world. Only mutual respect among all nations of the world can ever lead to full and lasting peace. Chu-Ko Kiang tried seven times to win over Meng Huo, but never once did he use force in doing so. King Dighiti released King Brahmadatta from prison many times, and in the end, he gave up his throne to avoid war. The Buddha himself once sat in the hot sun to block the way of King Virudhaka's troops who were on their way to war. The Buddha also taught minister Varsakara that those who practice aggression will fail in the end. Today, because of great ideological differences, our world is scarred by the unequal distribution of wealth, separatist movements, terrorism, and vendettas born in times long passed. Iraq invaded Kuwait and caused so much destruction and suffering. There is fighting in Bosnia, Sri Lanka, and the former states of the Soviet Union. How much hatred and anger and how many deaths have these wars generated? In Africa there is terrible strife; a militarized line runs through the heart of Korea; and an evil cloud hangs over the Straits of Taiwan. Should we ignore these dangers? Should we close our eyes and shut away our consciences? Can we stand that there is none of the good but only evil? Can we stand that there is no peace but hatred? We cannot do this. We must try instead to bring the world closer and closer to a lasting peace. Equality and peace are two sides of the same profound truth. True equality is not based simply on appearances or words, nor can it be achieved solely by intimidation, arms control, or nuclear weapon ban measures. To achieve the goal of true peace, we must also emphasize the purification of our hearts and minds, the commonality of our thinking, and the
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