The most powerful weapon ever used by Buddha
in the subjugation of his wayward children is
the practice of non-atman (non-egotism). He
wielded it more effectively than any deadly,
life-destroying weapons, When he was under the



BUDDHIST VIEW OF WAR 195

Bodhi-tree absorbed in meditation on the non-
atmanness of things, fiends numbering thousands
tried in every way to shake him from his tran-
scendental serenity; but all to no purpose. On
the contrary, the arrows turned to heavenly
flowers, the roaring clamor to a paradisiacal
music, and even the army of demons to a host
of celestials. And do you wonder at it? Not
at all! For what on earth can withstand an
absolutely self -freed heart overflowing with loving-
kindness and infinite bliss?

And this example should be made the ideal
of every faithful Buddhist. Whatever calling he
may have chosen in this life, let him be freed
from ego-centric thoughts and feelings. Even
when going to war for his country's sake, let
him not bear any hatred towards his enemies.
In all his dealings with them let him practise
the truth of non-atman. He may have to
deprive his antagonist of the corporeal presence,
but let him not think there are atmans, con-
quering each other. From a Buddhist point of
view, the significance of life is not limited to the
present incarnation. We must not exaggerate
the significance of individuals, for they are not
independent and unconditional existences. They
acquire their importance and a paramount mean-
ing, moral and religious, as soon as their fate
becomes connected with the all-pervading love
of the Buddha, because then they are no more
particular individuals filled with egotistic thoughts



196 SERMONS OF A BUDDHIST ABBOT

and impulses, but have become love incarnate.
