Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammâ Sambuddhassa!

Rights
 

By Rasika Wijayaratne 

Rights are a man-made construct designed to emulate the benefits a society would enjoy if it had a moral code of discipline such as the five precepts (panca-sila). Wherever such a code is lacking, a broad set of protective measures labelled rights have been implemented, for the protection of society. Rights are man made and may or may not align with the natural law (Dhamma). The Teachings of the Lord Buddha directly align with the law of nature which is why it is termed the Dhamma.

The protection that is conferred by these rights is already included in the Buddhist code of moral discipline, the five precepts (panca-sila). The difference between the two is merely one of perspective, “rights” are from the perspective of the “victim” and the onus is on them to “defend” their rights. With the panca-sila the onus is on the individual to restrain themselves from harming others, thus protecting others' well-being and as a result their “rights” too. As others are protected by oneself, one is not liable to suffering or loss from a negative counter-reaction (kamma-vipaka - the after-effects of our actions or kamma).

Conflict arises because people have strong views or expectations of how they should be treated, or how things should be. When events occur which are contrary to this view, conflict arises. When mistreated they think “They didn't have the right to do that to me” or ask “what about my rights?” The reality is anything can happen to anyone if it is in accordance with natural law of things, or Dhamma-nature, regardless of anyone’s rights.¹

If we live in accordance to the Dhamma and don't harm others we will be protected by the Dhamma no matter where we go, whether it be Bali, Sri Lanka, Australia or any other country for that matter. So if you haven’t already you can start today by setting a foundation for your young life by establishing yourself in the three foundation Buddhist practices of dâna (giving) sîla (morality in accordance with the five precepts) and bhâvana (meditation).

Notes

1. A good case in point of this is Schapelle Corby; her Australian rights did not apply to her back in Bali when she was jailed for getting caught with drugs, but the Dhamma did apply to her and whatever happened to her was in accordance with her Dhamma (or her kamma (actions) and kamma-vipaka (action-repercussions)). But do note that this is not a speculation on her guilt or the lack there of.

Related Youth Articles

1. Daily Dâna by Rasika Wijayaratne (on generosity)  [ http://vihara.org.au/go?to=dailydana ]

2. Five Precepts by Rasika Wijayaratne (on morality)  [ http://vihara.org.au/go?to=pansil ]

3. Metta Meditation by Rasika Wijayaratne (basic instructions on the meditation on loving-kindness)

[ http://vihara.org.au/go?to=mettamed ]

4. Consequences by Rasika Wijayaratne (on being responsible for our actions)  [ http://vihara.org.au/go?to=conseq ]