About This Answer
When asked how to guard the mind amid so much news about war around the world, Ajahn Dtun says that conflict depends on the era and on leaders: when leaders hold wrong views and misuse power, ordinary people suffer. Where war happens, people born there meet the results of their kamma. Austria and Thailand are fortunate not to be affected, though one should not be complacent.
In war, he says, there may be winners and losers, but both sides are ruined to a greater or lesser degree and must rebuild; there is only loss, and the families of those who die grieve. He cites King Rama V, who chose to give up some territory to France rather than fight and risk losing the whole country, as an example of wise leadership that spared the people.
His practical advice is not to be too afraid or anxious. Death can come anywhere, even in sleep at home. If following the news makes one very worried, one should simply stop watching reports about wars in other countries and be content that where one lives is at peace.