LETTERS: I REFER to a news article recently about two men bringing Buddha statues for "divine intervention" for placing bets at betting centres. In the spirit of unity and respect for all religions, I must state that this practice is totally contrary to Buddhism.
One must have the correct knowledge and be able to differentiate between the true teachings of the Buddha and those that have incorporated their superstitious and wrong beliefs in the religion which can be deemed as deviant.
In reference to the Buddhist scripture, Digha Nikaya, the enlightened Buddha clearly stated the Buddhist position on gambling. In the discourse, the enlightened one states "there are... six evil consequences in indulging in gambling" and they are as follows:
(i) the winner begets hate,
(ii) the loser grieves for lost wealth,
(iii) loss of wealth,
(iv) his word is not relied upon in a court of law,
(v) he is despised by his friends and associates,
(vi) he is not sought after for matrimony for people would say he is a gambler and is not fit to look after a wife.
The enlightened Buddha's teachings emphasises against accumulating bad karma. Indulging in gambling or even predicting four-digit numbers for gambling purposes is not the Buddhist or the Arya (noble) path.
The Buddha commands Man to avoid evil ways, where he says: "Take delight in heedfulness. Guard your mind well. Draw yourself out of the evil way as did the elephant sunk in mire."
The Buddha also went on to teach that Man should never do even a slight wrong and that one should shun evil, where he stated: "Just as a merchant, with a small escort and great wealth, avoids a perilous route, just as one desiring to live avoids poison, even so should one shun evil things."
Buddhism teaches us that only by controlling the senses can we obtain bliss and happiness. So, the act of bringing Buddha statues to the betting centre is an insult to the enlightened Buddha.
Therefore, I urge religious bodies, especially the Malaysia Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST), to make statements to correct these wrongful practices.
I believe the MCCBCHST is an interfaith organisation that has, among its aim, conflict resolution.
One may not see the conflict now, but if this act is not condemned, people who are less exposed to Buddhist principles may innocently utilise this in their comments or lectures which could spark quarrels and we have witnessed this before.
Just apologising is not a solution. It is the duty of religious bodies to dispel misinformation and wrong practices.
MCCBCHST should not wait to resolve conflicts when it appears, but it should be equipped to execute a preventive measure should the need arise.
ARIFF SHAH R.K
Penang
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times