The story of Givat Haviva, the national education center of the Kibbutz Federation in Israel, is not just a tale of reconciliation between Jews and Arabs, but it also serves as an extraordinary example of how Buddhist teachings on overcoming anger can be applied to real-world situations. At the heart of this story is the spirit of dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence, principles that resonate with the core teachings of Buddhism.
History and Mission of Givat Haviva
Founded in 1949, Givat Haviva has been a beacon of hope in a region marred by conflict and animosity. It is the oldest institution in Israel dedicated to fostering reconciliation between Jews and Arabs. This center’s commitment to peace earned it the prestigious UNESCO Prize for Peace Education, a testament to its tireless efforts in promoting dialogue and understanding between these two historically divided communities.
The center’s namesake, Haviva Reik, was an inspirational figure in her own right. An activist in the Hashomer Hatzair movement, Haviva Reik embodied the spirit of dedication and selflessness. Her mission was to aid Jews during the Slovak national uprising, a perilous endeavor that ultimately led to her capture and execution by the occupying Germans. Haviva Reik’s life serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and harmony.
Connection to Buddhist Wisdom
In Buddhism, anger is considered one of the three poisons of the mind, along with ignorance and attachment. The path to enlightenment and inner peace involves overcoming these poisons, and anger is a significant obstacle. The Buddha’s teachings provide invaluable insights into dealing with anger and transforming it into compassion and understanding.
The Story of Ananda and the Snake
In ancient Magadha, there was a monk, Ananda, known for his compassion. One day, he encountered a venomous snake. Instead of fear, he showed kindness, teaching the snake about peace. Over time, the snake changed, and they coexisted peacefully. This story reflects Buddha’s teaching: “Hatred is never appeased by hatred; by non-hatred alone is hatred appeased.” Ananda’s actions teach us to respond to anger with compassion, breaking the cycle of hatred.
Compassion and Mindfulness
One of the fundamental principles of Buddhism is mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and aware of one’s thoughts and emotions. By acknowledging anger without judgment, individuals can begin the process of understanding its root causes and how it affects them and others.
Another crucial Buddhist teaching relevant to Givat Haviva is compassion. Buddhism encourages individuals to cultivate compassion not only for themselves but also for others, including those they perceive as enemies or adversaries. By extending compassion to others, individuals can break down the barriers of anger and hatred, fostering an environment of healing and reconciliation.
The Work of Givat Haviva: Building Bridges of Compassion
The work of Givat Haviva is a living embodiment of the principle of promoting cooperation between neighboring Jewish and Arab towns, encouraging municipal leaders and citizens to work together on common goals. This cooperation builds bridges of compassion and understanding, gradually eroding the walls of anger and mistrust that have divided these communities for so long.
Buddhist Teachings on Overcoming Anger
One of the most profound Buddhist teachings on anger comes from the Dhammapada, a collection of sayings attributed to the Buddha. One verse that resonates with the story of Givat Haviva states: “Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.”
This verse emphasizes the futility of responding to hatred with hatred, a cycle that perpetuates anger and suffering. Instead, it suggests that the only way to overcome hatred and anger is through love and compassion. Givat Haviva embraces this eternal rule by promoting love and understanding between Jews and Arabs, demonstrating that reconciliation is indeed possible when love and compassion are at the forefront.
Teacher Training Programs and Conflict Resolution
In addition to promoting cooperation at the community level, Givat Haviva runs teacher training programs that incorporate conflict resolution models and theories. These programs aim to encourage critical thinking and understanding, empowering educators to pass on the values of compassion, dialogue, and reconciliation to the next generation.
Commitment to Breaking Down Barriers
Furthermore, the center’s efforts to enhance Hebrew language skills among Arab students, advance the status of Arab women, and contribute to economic development in Arab towns are all manifestations of their commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering unity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Givat Haviva stands as a remarkable example of how Buddhist teachings on overcoming anger can be applied in the real world. Through mindfulness, compassion, and the pursuit of reconciliation, this center has been instrumental in building bridges between Jewish and Arab communities in Israel. The story of Givat Haviva, coupled with the timeless wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings, reminds us that even in the face of deep-rooted conflicts, love and understanding can prevail, and anger can be transformed into peace. As the Dhammapada reminds us, “Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.” Givat Haviva serves as a living testament to the enduring power of love and compassion in overcoming the divisive forces of anger and hatred.