The world is much beset with conflict and also with greed and currently people are getting very worked up about politics and political personalities. There is a great need for people with peace and generosity in their hearts. This is not achieved merely by having the right philosophy or the right slogan. Good thoughts are beneficial, but not enough on their own. The Buddha trained his disciples to conduct themselves peacefully in the world. They did not try to counter anger with more anger. They sought only to live gentle lives and thus be an influence naturally. In Buddhism, faith and training cannot be separated. Taking refuge in the Buddha brings a great blessing into one's life and the gratitude for this is bound to spill over into the desire to make oneself worthy of the gift. Consequently, many systems of training have evolved, both for individuals and for communities. As a sangha, we manifest harmonious relations and as individuals we seek to make the Way of the Dharma a reality in all that we do.
The world always has problems and many feel that right now some of these problems are becoming especially acute. The World Meteorological Organisation's 2024 report "State of the Global Climate 2024", for instance, makes sobering reading.
To sum it up briefly, to prevent runaway global warming there needs to be a massive increase in investment in green energy and diminution in use of fossil fuels, among many other changes to industry, agriculture, shipping and other human activities. I'm sure that you all know this. However, evidently, instead of paying attention to this information and doing what is needed, the world currently gives every appearance of investing in preparations for war. Many countries are currently making substantial increases to expenditure, not on conversion to a greener world, but on armaments and the military, while use of fossil fuels continues to increase. Is this not avidya on a grand scale?
A visitor from space might conclude that humans, faced with a massive and lethal problem have decided to ignore it and fight among themselves. However,; it does not have to be so. The Buddha showed us the Dharma that "takes away the cause of all quarrels". In such a time as this, we need this Dharma. The worse that things become all around, the more important it becomes to cultivate inner calm and a longer term view. The Dharma survives all these vicissitudes and is a true refuge. As things get worse, the Dharma must shine more brightly in our hearts.
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