Introduction: Arahant Sunita’s Story
In the serene landscape of ancient India, there lived a wise Buddhist monk named Arahant Sunita. He was known throughout the region for his exceptional compassion and his unwavering commitment to peace. Arahant Sunita’s teachings and actions embodied the essence of Karuna, the Buddhist concept of compassion, which emphasizes the importance of showing empathy and kindness towards all beings, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.
One day, a young disciple asked Arahant Sunita, “Why do you place such great importance on compassion, venerable teacher?” In response, Arahant Sunita shared a parable:
“Once, in a dense forest, I encountered a wounded bird. Its wings were broken, and it lay helpless on the ground. Instead of passing it by, I took the bird into my care. I mended its wings and nurtured it back to health. When the bird regained its strength, it soared into the sky, singing a melodious tune. In that moment, I realized the profound power of compassion. Just as I healed the wounded bird, compassion has the ability to mend the broken hearts of humanity and bring harmony to a world plagued by conflict.”
Arahant Sunita’s parable serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of compassion in fostering peace and understanding among diverse communities. This blog post will explore how the concept of Karuna, as exemplified by Arahant Sunita’s teachings, can be observed in the activities and mission of “Interns for Peace,” an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between Israeli Arabs and Jews through personal connections and cooperation.
The Essence of Karuna: Compassion in Buddhism
Before delving into the connection between Karuna and Interns for Peace, it is crucial to understand the core principles of Karuna in Buddhism. Karuna, often referred to as compassion, is one of the fundamental virtues advocated by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha himself. It goes beyond mere sympathy or pity; Karuna is the deep understanding and genuine concern for the suffering of all living beings.
In Buddhism, it is believed that the root cause of suffering, known as dukkha, can be alleviated through acts of compassion and loving-kindness. Arahant Sunita’s parable illustrates how compassion, like a healing balm, has the potential to transform pain into joy, hatred into love, and conflict into harmony.
Interns for Peace: Fostering Understanding and Cooperation
Interns for Peace, founded by Israeli Arab Farhat Agbaria and American Rabbi Bruce M. Cohen in 1976, is an organization with a noble mission — to create personal relationships between Israel’s Arabs and Jews, with the overarching goal of promoting greater understanding and peace in the region. The organization’s journey and achievements beautifully mirror the principles of Karuna in action.
Breaking Stereotypes and Building Connections
After the tragic events of the Land Day protest in 1976, Rabbi Bruce M. Cohen was inspired to promote peace. During a visit to Israel, he met Farhat Agbaria, an Israeli Arab who shared his vision of peace-building. Together, they co-founded Interns for Peace, with the initial aim of training American college students. However, as time passed, the organization shifted its focus to training Arabs and Jews from Israel, emphasizing the power of personal connections in breaking down stereotypes.
Cohen aptly noted that “every time you create contact, it’s successful because it breaks stereotypes.” This sentiment aligns perfectly with the teachings of Karuna, which encourage individuals to look beyond preconceived notions and judgments and instead, to approach others with empathy and an open heart.
Learning Together, Working Together
Interns for Peace distinguishes itself from traditional aid organizations by promoting collaboration between Jews and Arabs. Rather than one group helping the other, the organization encourages both communities to work together and learn from each other’s skills and experiences. This approach is a testament to the essence of Karuna, as it emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and cooperation as the paths to healing and understanding.
By May 1980, Interns for Peace had trained ten interns who spent six months at a kibbutz, learning Arabic and Hebrew, and were placed in the Israeli Arab communities of Kafr Qara and Tamra. The cost of housing was covered by local Arab-led governments, while salaries were paid by Interns for Peace. This cooperative model showcases
Expanding Horizons
Over the years, Interns for Peace has expanded its reach and impact. By 2010, the organization had trained 300 volunteers who collaborated on various projects, ranging from arts festivals to tree planting initiatives. These joint endeavors brought together Israelis Arabs and Jews, fostering a sense of shared purpose and breaking down the barriers that often divide communities.
One noteworthy achievement was bringing together 80,000 Israeli Arabs and Jews in community projects by 1994, a remarkable testament to the transformative potential of compassion and cooperation. Furthermore, the program extended its reach to the West Bank and Gaza, allowing Palestinians to address their community needs and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Addressing Critical Issues
Interns for Peace has not only built bridges between communities but has also tackled critical issues that affect both Arabs and Jews in the region. One example is the road safety projects initiated in 2004. Participants from both communities worked together to address the lack of infrastructure in Arab and Jewish areas outside major cities. This initiative highlights how compassion can lead to practical solutions that improve the quality of life for all involved.
Leadership and Continuation
Even after the passing of Rabbi Bruce M. Cohen, his legacy lives on through Interns for Peace. His widow, Karen Wald Cohen, now serves as the international director of the organization. Farhat Agbaria, the co-founder, remains dedicated as the chief of the Israeli division. Their continued commitment to the mission exemplifies the enduring power of compassion in driving positive change.
Conclusion
In closing, the story of Arahant Sunita and his parable serve as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that compassion, or Karuna, can have on individuals and communities alike. The activities and mission of Interns for Peace beautifully reflect the Buddhist principles of compassion and loving-kindness, demonstrating that when people from diverse backgrounds come together with empathy and a shared goal, they can build bridges, break down stereotypes, and work towards a more peaceful and harmonious world.
Through its decades of work, Interns for Peace has shown that personal connections, cooperation, and a commitment to understanding can transcend the boundaries that divide us. Just as Arahant Sunita mended the broken wings of a wounded bird, Interns for Peace strives to heal the wounds of conflict in the Israeli region, one act of compassion at a time. In doing so, they provide a shining example of how Karuna, when put into practice, can be a powerful force for positive change and peace-building in our world.