Aligning Digital Protocol with Buddha's Teachings on Nonviolence

In today's digital age, technology plays a significant role in our lives. As we embrace the benefits of technology, it's essential to consider how our digital actions impact others and the world around us. Ahimsa, or nonviolence, is a fundamental principle in Buddhism and the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba. Here, we'll explore how to align digital protocols with Buddha's teachings on nonviolence.

Digital Protocols based on Buddha's Teachings:

- Mindful Communication: Practice compassionate communication online, avoiding harmful or hurtful language.
- Digital Detox: Regularly disconnect from devices to cultivate inner peace and reduce digital noise.
- Privacy and Security: Respect others' privacy and secure personal data to prevent digital harm.
- Ethical Consumption: Consume digital content responsibly, avoiding harmful or exploitative material.
- Environmental Awareness: Consider the environmental impact of digital technologies and strive for sustainable practices.
- Inclusivity and Accessibility: Promote digital inclusivity and accessibility for all, regardless of abilities or backgrounds.
- Cyber kindness: Practice kindness and empathy online, just as you would in person.

Buddha and Sathya Sai Baba's Teachings in Relation to Technology and Digital Protocol:

Both Buddha and Sathya Sai Baba emphasize the importance of inner transformation and self-reflection. In the digital realm, this means being mindful of our online actions and their consequences. They teach us to cultivate compassion, empathy, and wisdom in our interactions, including those in the digital space.

By embracing these digital protocols inspired by Buddha's teachings on nonviolence, we can create a more compassionate and harmonious online community. Let's strive to align our digital actions with the principles of ahimsa, promoting a culture of kindness, empathy, and wisdom in the digital age.

“Start the day with Love. Live the day with Love. Fill the day with Love. Spend the day with Love. End the day with Love. This is the way to God.”

- Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 9, #16 (1969)

About Buddha Poornima

Buddha, whose name means awakened one was born a prince of the Shakyas on the borders of what is today India-Nepal borders. He renounced his princely life and dedicated his life to his teachings. These teachings are the Four Noble Truths which are Truth of Suffering, Truth of the Cause of Suffering, Truth of the End of Suffering, and Truth of the Path that leads to the end of Suffering, and the Eightfold Path which includes Right View, Right Resolve, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.

Buddha’s teachings and Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teaching on non-violence are very similar. Buddha’s teachings teach us to do as much good as possible, avoid harm, and to help others. He taught that personal and world peace are linked by the thought and actions of all human beings. Sri Sathya Sai Baba speaks of non-violence (Ahimsa) as the highest form of Dharma. Sri Sathya Sai Baba has also said that among Buddha’s foremost teaching was Ahimsa which is not causing harm to anyone. Sathya Sai teachings state that no one should be harmed even by speech, ill feelings, or deeds. (Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 29, #14 (1996)) Sri Sathya Sai Baba also tells us that Buddha’s and His teachings are based on love. (Buddha’s message Summer Showers 2000)

Buddha Poornima which is celebrated this year on May 23, 2024 marks the birth anniversary of Buddha. During this festival, Buddhists decorated their temples with flowers and gather at these temples before dawn to raise the Buddhist Flag while singing hymns. They also offer prayers, meditate, and participate in religious rituals. They begin their day by cleaning their homes, sprinkling Gangajal (water from river Ganga) around their houses. They light a candle, adorn their homes with flowers, place kumkum in front of the door entrance, and pour milk near the Bodhi Tree. White clothing is worn, and the eating of meat and fish is avoided. Vegetarian meals are offered to others along with kheer (a rice pudding), which is a favorite dish.

May Lord Buddha bless us all with health, wealth, knowledge and kindness.