The Statecraft of the Buddha: for unity and dialogue in a divisive world
Don de Silva
Author, Buddhist Counsellor and University Mentor, Mindfulness, Diplomacy, Sustainability
The Buddha’s first two principles of governance on unity and harmony outlined in the Seven Principles of Governance delivered to the Vajji assembly leaders are profoundly relevant in today's social and political landscape.
All the seven principles are found in The Vajji Seven or the Vajjisattakavagga.
These principles emphasise frequent assemblies and meetings, and conducting those gatherings in harmony and unity. They are a direct response to the need for collective decision-making and cohesive leadership — a necessity that is as crucial now as it was during the Buddha's time.
Let’s take a look at the first two.
The First Principle: Frequent Assemblies and Meetings
The Buddha's first principle states:
Pali: Yāvakīva?ca, licchavī, vajjī abhi?ha? sannipātā bhavissanti sannipātabahulā.
Translation: "As long as the Vajjis meet frequently and have many meetings."
The underlying significance of this principle is that frequent assemblies are essential for maintaining a well-functioning and united community. Regular meetings foster engagement and ensure that all members of the leadership contribute to collective decisions.
When leaders meet frequently, they create a platform for dialogue, consultation, and the exchange of ideas, all of which are critical for effective governance. This principle implies that a government or organisation should not be controlled by a few but instead be participatory and inclusive, engaging all stakeholders regularly.
In today’s political world, where misinformation, political polarisation, and a lack of dialogue have become the new norm, the relevance of this principle becomes stark. Political systems worldwide are increasingly marked by blatantly, divisive rhetoric.
This results in fragmented policies that lack widespread support.
By emphasising the importance of frequent meetings, the Buddha’s teaching offers a way to counteract this trend. Regular assemblies ensure that different perspectives are heard, reducing the risk of decisions being dominated by narrow interests.
Moreover, in an era where fake news and misinformation proliferate, frequent assemblies provide an avenue for leaders to verify facts, exchange reliable information, and develop a collective understanding of issues. This collaborative approach reduces the chances of decisions being based on misleading or distorted information, thereby ensuring that governance remains transparent and just.
The Second Principle: Harmony in Assemblies
The second principle outlined by the Buddha stresses the importance of harmony in meetings:
领英推荐
Pali: Yāvakīva?ca, licchavī, vajjī samaggā sannipatissanti, samaggā vu??hahissanti, samaggā vajjikara?īyāni karissanti.
Translation: "As long as the Vajjis meet in harmony, depart in harmony, and carry out their duties in harmony."
Significance: Harmonious interactions during meetings ensure that decisions are reached collectively and amicably, which in turn creates a stable and cooperative environment. The Buddha clearly understood that the strength of any governance system lies not only in frequent interactions but also in the quality of those interactions.
Unity among leaders fosters trust, minimises conflicts, and ensures that decisions are executed effectively.
In the current political climate, marked by hostility, name-calling, and personal attacks, this principle serves as a critical reminder of the value of respect and collaboration. When leaders prioritise scoring points over working together, the result is often a gridlocked system that fails to serve the people.
The Buddha’s emphasis on harmony suggests that even when disagreements arise, they should be addressed through respectful dialogue and a focus on shared goals.
Additionally, this principle challenges the toxic culture of personal attacks and ridicule that pervades many political spheres today. By fostering harmonious discussions, leaders can model the kind of behaviour that encourages unity and constructive engagement among the broader population.
The Buddha’s guidance on frequent and harmonious assemblies offers a powerful counter-narrative to the divisive and chaotic state of much of today’s politics.
These principles remind us that good governance is not just about having power but about using it wisely through collective decision-making and respectful engagement. By embracing these timeless teachings, modern societies can work toward building stronger, more resilient communities grounded in unity, respect, and informed decision-making.
On the Buddha’s Seven Principles of Governance, please see previous post:
Source: Numbered Discourses 7.21 A?guttara Nikāya 7.21 3. The Vajji Seven 3. Vajjisattakavagga At Sārandada Sārandadasutta