Milarepa Fund: Non Violence
The philosophy of nonviolence can be defined as the opposition to the use of violent force in solving conflicts. Almost all traditions in the world have taught nonviolence in one way or another. From the simple statement of : "Thou shalt not kill" in the book of Exodus in the Old Testament to the more complex philosophy of "Ahimsa" (the absence of the desire to destroy) propounded by the Buddha twenty-five hundred years ago, nonviolence has been a basic spiritual and moral teaching for centuries. Violence is not necessarily restricted to crime, wars, and conflicts between people. It also includes environmental violence, corporate violence, and the violent attitudes that are perpetuated in the media. In looking at violence, we must address something far more complex than just the raising of an arm or the pulling of a trigger.
"Never in this world is hate appeased by hatred;
it is only appeased by love. This is the eternal law."
--From the Dhammapada
Favourite Links
Buddhist AID's Project
The Buddhist AIDS Project (BAP) provides free information on Buddhist resources and events and alternative AIDS services to any person living with HIV, including family, friends, caregivers and people who are HIV negative. The purpose of the group is to network Buddhist communities and resources with each other and existing AIDS services with Buddhist resources.
The Buddhist AIDS Project is based in San Francisco, California. BAP is an all-volunteer, non-sectarian effort which includes more than 60 volunteers, from physicians to body workers, pyschologists to mediation instructors and others who graciously offer their services.
BAP is now an official Affiliate of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship (BPF) and is included in BPF's non-profit organization status with the IRS. Any donations made to BAP as of July 1, 1996 are tax-deductable. All donations go to support services, mailing, telephone, printing, and duplication expenses.
If you would like to donate your time or services to The Buddhist AIDS Project, or would like to find out more about the services it offers, Visit BAP's web site at http://www.wenet.net/~bap.
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Before we act, may we always think about our motivation
May we be mindful of every moment. May we dedicate all our vituous actions each minute of each day with the wish that one day all sentient beings will be free of suffering, and that they will achieve the perfect peerless happiness that is the state of buddhahood. May we benefit all sentient beings, May they release themselves from the
viscious state of suffering in cyclic existance (samsara).
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