The Transcendent Wisdom Scripture for Humane Kings Who Wish to Protect Their States, also known simply as the Sūtra of Humane Kings, states:
"Great king! In all states there are countless specters and spirits, each of whom has countless minions. If they hear this scripture [Sūtra of Humane Kings], they will protect your state. If a state is on the verge of chaos, the specters and spirits form the vanguard of chaos. Because of the chaos of the specters and spirits the myriad people become chaotic. In due course bandits arise and the one hundred surnames perish. The king, the heir apparent, the princes, and the one hundred officers involve one another in scandals.
I open with this excerpt from the Sūtra of Humane Kings not because of its benefit specifically but to make a point and emphasize the benefit of the Buddhadharma for societies that uphold it. Case in point, the aforementioned text was edited and taught by the Buddhist monk Amoghavajra (Chinese: 不空, Bùkōng) specifically for the benefit of the Táng dynasty in China. He formulated rites based on this text in order to safeguard the nation from strife, rebellion, famine, and other misfortunes. It is claimed that he was able to preempt the Tibetan and Uygher invasion in 765 through these rites, leading to the dispersion of said force.
In Japan, during the Heian period, the monk Kūkai intentionally went to China to learn Esoteric Buddhism (密教, mikkyō) in order to benefit the nation. Kūkai spent his entire life propagating Buddhism and serving the nation and the Japanese imperial court. He would perform rites to end droughts (i.e., bring rain), expounding scriptures to end epidemics and calamities, conduct preside over state rituals. Kūkai inherits his methods from the same line as that of Amoghavajra through the latter's student Huìguǒ.
Today, despite the reduction of Buddhism in East Asia to the privacy of temples, monasteries, and households, it remains central to the stability and cohesion of societies in the region. Monastics and masters continue to expound the sūtras, recite mantras, and conduct rituals for the benefit of their benefactors and patrons, communities, and nations. It is their strength that the predominant faith of their societies see the benefit, stability, and prosperity of their countries as important to the spiritual well-being of the people.
The Philippines, a country divided in many respects, can benefit from such an arrangement. While it is typical to hear exhortations from churches to pray for the nation and our leaders, it is inept at benefitting the nation directly. Christianity in general concerns itself more with what it considers to be the "spiritual" rather than the mundane, often scorning the issues concerning the latter simply as trials. While I acknowledge specific Christian theologies that concern themselves with the affairs of this world, this pales in comparison to the benefit the Buddhism can bring to the Philippines. Buddhism concerns itself directly with the suffering in this life and the problems we face, providing methods and ways to address them directly both for mundane benefits and the ultimate benefit (enlightenment).
Following the example of Amoghavajra, Kūkai, Padmasambhava, and all the masters who have taught, propagated, and practiced the Vajrayāna for the benefit of all, we can create a better, healthier, and more prosperous nation with the Buddhadharma at its core. Individual cultures can flourish without removing the essence of Buddhism, which has, time and time again, proven itself capable of adapting to the societies it finds itself in. With this in mind, I offer this aspiration prayer:
Homage to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Saṃgha!
Homage to the Avalokiteśvara, Mañjuśrī, and Vajrapāṇi, powerful heirs of the victors!
Homage to the masters, who, out of great compassion for all beings, have dedicated their lives to expounding and practicing the teachings of the Buddha!
In the Pearl of the Orient, a land of great abundance and beauty---
Heirs of old of the victors in times long passed---
May the teachings of the Buddha again take root and spread!
Through the power of the truth of emptiness and dependent arising
And that of our generosity and other meritorious deeds,
May the teachings of the Buddha spread and flourish!
Through the power of the great compassion of all the heirs of the victors
And that of following their example by benefitting both self and others,
May the teachings of the Buddha flourish and remain forever!