Joint Press Statement on the Iraqi War by the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth (WFBY) HEADQUARTERS: Bangkok, Thailand

Much of today's conflicts are driven by ego, jealousy and hatred. This have resulted in violent acts perpetuated under the name of race, religion and nationalism. Today, we starkly see the demise of humanitarian concern by the United States and its Allies through their unilateral declaration of war on Iraq. Though we cannot agree with the actions of Saddam Husseins invasion of Kuwait, (giving rise to the first Gulf War in 1991) we are deeply troubled by the further exacerbation of hostilities in the Gulf.

For immediate release: March 21, 2003

On December of 2002, the World Fellowship of Buddhists and World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth gathered at Shah Alam, Selangor D.E., Malaysia to hold the biennial General Conference. The theme of the conference was "Wisdom and Compassion: The Way Forward". The distinguished guest of honor was the Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad who has been calling for Peace and NOT War when it comes to dealing with international political differences.

There have always been conflicts and wars in the world; this is much due to the various types of defilements in the human minds. If religious values are sincerely practiced, the worldly cycles of hatred and violence can be reduced or even be eradicated. One of the key pillar of our practice is Wisdom, and cultivating loving-kindness and compassion helps us to achieve wisdom.

Much of today's conflicts are driven by ego, jealousy and hatred. This have resulted in violent acts perpetuated under the name of race, religion and nationalism. Today, we starkly see the demise of humanitarian concern by the United States and its Allies through their unilateral declaration of war on Iraq. Though we cannot agree with the actions of Saddam Husseins invasion of Kuwait, (giving rise to the first Gulf War in 1991) we are deeply troubled by the further exacerbation of hostilities in the Gulf.

Looking deeply into Buddhist scriptures, we reflect on an incident involving the son of a King, named Vidudabha. For some reason, he was personally outraged and deeply insulted by the Sakyans. He vowed that when he succeeds as king, he would attack and punish them to appease the anger. Vidudabha was so consumed in anger that when he became a king, he gathered an army to fulfill his vow.

Marching against the Sakyans, he was successful in the campaign. On his return from the war front however, Vidudabha and his encamped army on the banks of Acirawati river was swept away to their deaths when the river swelled.

Upon hearing the incident, the Buddha remarked: The man who gathers flowers (of sense satisfaction), whose mind is entangled, death carries off as a great flood sweeps away a sleeping village" [ Dhammapada, Verse 47]

For Buddhists, we see that our actions determine our future, and for whatever seeds that are sowed, we reap the fruit. War - no matter how it is justified - wrecks countries and inflicts tremendous pain and suffering to all, especially the sick, old and children. War disrupts social and economic stability. All of which is against the fundamental teachings of the Buddha.

As Buddhists we cannot agree nor support the actions of United States and its Allies on Iraq. We hope to see resumption of referendum on Iraq at the United Nations.

In the strongest possible expression, we appeal to the leadership of the United States and its Allies to have compassion and see the wisdom of ending the war as soon as possible. We implore the resumption of the United Nation's Resolution 1441 on Iraq.

The Buddha has set the example for leadership by excelling in loving kindness and virtues. The actions of such leaders would bring harmony, peace and goodwill to all. By the example of the Buddha, our prayers and love is with all in the gulf and sufferers on both sides alike.
For the sake of mankind, we call each and everyone, live and let live.

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Goh Seng Chai, PJK
Exco Member, World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB)
Cum President, WFB Selangor Regional Centre, Malaysia

Loka Ng Sai Kai
Advisor, World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth (WFBY)
Cum President, Upakara Kalyana Mitta Buddhist Association, Malaysia