is a celebration of the spirit of community as we open the temple to you and to the many visitors who come to join us in our Kathina celebration. This ceremony that marks the end of the 3 months rains retreat which is so important to the Sangha. At this point the monks acknowledge another year of service and knowledge of the Dharma.

There are many aspects of life.  In the past year and 1/2 we have seen many changes around the world.  We need to call to mind the constant struggle of the people of Vietnam living under communist rule. People’s lives will be forever changed because of a lack of freedom and the daily restrictions that are the hallmark of an aggressive communist government.

We need to call to mind the people of Tibet and the constant threat of the Chinese communist government.  The Chinese military dressed in monk’s clothing to be filmed starting riots, carrying sticks and causing damage to shops.

It came out later that a British journalist had taken pictures of military supervisors handing out imitation robes causing the world to suspect Buddhist monks of aggressive behavior and inciting riots.

In recent months the government of Korea removed the Buddhist faith, landmarks and references from the official government statement and public announcement and implanted Christianity.  The monks and nuns of Korea filed into the streets in protest.  The government has apologized and has begun to rectify the error.

All of us have seen the photos of thousands of monks lining the streets of Burma protesting on behalf of the people.  These monks can no longer tolerate the injustices carried out by the ruling military junta.  As citizens of the world we must do everything peaceful in our power to curtail the inhumane practices the government forces upon the citizens of Burma.

It is not that monks and nuns have suddenly become political.  It is the overwhelming power of Buddhist compassion that is at work.  These monks and nuns who have lived peacefully for two and a-half centuries have begun to engage their peoples, governments and military regimes in a struggle of good over evil.  We ask everyone to be mindful of the struggles facing the peoples around the world.  It is difficult to feel and show compassion towards aggressors.  The problem arises when we try to separate people from regimes or people from the actions of aggressive governments.  Feeling helpless; it is easier to point fingers and place blame than it is to act with compassion thinking of those who become the victims of aggression.

Begin with the practice of equanimity in all our dealings with people.  Because a country may act aggressively towards its people or other nation does not mean the citizens of that country are in support.  We need to practice a strong Buddhist economy.  What is good for us and good for others is good.

When given a chance to enlighten ourselves through charity of thought ,spirit and action we must try our best.  When given a chance to make this world a better place, we must take action.  We must be able to say; this place is better now, for us having been here.

When injustices rise we must also rise.  Our voices must be heard.  We can and should sow the seeds of compassion.  This world is filled with violence and terror.  We must act with non-violence.  We must practice loving-kindness.  We need to go to temple, we need to support the efforts of the monks, and raise our voices against every kind of injustice, act of violence, acts of terror, and hatred in the world.

This is why the Kathina celebration is so important.  It is the time of charity.  It is the time for doing good works, and prayer.  It is a time to offer and receive blessings and forgiveness.  It is now that we can engage the world and the problems facing it.  This is the moment for us to practice our Buddhist faith.  With the Kathina robe being offered you are offering yourselves as well.

All people from all lands around the world need the kindness, caring and compassionate act of kindness you share today.  This is the time when inequality and exploitation dominate parts of the world’s societies. There are new signs however across the world calling for peace, social justice and the rights of human beings and this planets ecology.

In Thailand, Buddhist monks are helping to preserve forests by ordaining individual trees into the priesthood. In Thai culture, ordained priests cannot be killed, thereby; the trees and forests are protected. These acts of caring are full of compassion, and need to be better integrated with similar acts happening all over the world.

The common agenda for all mankind must be firmly placed on a non-violent and spiritual path. This is the only way we will overcome violence and the threat of violence.

It is the only way to end the destructiveness of dominant nations east and west from exercising their violent agendas over those who are not able to protect themselves.  Those sovereign nations with views of their own, must develop a mindfulness for a fragile earth.   All the nations, religious factions, governments, political organizations and peoples must share a common mindset. A mindset that allows for nations to exist side by side. A mindset that allows people to practice freedom of speech and freedom of religion without fear or reprisal.  As we open ourselves to the possibility of trust and shared compassion we will begin to recognize the connections we share and continue to celebrate our diversity.  We must become a people that develop a Buddhist mindset.

We can also develop self awareness and as we develop personal awareness we will also develop awareness of the social problems that plague our society.  In order for us to find our true potential as individual and collectively we be face the suffering both mentally and socially.

We must begin to liberate ourselves and our mindset.  We need to respond with compassion.  From the Buddhist standpoint we could overcome the sufferings in the world through the Noble Eightfold Path.  It is a non-violent means.

Through non-violence and non-attachment we can achieve the cessation of suffering and practice the way to achieve happiness and peace.

