This paper envisions a conversation between Gautama Buddha (B), Mahavira (Ma), Shri Adi Shankara (A), Moses (Mo), Mohammed (Moh), Confucius (Co), Lao Tzu (L), and Mutsuhito (Mu). In spite of small differences in their doctrines, all these religious leaders propounded beliefs and lifestyles that would eventually lead to the betterment of the human condition. The importance placed on maintaining simplicity in life was among the basic tenets of all the religious leaders’ philosophies. The fact that human life has grown complex and difficult because of the human beings’ endeavour to develop the world according to their needs would distress all the leaders. They would lament at the condition of this world that thrives on its own desire. However, as Robert Voorst states, “(But) what if the world is not merely filled with desire? What if the world is desire? In some Eastern thought, desire tethered to ignorance is the world, and as such it is the flywheel that perpetuates suffering” (7). Is the Western civilization is progressing technologically, but digressing spiritually. The Eastern civilization was once a supremely powerful civilization with cosmopolitan cities such as Chang’an, akin to the New York of today (Rhoades 116). Would Eastern philosophy be able to provide the answers for the world’s problems today? The following is the conversation that would take place if the leaders were to gather and discuss regarding the loss of simplicity from their lives. The discussion would shed light on what kind of doctrine would solve the world’s problems.
B: When I gave up the life of a prince to become an ascetic, I had realized that the true answer to human sufferings could be found by meditation and reflection. The sight of poverty and old age made me realize that the human life is transient and the human condition can be improved by true understanding of human nature and by exercising self-control. While I understand that human beings have strived to develop the quality of the world they live in, it seems to me that they have forgotten that they are destroying the world by developing it. They forget that they are not the sole owners of the world. They share it with other living creatures. Their technological advances have made them the rulers, and perhaps even made many of their lives simpler, but the fraction of humans still suffering under the bane of poverty and health problems is ever increasing. With their current approach to life, the humans have not only created a division among themselves, but also among themselves and the other living beings. The need of the hour now is that human beings stop chasing luxury and begin living a simple life.
Ma: I agree with you. They have forgotten that giving the utmost care to every other living presence in the world is of prime importance. When humans should be practicing self-control so that they learn to live with minimum needs and in harmony with their surrounding, they are increasing the threshold of their needs. Do they truly needs devices such as those created by Apple? Do they not realize that several innocent lives, lives of their own kind, suffer because of their demands of products like iPhones? Is it not ridiculous that the luxury of one man could be the death of another? This lack of awareness and insensitivity is appalling. Are there only a handful of my true followers left from the huge population on the earth? I wish people could remember how I strived to live a simple life, how I like you (to the Buddha) had left the luxuries because I understood they would never lead me anywhere. If they could remember, then perhaps they would want to follow the path of our lives, for our lives were far more fulfilled than any of them can imagine.
A: Yes, Mahavira. I know how you put your body through hardships to enlighten your mind. I adopted sannyasa and preached it in my lifetime as well. I realize that the world cannot be full of sannyasis, but I never imagined that the world would eventually become replete with such luxury-seeking people. This is truly the Kalyuyg. Poor human beings, I hope they reach within themselves and attain Mukti soon. Budhha, my words to Kumarīla Bhaṭṭa, who learned your teachings only so that he could abhor and ridicule them, and his guru, Mandana Mishra, who failed to realize that maintaining human household is not the true path to salvation had a great impact among people once. Now, when I look at what are called the “countries” of the world, I feel greatly saddened. The Americans seem to chase their household luxury impassive to the world’s sufferings. The “developing countries” seem to follow the path of the Americans. I feel strong stirrings of pity and depression.
Mo: When the Lord made me lead my people to freedom, he said that human beings should refrain from killing, thieving, and adultery. Loving one’s neighbour is of prime importance. Today in the name of progression, man has forgotten all these tenets. The manner, in which people grab each other property and land, reeks of corruption and disharmony. While they regard murder and stealing as crimes, they seem to have as many wars as they wish as a pretext to carry out these criminal acts. I am shocked and I think the solution that the people should adopt a simple life and stop chasing luxury could work. However, I do not think austerity is the answer to all problems; we must not stop man from progressing, as progress is essential to differentiate man from other animals. We cannot forget that humans are superior as they have better brain capacity.
Moh: I remember when I was consolidating the enduring disparities among the Medina tribes and the emigrants, cohesive existence was unanimously agreed upon. Today when I see the different tribes of the world fighting for prominence, it upsets me. I think that people are actually becoming pagans. They do not seem to have any religion. It is deplorable that so many countries are taking interest for lending money. The treatment of women too is shameful in many countries. When the world was younger and people lived in simpler times, human lives seemed far more fulfilled and happy. I agree that human beings are superior to animals, but it cannot be forgotten that this superiority makes them responsible for the other animals. This responsibility has certainly been forgotten. Asterism is fine, but simplicity is more important for the world.
Co: I have always said that human beings are more important than property. I understand the importance of compassion to other living beings, but animals, such as horses and mules, are often the property of human beings. Therefore, it is certain that human beings are at a superior place in the world. However, I agree that they have been taking gross advantage of their superiority. They are forgetting that the one word that can guide them through life is Shu or “reciprocity.” They cannot demand and expect that from other that which they cannot do themselves. I believe that all human beings have a certain duty towards their families and their communities. Thus, asterism is not my final answer to all problems. Nevertheless, I cannot deny the importance of simplicity in life. I, however, cannot resist admiring the human beings for their pursuit of knowledge. I do lament the fact they are losing their soul in the process.
L: Supreme authority always creates the worst possible scenario. I am glad that the world has understood over a period. However, I agree that the world will maximally benefit when the people return to their natural state. Human beings have not been granted a special place in the world; they have simply seized the world and made it theirs. This is the reason behind the disharmony in their lives. The technology that they seem so dependent and proud of is not a true achievement. They are simply fooling themselves by calling progress as the alter ego of technological innovation. I strongly believe that humans should lead simpler lives. The life of a simple and spiritually able, rustic person is far more superior than an urban, technology-dependent person’s life.
T: The inhuman atrocities on life, which result in several meaningless deaths, are creating a urami or grudge. Soon, this urami will become so immense that it will soon envelope and destroy all human life within the world. I do not think that every human being needs to have faith or belief in any religion. However, it is supremely important that people begin to work towards the purity of their minds. Nevertheless, I am a staunch supporter of innovation, and I cannot hold my admiration for the amazing innovation made in the world today. I can see that some innovations seem meaningless and luxury-oriented, but many such as medical science innovation seem to benefit humankind.
Thus, from the above discussion, we can conclude that the world needs a doctrine that combines technological advancement with spiritual growth.
Works Cited
Voorst, Robert Van Anthology of Asian Scriptures. 1st ed. London: Wadsworth Publishing, 1996. Print.
Murphey, Rhoads. A History of Asia. 6th ed. New York: Longman, 2008. Print
