Buddhism and Politics

By Victoria Stoklasa, MA
　

Even before I started reading this book, I was intrigued by its title. What this Buddhism have to do with politics? What do politics have to do with Buddhism? From page one, I got a sensible, free-flowing answer to this question and was enlightened well beyond my initial expectations. Ms. Stoklasa expertly explains that Buddhism does not have to be embraced as a religion in order to be applied by politicians. No matter what religion or lack thereof a politician has, he or she can complement his or her faith with Buddhist teachings. The main aspect of Buddhism that the author wishes politicians to consider and apply is called the Eightfold Path.

According to this path, politicians (and for that matter, people in general) have to listen to others as well as express their own views. This means that a politician should never cut his or her opponent off in a debate or engage in mudslinging. I can't tell you the number of times I've judged people in politics as being petty for putting others down. According to this book, in order to curb the mudslinging desire, instead of saying "You're such an idiot." to another politician, one should say: "Let me share with you my information/opinion."

Before I read this book, I took for granted the status quo of today's politics. Don't politicians belittle each other by nature? How could something like Buddhism possibly have an effect? Well, the great thing about Buddhism, as mentioned above, is that it can be molded in adapted to fit an individual's needs without compromising the core of what it means to practice Buddhism. For instance, many Buddhists do not eat meat in order not to harm animals. However, there are some monks in Tibet who do eat meat because land is scarce for agriculture. According to this model, politicians will also be able to make decisions based on their own circumstances without veering from Buddhist teachings.

Despite being neither an expert in Buddhism or politics, I came away enlightened by the content of this book. Wouldn't it be great if US politicians practiced Buddhist philosophy? Wouldn't it be great if they listened to others instead of expounding their own greatness? If more politicians followed this way of thinking, many more great deeds would be done and there would be less talking for talking's sake and mudslinging for mudslinging's sake. Indeed, politicians would necessarily be more compassionate, understanding and forgiving and the country will live in would undoubtedly be a better place.

I urge you to read this book. Even if you haven't the slightest idea about Buddhism and perhaps a vague idea about politics, you will benefit from it. Victoria Stoklasa, I assure you, is knowledgeable about both Buddhism and politics. She holds a master's degree in Political Science and has been involved in Missouri state politics. Whatever shortcomings you think that American's politicians have today can be remedied by Buddhist philosophy as this book so poignantly points out. You will also receive a grounding in Buddhism itself with references to other books on this religion. Did I mention that this book is only $0.99? Available starting October 7. Get it here!