We must begin to liberate ourselves and our mindset. We need to respond with freedom.

As a concerned people we hear the cries of those being oppressed. We must if nothing else pray for them. Develop metta in our everyday chores. Think good and loving thoughts for those who are oppressed. We may not be able to care for them directly,

but we can care about them. We can wish them Peace. The fire of tyranny, oppression and hatred is never quenched with more fire.

Prayer is an act of peace.

We must begin to liberate ourselves and our mindset. We need to respond with peace. Prayer is an act of Peace.

When one person passes, it is as if a single candle flame is hushed until rebirth, and we can be saddened. When thousands perish in acts of violence, the darkness in undeniable. Gathered here we can transcend the distance and open our hearts of compassion. We breathe into this world a hope and prayer of great peace.

We may be able to do nothing more than this. But we can pray. We are able to speak. Our voices can be like a thousand shining candles, doing our part to dispel the darkness. When those who have fallen strain to hear the outcry from the world, we pray they hear our voices.

Because prayer is an act of peace we continue to pray.

So on this day of celebration we call to mind the reasons of Kathina, and the sufferings, torture and deaths of monks, and our brothers and sisters in all lands. We give them our compassion. We work for their freedom.

We pray for Peace throughout the world; because prayer is an act of peace.

I Wish You Peace,

Bhante Kassapa

Bhante n. Kassapa Bhikkhu
bhante_kassapa@yahoo.com
Buu Mon Temple
Port Arthur, Texas, 77640
409.982.9319

The government of Burma by its action of concealing the country and its dealing with the monks and people, has added more proof to the world, that the mountain of criticism is justified. With Burma’s tightly controlled state media offered very little to allay any fears as the the conditions of the people after the cyclone. The news coming out of Burma is so tightly controlled , that details are little and many people fear the government has no effective plan to help the citizens offering scant details, it was unclear how the government was directing its emergency response.

The Burmese Army, which mobilized quickly and harshly to suppress the monks and the democratic protests last September, has been slow to respond to the needs of the people. We must ask what are they hiding. The disaster is compelling one of the world’s most secretive and isolated regimes to swing open its doors to the international community.

The monks of Burma have gone on video and news this week to ask for help. The people of Burma trust them. A country that is so quick to suppress the move towards a fair and just society for the monks and citizens now has a golden opportunity. They can use the ample police and military resources to help restore food, shelter and basic human needs to a country now twice devastated.

This is the time when inequality and exploitation dominate parts of the worlds societies. There are new signs however across the world calling for peace, social justice and the rights of human beings and the planets ecology. In Thailand, Buddhist monks are helping to preserve forests by ordaining individual trees into the priesthood. In Thai culture, ordained priests cannot be killed, thereby, the trees and forests are protected. These acts of caring are full of passion, and need to be better integrated with similar acts happening all over the world. The common agenda for all mankind must be firmly placed on a non-violent and spiritual path. This is the only way we can overcome the violence and destructiveness of dominant nations east and west from exercising their violent agendas over those who can not protect themselves, those with opposing views, and a fragile earth we must all share. We must become a people that develops a Buddhist mindset.

In Buddhism the breath is very important to us. Mindfulness in meditation leads to mindfulness in everyday life. We breathe in for the first time as we enter the world from our mother’s womb, and we breathe out the last time when we expire from life. Yet we do not take care of our daily breathing, we breathe in suffering, anxiety, hatred and greed. But we can have a personal transformation, become less selfish and care more for others. We can also develop self awareness and as we develop personal awareness we will also develop awareness of the social problems that plague our society. In order for us to find our true potential as individual and collectively we be face the suffering both mentally and socially.

We must begin to liberate ourself and our mindset. We need to respond with compassion.From the Buddhist standpoint we could overcome the sufferings in the world through the Noble Eightfold Path. It is a non-violent means. Through non-violence we can really achieve the cessation of suffering and the way to achieve the cessation of suffering.

We must begin to liberate ourselves and our mindset. We need to respond with freedom.

As a concerned people we hear the cries of those being oppressed. We must if nothing else pray for them. Develop metta in out everyday chores. Think good and loving thoughts for those who are oppressed. We may not be able to care for them directly, but we can care about them. We can wish them Peace. The fire of tyranny, oppression and hatred is never quenched with more fire. Prayer is an act of peace.

We must begin to liberate ourselves and our mindset. We need to respond with peace.

