Theory of Dependent Origination and Social Healing Approach Towards Post Conflict Reconciliation

Abstract

The reconciliation approach that is in use in post conflict reconciliation works in Sri Lanka is the existing models of reconciliation that identify the categories of victims, perpetrators and the bystanders. This very approach creates much deeper divisions and suspicions among the people rather than bringing them together. Further, this approach disconnects people from understanding the interconnectedness of everyone in different ways and in different degrees in the process of development of the conflict and in the same manner in the process of healing. The answer to this problem is developed based on the teaching of the theory of dependent origination and incorporating the practice of four sublime states. Through the theory of dependent origination, the interconnectedness of the whole gamut of story is seen and then the historical development of the problem also is understood. In this approach there is no clear cut divisions of victims, perpetrators and the bystanders. Instead it is understood as a connected whole. The healing is not seen as the healing of individuals or individual categories but healing of all and to understand the need of healing of all as a determining factor for the healing of individuals.