Daily Times

In the quietude of meditation chambers at the Jaulian Monastery, Taxila, an oriental man stood before the ‘Healing Buddha’ engrossed in meditation with his index finger inserted in the naval of the ‘Healing Buddha’ statue. A few moments later, he stepped away making room for others in line to take turns. The aura of reverence, humility and commitment,and the belief in his eyes was inescapable.

Jaulian temple is one of a few well preserved archeological sites among numerous others scattered around Taxila, and it was a major seat of Buddhism in the past. I had never thought the belief in a 4th century life size statue of ‘Healing Buddha’ wasstill valid for someone in the 21st century.

While wondering what makes people travel from across the world seeking cures for ailments in a mud and lime statue, abeguilingcuriosity of the like of Indiana Jones crept into my mind.

As soon as people strolled out of the meditation chamber clearing the area, I staredat the Healing Buddha. I inserted my index finger deep inside an over two-inch hole in the naval of the statue, imitating what the tourists did. With a focused mind I hoped I would be able to feel the healing power of the statue. Disappointed, I pulled my finger out after a few minutes.

Why was there no solace for me unlike the believers in Gautama Buddha who often return home fulfilled? Something must have gone wrong, but what was it? After thinking about this for a couple of days, I inferred that the outcome is governed by ‘faith’, the belief within the heart. That’s the magic mantra which takes us beyond this world and makes the impossible possible.

After thinking about this for a couple of days, I inferred that the outcome is governed by ‘faith’, the belief within the heart. That’s the magic mantra which takes us beyond this world and makes the impossible possible

Yes, it’s faith — one carries deep in the heart, because of which everything, and all miracles happen.  I kept wondering why despite being abeliever, we can’t site a single living example of their past. Most probably, it’s the claim to belief that fails to match their deeds. The healing touch requires purity, and a clean utensil where divine bliss can be poured in. The approach needs to be deep rooted with faith in the divine that also requires a change in character.

The recent extraordinary summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the United States decision of shifting its capital to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, had only 22 heads-of-state from among 57 members. Prominent among leaders who missed the summit include, Saudi and Bahrain’s kings, Egyptian and United Arab Emirates (UAE) leaders. Could there be something more important than Al Quds?

Perhaps it’s a matter of confused priorities. For some, acquiring ‘Salvator Mundi’ (Savior of the World) Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci’s five centuries old art piece for a record 450 million dollars was more important. Compromises and alliances with some countries have been more crucial than stepping in to raise a voice for the honor of the center of Muslim faith.

And even those in attendance of the Summit couldn’t fare behind reiterating the resolution adopted by the United Nations on Palestine and Al Quds, particularly the Security Council Resolution 478, adopted in 1980. The Summit resounds with rhetoric of not giving up on the aspiration for a sovereign and independent State of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as capital. Many leaders in the OIC Summit insist that the United States refrains and rollsback its decision.

President Trump was warned by various quarters including diplomats and policymakers from both the Muslim and non-Muslim world of the repercussions of his decision. But the unexpected response turned out as sheepish as expected by the White House — a well calculated and thoroughly rehearsed move on part of an apparently unpersuasive President.

The situation raised many fingers questioning Saudi Arabia conveniently retaining its seat in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).  With allegations of war crimes in Palestine, Yemen, Kashmir, Myanmar and elsewhere what is the role of the Muslim-NATO?  How does its existence justify acquiring sophisticated war toys to profit Military Bureaucratic Industrial Complexes at the cost of much needed development funds in a famine plagued and war-torn world?

Can the silence of the lambs or screams of shepherds restrain determined wolves? Perhaps not, the shepherds and the wolves have probably colluded, and the silence of the lambs can’t avert cantankerous wolves. That’s all a whistle blower can put forward.

The writer is senior journalist and former Political Affairs Advisor to the US Consulate General in Karachi

Published in Daily Times, December 17^th 2017.