A sudden pang of deep remorse engulfed Yasodhara as she pondered the magnitude of achievements of the Prince Siddhartha who outright became the Saviour of humanity by virtue of his enlightenment. She regretted for being so harsh on the mighty man, whom she misconstrued as her husband Prince Siddhartha; in fact, the man who sat beside her, was the Buddha, the liberator of mankind. Finally, gaining her composure, she put forth her question, "What is the answer you found, is the cause for human sufferings?'
The Buddha replied, "The cause for human sufferings lies within human beings. The desires which men cherish, contribute to their sufferings. Men should give up their desires, in order to enjoy their blissful life. Moreover, the fundamental factor for human liberation from the cycle of birth and death, lies in developing the sense of detachment'.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi very eloquently said, 'India has given the world "Buddh" not "Yuddh", which this book Buddh Not Yuddh so evocatively showcases. In fact, this is the most timely book, which talks about sanity amidst the all around turbulence brought about by the maddening frenzy which has engulfed our planet in its octopus like grip in today's time. Buddh Not Yuddh, a book penned by Vivekanand Jha, amidst the forces of darkness seeking to turn the world topsy turvy, provides humanity with a ray of hope for its return to "Buddh" (peace) while recoiling from its self-annihilating tendencies of an ubiquitous forces of "Yuddh" (Violence) bedeviling mankind in today's dystopian time. No wonder, in unfolding of human mindlessness manifesting in wars going on at different places, Buddh Not Yuddh, a book with its in-depth analytical wisdom, seeking a perfect amalgam of quintessential teachings of Buddha, along with their proper actualisation by him, beckoning humanity to its pricelessness for all times and ages. Little wonder then, Buddh Not Yuddh, encapsulates the comprehensive vision for banishing all sorts of evils from the face of the earth of the earth. Thus, return to Buddha as a raison detre and summum bonum of humanity is the only option available to mankind to insulate itself from its impending extinction. This alone will ensure the path for human salvation.
In a world increasingly defined by conflict, division, and the looming threat of war, there emerges Vivekanand Jha's compelling new work, BUDDH NOT YUDDH, that calls for a return to the timeless wisdom of peace, compassion, and understanding. This book arrives at a critical moment in global history, offering a profound alternative to the prevailing narrative of conflict. Through a masterful blend of history, philosophy, and storytelling, Vivekanand makes a compelling case for the philosophy of the Buddha as the antidote to the cycles of violence that have plagued humanity for millennia.
This expanded foreword aims to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of themes and historical insights that Vivekanand weaves together, further illuminating the urgent need for the principles of Buddh (Understanding, Peace) to triumph over the destructive forces of Yuddh (War).
The very foundation of this book rests upon a powerful declaration, one that resonates deeply with India's historical and philosophical ethos by Sri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, at the United Nations General Assembly on 27th September 2019: "India gave to the world Buddh not Yuddh". This statement is not merely a historical assertion but a living testament to the enduring relevance of the Buddha's teachings in navigating the complexities of human existence and international relations. Vivekanand's work takes this powerful premise and meticulously explores its multifaceted implications for a world grappling with the recurrent horrors of war.
What sets Vivekananda's work apart is not only its timely message but also the author's remarkable depth of knowledge and his exceptional command of language. His vast intellectual breadth allows him to navigate complex subjects with nuance and precision, seamlessly weaving together insights from "religion, politics, metaphysics, ethics, diplomacy, cinema, culture, history, geography and other myriads of subjects". This comprehensive approach enriches the reader's understanding and provides a holistic perspective on the multifaceted relationship between peace and conflict. Further, the author's well articulated narrative will resonate not only intellectually but also emotionally with its readers.
The book commences with the chapter "A Providential Decree", immediately drawing the reader into the early life of Prince Siddhartha. It explores the circumstances surrounding his departure from the palace, a pivotal moment driven by his encounter with the realities of human suffering. The subsequent chapter, "Siddhartha transforms into the Buddha", forms the heart of the narrative, undoubtedly detailing his arduous quest for enlightenment and his ultimate attainment of Buddhahood. This section promises to unravel the core tenets of his philosophy and the profound insights he gained into the nature of suffering and its cessation.
The chapter "Yasodhara's plight" offers a poignant counterpoint to Siddhartha's journey, exploring the emotional turmoil and personal sacrifices endured by his wife and family. This chapter delves into the human cost of such a profound renunciation, adding a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. "The liberator of humanity" broadens the book's scope by focusing on the Buddha's role as a teacher and guide, offering solace and a path to liberation for all beings while "A panacea for all evils" suggests a deeper exploration of the Buddha's teachings as a comprehensive solution to the myriad ills that afflict humanity, including violence, greed, and hatred. The "The Final Message" encapsulates the ultimate wisdom imparted by the Buddha, focusing on his emphasis on self-reliance and the individual journey towards Nirvana, embodied in the powerful message "Aap Dipo Bhava" (Be the light unto yourself).
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