When one person passes, it is as if a single candle flame is hushed until rebirth, and we can be saddened. When thousands perish the darkness in undeniable. Gathered here we can transcend the distance and open our hearts of compassion. We breathe into this world a hope and prayer of great peace. We may be able to do nothing more than this. But we can pray. We are able to speak. Our voices can be like a thousand shining candles, doing our part to dispel the darkness. When those who have fallen strain to hear the outcry from the world, we pray they hear our voices. We give them our compassion. We work for their freedom. We pray for Peace throughout the world.

I Wish You Peace,

Bhante Kassapa

Bhante n. Kassapa Bhikkhu
bhante_kassapa@yahoo.com
Buu Mon Temple
Port Arthur, Texas, 77640
409.982.9319

Bertrand Russell was a British Philosopher and proponent of peace. He spoke many times and was a prolific writer on the subject of social reform and anti nuclear proliferation. He was an outspoken opponent of the US Government.

Just a few Facts as we begin:

3,777 US war dead as of Sept 2007, 119 Great Britain war dead as of Sept 2007, 118 other countries war dead as of Sept 2007, with over 27,848 injuries sustained by Sept 2007.

Reported and published by the Brookings Institute on October 12, 2007: that approximately 655,000 people have died in Iraq as a result of the unprecedented invasion by the US and its allies in 2003.

The US and UK governments have both said the chaotic situation in Iraq makes it impossible to gather such information accurately, but do not deny the claim.

It is unfathomable for us to grasp the meaning behind these statistics. Our minds are unable to embrace the idea that nearly 660,000 people have lost their lives due to aggression and fear.

“Aggression and fear are weapons of mass destruction.” – BK

I would like to relate a little known story of violence vs. non-violence found in history in 402 AD. In ancient Rome the gladiator fights had been a part of the Roman life for over 7 centuries. We can imagine that Romans thought there would always be gladiator fights much like people today believe we will always have war.

Many Romans objected to the fights, leading to Emperor Honorius to close the gladiator schools. The fights however continued. By this time Rome had adopted Christianity as the formal religion.

A small Monk named Telemachus lived just outside Rome and was known to many as a very holy man. We can only assume that he may have prayed for an end to the killings and asked for a way to bring about that goal.

He took this opportunity to face his fear. We know that he walked into the gladiator ring and spoke about joy and love to the men who were about to fight. Telling them, ‘men were not born to fight but to love’, telling them they were ‘born to love’, he placed himself in peril. The crowd as you can imagine became furious. They began throwing things at the monk and shouting, wanting blood.

More than likely a guard pushed him away. However, he continued, saying these men who were slaves and trained to fight in the ring of death, were men like us all, ‘born to love’ and ‘not born to kill’. The spectators were riotous. “What right does this little monk have to stop the spectacle?”

According to history there are a few different accounts as to what happened next. In one account a soldier gave an order, a sword flashed and the monk lay dead; in another version the people stoned him.

What we know for certain is the monk Telemachus was killed that day. I can only imagine that after some time the crowd may have gone silent. Surely they must have wondered, “what just happened?” In front of their eyes a holy man lay dead in his own blood.

His message that all life was sacred and needed to be honored was slain with him.

Days like today and days out of history like those for Telemachus should inspire us. Individual acts of peace are often forgotten or may not be noticed at all. We should never abrogate our quest for peace to another, nor allow a chance for peace to slip through our fingers. Our duty to ourselves and others is to constantly ring the bell for every person in every land until peace exits without exception for each of us.

Peace is not a place or space in which we can bask in golden rays of tranquility. Peace is a mindset. It takes real effort and belief to bring about peace. Hatred is fueled by hatred. Peace is made long standing by acts of peace and a belief in peace.

There are many opportunities for us to judge a situation or person or event. The danger in judging is that judging anything, person, place or event allows you to categorize and label the object of your judgment. When you label you will assign good or bad, positive or negative condition to it. This activity is, in itself prejudicial. It is impossible to bring about inner peace when you have events, places and people categorized into happenings you will not attend, places you will not visit and people you wish to have nothing to do with.

Inner peace comes from the belief in the process of peace. Peace must first exist in our interior universe before we can imagine it in the exterior universe we live in. If we treat each other, without exception, with equanimity we are on the path to experiencing inner joy and peaceful co-existence.

Often we are asked to look at a glass as being half empty or half full.

What would happen if we do not apply a value to the contents? We would see the glass for what it is, simply a glass.

We must learn to observe. Pure observation is being able to watch any situation and not apply any need to classify, or attach positive or negatives, no measure of good or bad, and no right or wrong. It does not mean that these things do not exist. It means that observation is not the means used to affix them.

The attitude by which we view our world requires a subtle understanding of the social-economic, spiritual and political aspects and the forces that propel us into the present. It is unwise to look at any situation as black and white. We must also be mindful what has worked for us in the past and what has not. If we do not learn from the processes we have employed in the past we can effect no positive change to the present.

