How To Defend The Republic!

　　- by S. N. Goenka

　　(The following is a translation of an article originally published in the September 1999 issue of the Vipaśyanā Patrikā.)

　　It was the first year of the dispensation of the Dhamma. After attaining perfect enlightenment at Bodh Gaya and setting in motion the Wheel of Dhamma at Varanasi, the Buddha came to Rājagaha passing through Bodh Gaya on the way. Licchavī Mahāli, the commander of the Vajji republic, met the Buddha there. He benefited from his teaching and became his first Licchavī disciple. Inspired by him, many Licchavīs of Vesālī became devoted disciples of the Buddha within a few days.

　　Mahāli”s skill in the art of warfare made the army of Vesālī a major force in the region. The Licchavīs had great respect for him. Unfortunately, he lost both his eyes. Therefore, they appointed him the chief military adviser and designated a brilliant Licchavī youth named Sīha as the commander of the army. At that time Sīha was a prominent disciple of another spiritual teacher. But when he saw that many Licchavīs of Vesālī had become the followers of the Buddha he came, after initial hesitation, to meet the Buddha out of curiosity. After talking to him, he was deeply influenced and became his devoted follower. Like Mahāli, Sīha fulfilled the responsibility of commanding the army with great skill and diligence even after becoming a follower of the Buddha. The Buddha did not teach his lay devotees to neglect their familial, social and official responsibilities. On the contrary, he would encourage them to gain more proficiency in them.

　　Once the Buddha came to Vesālī and stayed at the Sāraṃdada stupa. Many Licchavīs came to meet him and saluting him, they sat on one side. There was a constant threat of an attack upon Vesālī because the neighbouring kingdoms were envious of its prosperity. The Buddha was aware of this. He also knew about the mutual antagonism between Magadha and Vesālī. Being born and raised in the Sākya republic, he understood the inherent advantages and disadvantages of a republic. Therefore, for the security of the Vajji republic, he gave seven practical instructions which would make them unassailable. These teachings were:

　　1. Licchavīs! As long as the Vajjians maintain their unity and meet regularly they will remain invincible.

　　The members of the state parliament of the Vajji republic (called rājās) would meet in the assembly hall regularly and discuss the security of the country. If they failed to assemble because of laziness, the enemies outside the border would get an opportunity to attack. On seeing that the rājās were not alert, these enemies would intrude into the country and loot the people. But when the rājās were alert, as soon as they were informed of any intrusion into the country, they would immediately send the army to rout the enemy tato balaṃ pesetvā amittamaddanaṃ karonti. Then the intruders would understand that they would not be allowed to ravage the country na sakkā amhehi vaggabandhehi vicaritunti. As a result they would bhijjitvā palāyanti scatter and flee.

　　2. Licchavīs! As long as the Vajjians meet together in unity, rise in unity and perform their duties in unity, they will remain invincible.

　　During times of danger, when the warning trumpet was sounded, every rājā would immediately come to the assembly hall. If any rājā was having his meal, he would leave it unfinished; if he was adorning himself with clothes and jewellery, he would come to the assembly hall at once, in whatever clothes he was wearing. There, everyone would sit together, and after deliberation and discussion, a unanimous decision would be taken. Thus, everyone would rise in unity. Thereafter whatever action had to be taken would be accomplished unitedly.

　　Every…

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