Amid the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, there arose a grassroots volunteer organization known as Ta’ayush, which means “coexistence” or “life in common.” Founded in the fall of 2000 by a joint network of Palestinians and Israelis, Ta’ayush embodies the essence of Buddhist Right View, striving for a future of equality, justice, and peace through daily, non-violent actions of solidarity. This organization’s story is a testament to the profound impact of Right View in fostering coexistence and compassion in the face of adversity.
Buddhist Right View
Right View is the first step on the Noble Eightfold Path, a foundational teaching in Buddhism. It emphasizes the importance of seeing the world as it truly is, free from delusions and misconceptions. Right View involves understanding the Four Noble Truths, which acknowledge suffering, its causes, the possibility of its cessation, and the path to its cessation. It also encompasses the law of karma and the interconnectedness of all beings. In essence, Right View guides individuals to recognize the inherent value of all life and to act accordingly.
The Story of Compassion: A Buddhist Tale
In the ancient days of the Buddha, there lived a compassionate monk named Sudhana. Sudhana was known for his unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering and promoting coexistence among people of different backgrounds.
One day, as Sudhana traveled through a strife-ridden region, he came across a village divided by conflict between two communities. Tensions ran high, and the villagers from each group harbored deep resentment toward the other.
Sudhana, guided by his deep understanding of Right View, decided to intervene. He began visiting both communities, engaging in conversations, and listening to their stories. He learned about the pain and suffering they had endured over the years and realized that their anger was rooted in a lack of understanding.
With great compassion, Sudhana organized meetings between the leaders of the two communities, encouraging them to share their grievances openly. Through patient dialogue and a commitment to Right View, he helped them see that their suffering was interconnected. By acknowledging the suffering on both sides and embracing the interconnectedness of all beings, they started to foster compassion and empathy for one another.
As time passed, Sudhana’s efforts bore fruit. The villagers from both communities began to work together on shared projects, breaking down the walls of hatred and division. Sudhana’s compassionate actions and Right View teachings transformed the village into a place of coexistence, unity, and understanding.
Ta’ayush: A Modern Application of Right View
Ta’ayush, the grassroots volunteer organization established in the tumultuous times of the Al-Aqsa Intifada, mirrors the essence of Sudhana’s compassionate actions. Just as Sudhana worked tirelessly to alleviate suffering and promote coexistence, Ta’ayush’s mission is to break down the walls of racism and segregation, fostering a true Arab-Jewish partnership for a future of equality, justice, and peace.
Ta’ayush’s activities, including providing aid to Palestinians during sieges and supporting un-recognized villages, align with the principles of Right View. They recognize the interconnectedness of all beings, transcending the divisions imposed by conflict. Their commitment to non-violent actions and solidarity embodies the essence of Buddhist Right View, which urges us to understand suffering and work toward its cessation through compassionate and just actions.
A Buddhist Quote on Right View
The teachings of the Buddha resonate with Ta’ayush’s mission. In the Dhammapada, a collection of the Buddha’s sayings, it is written: “Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. This is a law eternal.”
This timeless wisdom encapsulates the essence of Right View and serves as a guiding principle for Ta’ayush. They understand that hatred and conflict cannot be overcome by more hatred and violence. Instead, they choose the path of non-hatred, compassion, and coexistence to appease the suffering and divisions in the world.
In the face of adversity and entrenched conflict, Ta’ayush’s commitment to Right View reminds us that even in the most challenging circumstances, the seeds of compassion, coexistence, and understanding can be sown. Through their daily, non-violent actions, Ta’ayush demonstrates the power of Right View to break down walls, foster coexistence, and inspire hope for a future of equality, justice, and peace.
In conclusion, Ta’ayush’s remarkable journey embodies the principles of Buddhist Right View. Their commitment to coexistence, compassion, and non-violence reflects the wisdom of recognizing suffering, its interconnectedness, and the path toward its cessation. In a world divided by conflict, Ta’ayush’s actions serve as a beacon of hope, illustrating the transformative potential of Right View in fostering unity and understanding amidst adversity.