The Parents Circle-Families Forum (PCFF) stands as a profound embodiment of the Buddhist teaching on “Right Action.” This organization, composed of Palestinian and Israeli families who have tragically lost immediate family members due to the conflict, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to reconciliation and peace. As shown in the timeless wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings, the PCFF’s journey reflects the path of Right Action in the pursuit of lasting harmony and understanding in a region long plagued by strife.
The Story of Angulimala: A Buddhist Tale of Transformation
To understand the essence of Right Action and its connection to the PCFF, let us first delve into the story of Angulimala, a notorious figure from Buddhist lore. Angulimala was a ruthless bandit who roamed the forests, terrorizing travelers and amassing a gruesome collection of severed fingers, wearing them as a necklace to signify his gruesome achievements. The people of the land lived in constant fear of Angulimala, and his name struck dread into their hearts.
One day, Angulimala’s path crossed with the Buddha. Instead of fleeing or reacting with violence, the Buddha approached him calmly. Angulimala, perplexed by the Buddha’s serene demeanor, demanded to know who he was. The Buddha replied, “I am Angulimala’s companion on the path of Righteousness.”
Angulimala, shocked and moved by the Buddha’s response, felt a profound transformation within him. He surrendered his violent ways, became a monk, and dedicated his life to following the Buddha’s teachings. The story of Angulimala illustrates how the power of Right Action and compassion can lead even the most hardened hearts towards redemption and enlightenment.
Relating the Story to the Parents Circle-Families Forum
The story of Angulimala serves as a poignant parallel to the mission of the PCFF. In a region marked by deep-seated conflict and pain, this organization’s members, like Angulimala, have chosen a path of transformation and reconciliation instead of perpetuating a cycle of violence and hatred. Just as the Buddha responded to Angulimala’s violence with compassion, the PCFF responds to the suffering caused by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with a commitment to peace and understanding.
The PCFF’s founders, driven by personal tragedies, have turned their grief into a force for change. Yitzhak Frankenthal, who lost his son Arik in 1994, initiated the PCFF to come to terms with his loss and promote reconciliation. In the face of immense pain, they have chosen Right Action by fostering dialogue, embracing their shared humanity, and advocating for peaceful coexistence.
The Essence of Buddhist Right Action
Buddhist Right Action is one of the components of the Noble Eightfold Path, a foundational framework for ethical and spiritual conduct in Buddhism. It emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, both in thought and deed. Right Action encourages individuals to abstain from harming others, to act with compassion and kindness, and to contribute to the welfare of all sentient beings. This principle is beautifully encapsulated in a quote attributed to the Buddha:
“May all beings be happy; may all beings be without disease. May all beings experience the bliss of freedom from suffering.”
Right Action is not merely about refraining from harmful actions but actively engaging in actions that promote peace, harmony, and well-being. It’s about transcending the ego-driven desires and impulses that lead to harm and suffering and instead, nurturing the qualities of compassion, empathy, and loving-kindness.
The PCFF: A Living Example of Right Action
The Parents Circle-Families Forum, guided by the principles of Right Action, has undertaken numerous initiatives and activities that promote reconciliation, understanding, and peace between Palestinians and Israelis. These actions resonate with the essence of Buddhist teachings and serve as a testament to the transformative power of compassion and ethical conduct.
Dialogue Encounters: The PCFF’s “Dialogue Encounters” program aligns perfectly with Right Action. These sessions bring together Palestinians and Israelis who have experienced the deep pain of losing a loved one to the conflict. Through these encounters, participants share their personal narratives and messages of reconciliation. The program aims to increase willingness among participants to embrace dialogue as an alternative to violence, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and perspectives.
Narrative Project: A Path to Mutual Understanding
The PCFF’s “Narrative Project” further embodies the principles of Right Action. By bringing together groups of Palestinians and Israelis from similar backgrounds and professions, this project facilitates mutual understanding and respect. Participants engage in the “Parallel Narrative Experience,” seeking to comprehend the personal and national narratives of the other side.
Just as Right Action urges individuals to act ethically and with compassion, this project encourages participants to transcend their preconceived notions and biases, promoting empathy and reconciliation. It’s an active effort to bridge the divide between two communities, one dialogue at a time.
Reconciliation Center: Fostering Understanding and Empathy
The PCFF’s “Reconciliation Center” is open to the public, inviting Israelis and Palestinians to participate in activities aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of the reconciliation process. This center, through discussions, film screenings, and guest lectures, fosters an environment of learning and empathy.
In the spirit of Right Action, the Reconciliation Center seeks to alleviate suffering by promoting dialogue and education. It serves as a space where individuals can actively engage in actions that contribute to peace and healing.
Annual Summer Camp: Building Bridges for Peace
The PCFF conducts an annual summer camp that brings together bereaved Palestinian and Israeli youth. This camp offers activities designed to build trust and understanding between the children, creating an environment where they can learn about each other’s experiences and perspectives.
Right Action advocates for actions that promote the welfare of all beings. The PCFF’s summer camp aligns with this principle by providing a platform for young individuals to connect, empathize, and build bridges, ultimately sowing the seeds of a more peaceful future.
“Hello Shalom” Hotline and “Crack in the Wall” Facebook Group: Building Connections
These innovative initiatives exemplify Right Action by breaking down the metaphorical “wall” of separation and hatred between Israelis and Palestinians. The “Hello Shalom” hotline and “Crack in the Wall” Facebook group facilitate communication, humanizing the daily lives of those affected by the conflict.
In the spirit of the Buddha’s teaching on compassion, these projects encourage dialogue and engagement, fostering connections between individuals from both sides of the conflict.
Public Awareness and Advocacy: Promoting Systemic Change
The PCFF actively engages with political leaders and decision-makers to educate them about the importance of the reconciliation process in crafting political agreements. By advocating for peace and understanding, the organization exemplifies Right Action on a broader scale, working towards systemic change.
Conclusion: A Beacon of Hope
The Parents Circle-Families Forum is a shining example of how the principles of Buddhist Right Action can be applied in the real world. In a region plagued by conflict and suffering, the members of this organization have chosen the path of compassion, empathy, and dialogue over hatred and violence. They have turned their personal tragedies into a force for peace, actively working to alleviate the suffering of others and promote reconciliation.
The story of Angulimala, a ruthless bandit transformed by the Buddha’s compassion, mirrors the PCFF’s journey. Just as Angulimala chose the path of Righteousness, the PCFF has chosen Right Action in the pursuit of lasting peace. They have shown that even in the face of immense pain and loss, it is possible to transcend hatred and division through ethical conduct, compassion, and a commitment to dialogue.
As the Buddha said, “May all beings be happy; may all beings be without disease. May all beings experience the bliss of freedom from suffering.” The Parents Circle-Families Forum is actively working to bring this aspiration to life in a region that has known far too much suffering. Their actions serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the transformative power of Right Action on the path to peace and reconciliation.