..續本文上一頁isfied. They should not be harassed, compelling them to become enemies of the state. Their places of worship should be provided adequate protection. Whatever financial assistance they have been receiving from the state should never be stopped. Otherwise, not only will the deities of those places of worship become displeased, even more dangerous will be that their devotees will become enemies of the rulers and the state. They will join hands with the enemies invading the country. Therefore, for the security of the country, it is necessary to give suitable protection to these places of worship.

　　7. Licchavīs! As long as the Vajjians provide protection and support to saints and arahants, they will remain invincible.

　　Saints and arahants leave the country where they are not allowed to live peacefully, are disrespected, and even physically attacked. Moreover, saints and arahants from outside do not enter such a country. As a result, people are deprived of discourses on true Dhamma, and become immoral. Corruption increases and peace, prosperity and harmony are lost. The lack of virtuous people weakens the country. Therefore, the protection of saints and arahants is always necessary for the security of the country.

　　The Buddha stated that as long as the Vajjians followed these seven instructions, they would remain undefeated and the Vajji republic would prosper. Truly, following these instructions, the Vajjians remained invincible for a long time.

　　***

　　Years later, the scene of a tragic historical incident comes before us. The Buddha was about eighty years of age; forty-five years of his Dhamma sāsana was about to be completed. Leaving Rājagaha, he was setting out on his last journey on foot. The king of Magadha, Ajātasattu sent his minister, Vassakāra to the Buddha with the news that Magadha was going to attack their enemies, the Licchavīs, soon. Without saying anything to Vassakāra, the Buddha asked Ānanda who was standing nearby, "Ānanda! Are the Vajjians following the seven instructions that I had given them years ago perfectly

　　Ānanda said, "Yes Lord, they are following them perfectly."

　　Upon this, the Buddha said, "As long as the Vajjians follow these seven instructions, they will remain undefeated."

　　Vassakāra was skilled in the use of craft and deceit. He immediately understood that as long as the Vajjians remained united, they would truly remain unconquerable. He postponed the attack upon the Vajjians. The events that followed are the painful history of Vassakāra”s deceit and the foolishness of the Vajjians, because of which their strong unity was completely destroyed. The dissension within them became so deep that they were not even able to unite to face the Magadhan army, let alone repulsing their attack. The Licchavī republic became desolate forever. They forgot the beneficial teaching of the Buddha, and sowed the seeds of their own destruction.

　　The universal teaching of the Buddha regarding the security of the republic is just as relevant today as it was then. The danger of destruction caused by internal discord is just as relevant today. Let the India of today learn a lesson from the Vajjians who forgot the teaching of the Buddha.

　　To preserve the strength of the republic for a long time, the seeds of dissension in the country should be removed. The issues that pide the county should be eliminated and the elements of unity should be strengthened. The country should not be pided because of sectarianism or casteism.

　　The people of different sects can live together harmoniously in any country as long as they do not consider any sect as Dhamma. The difference between the two is clear. Different sects have different places of worship, different philosophical beliefs, different rites and rituals, as well as diff…

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