(Cont'd..) There is a lesson for Nepal in all this. Following the Buddha's teachings, the path to resolving the present conflict lies in addressing the following six points: 1 The economy. Poverty is a root cause of violence and the Buddha himself pointed out: "If a ruler allows poverty to develop, it will lead to social strife, so it is his responsibility to avoid this by looking after the poor." 2 Negotiations. The Buddhist way of solving conflict by peaceful means is carried in the Buddha's own life when he gave practical lessons in tolerance. 3 Nonviolence. The Buddha always instructs his followers to be true pacifists by telling them: "Conquer anger with love, conquer evil with good, conquer greed by giving, and conquer lies with the truth." 4 Patience. The Buddha instructs his followers to advance themselves by practicing loving kindness, compassion, appreciative gladness and equanimity. 5 Forbearance and forgiveness. The Buddha says: "The words of a fool are best stopped by responding to his anger and verbal onslaught by oneself remaining calm, not by harsh measurers. This will not lead to one's opponent thinking he can take advantage of one's 'weakness', forbearance is a sign of real strength, unlike the deceptive 'strength' of a fool." 6 Tolerance and amity. The Buddha teaches his followers to have religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence with followers of other religions. If the leaders of the government or Maoists practice these values sincerely, it would guarantee peace in Nepal. The ruler's actions are of far-reaching consequence since they affect his own kingship as well as the fortune, fate and destiny of his subjects who are almost entirely dependent upon him. By his exemplary action the King, the leader, influences, for good or bad, for weal or woe, the material as well as the spiritual condition of those who live under his rule, and he thus influences and determines their happiness or misery. Perhaps the ancient wisdom of the Buddha who was nurtured on Nepali soil can solve the current problems. Phra Sugandha (Anil Sakya) is a Nepali monk who is assistant secretary to the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara. This article is excerpted from a theme paper he presented at the World Buddhist Summit in Lumbini recently.