Our current political framework takes a simplistic view of good vs. evil, using terms like freedom vs. terror, traditional values vs. frightening realities. Rather than a simplistic black and white view, we need a pure and clear understanding of our of our world political climate, based on an honest reflection of the experience of the day.

There have to be more choices. Our response to situations we find ourselves in must be based on pure observation. The same positive and loving kindness standards we apply for our own actions must be applied to the actions of others, whether they be individuals or collective groups. We must not respond to aggression with aggression. “The fire of hatred is fueled by more hatred not quenched by it.”

Intellectually we know that uncertainty and fear created by an action can be frightening. We know we feel anxiety and frustration. But many times the anxiety we experience is created by our own lack of understanding.

In this instance, instead of looking for a source of blame we should be compelled to observe the events leading up to the action that is causing anxiety and frustration.

We do not need to place blame. We do not need to use fear nor respond with aggression. Fear and aggression while being primal are an impediment to rational thought and understanding brought forward by the process of pure observation.

Peace is a process by which we reconcile ourselves to the ideal that each of us without exception is sacred.

There is no person regardless of any means of measurement who has a value which is more or less than any other person. Life, all life, is sacred.

“We must develop a hunger for peace.” We must believe, like Telemachus, in the goodness of all people and that we are born to love and nurture. We must have faith in peace. We can only imagine that day in Rome some sixteen centuries ago. That when the dust settled, everyone had become quiet. I wonder what would be on our minds if we were in the same situation. We can be encouraged by individual acts of belief and faith in peace.

Our generation can make a difference much like Telemachus. We can take some of the needed steps to bring about the end of hostilities toward each other. There were no more gladiator fights ever held again after that day.

We can, by being a positive force in the universe, bring about a change for the better. We must believe that war and aggression are not human characteristics but are responses based in ignorance. We must develop a hunger for peace. We must have faith in peace.

It must develop like a seed within us. Our thoughts and daily actions must reflect our commitment to the ideals of peace.

Only then will we see peace as an alternative to fear and aggression.

“Fear and aggression are weapons of mass destruction.” We must never allow them be used in our name and against anyone for any reason. Individual acts of peace are often unheeded and ignored. There have been many people, Telemachus, Gandhi, Kennedy, King, and Mandela who have offered us a glimpse of faith in peace. Events like today’s forum should inspire us to move forward.

In years to come succeeding generations will look at us in the same way we look at those before us. How do we respond to the young people of tomorrow? We can be a people of peace. It is not enough to offer criticism without an offer of remedy.

We are the remedy, we can believe in the values of a peaceful people. It starts inside of us. Your mind can tell you that the values of peace are not only valuable but necessary. But you must feel the value of peace in your heart.

In all my talks at the temple and wherever I speak I always end my talk by offering a wish of peace.

Today is no different. As we spend the day in thought and reflection on the values of peace and a world without aggression, be mindful of the feelings that rise inside you. Become the vehicle for peace in your own life. Extend your peace and energy to all around you.

I ask you to simply believe, to have faith in your self, not to a power or ideal outside yourself, but to believe in your own power to bring about peace.

People may look at you, what you stand for, what you dream of, your interest in all living beings, and a world of peace and ask what sense does it make, what difference can you make.

The fact that you think about peace helps to bring it about. What you can think of in your mind your actions will help create. Others will watch and see and gain insight from your efforts, so never give up. Others may come to see their own faults and begin to let go. In so doing your faith in the peace process grows.

So let peace exist in a small way inside of you. Let peace exist in your mind. Let your mind, through your thoughts and intentions, create a better space for peace to grow and blossom like a lotus in your heart.

Let your actions speak convincingly of your determination to live a peaceful life, believe in your firmness of purpose and expect good things to flow from you.

Believe in the goodness that can be in all beings. But mostly, accept as true it exists in you. Peace and tranquility exist first as thoughts, then understandings, words and finally action. Others may not be able to read your thoughts or understand your thinking, and may not fully comprehend your words, but they will recognize your actions. Have courage to be the action. Have courage to be the vehicle of peace. Let us all begin anew, begin fresh, and begin each of our days with a simple prayer.

“There is going to be a time of peace,
so let it begin today with me.”

I Wish You Peace,

Bhante Kassapa

Bhante n. Kassapa Bhikkhu
bhante_kassapa@yahoo.com
Buu Mon Temple
Port Arthur, Texas, 77640
409.982.9319

United Nations International Peace Day, October 22, 2007
Keynote Address at the Peace and Faith Exploration Workshop
Sponsored by Southeast Texans for Peace, Beaumont, TX.