Memorandum from the Network of Buddhist
Organisations (DGB 124)
Further to my e-mail of 21 January, I can now
present a statement from the Network of Buddhist Organisations
concerning the Buddhist position on the proposed legislation.
The statement is as follows:
STATEMENT
The teachings of the Buddha discourage gambling
in any form. Gambling is an activity which encourages greed and
which, in some forms, is actually or potentially abusive of other
creatures. Moreover, the gambler is encouraged to focus his attention,
not on the present moment, but on the future, in a manner which
is often unrealistic and unhelpful.
While many people would see gambling as "harmless
fun" it has been, and is, often associated with criminal
activity, not least of all in the "fixing" of matches,
races etc. Moreover, the resources devoted to gambling could,
and should be devoted to other socially useful causes.
In the light of this position, Government legislation
which is designed to make gambling more widespread, more addictive
and more pervasive in our society is to be opposed.
If we are able to be of any further assistance,
please do not hesitate to get in touch.
February 2004
| 
