“Bhikkhus, when virtuous renunciant dwell in dependence on a village or a town, there people generate much merit in three ways.
What are the three? By body, speech and mind.
When virtuous renunciant dwell in dependence on a village or a town, there people generate much merit in these three ways.”
This is the impeccable statement made by the great Master, the Gauthama Buddha about his true disciples 26 centuries ago. The pearl of Indian Ocean and the beautiful island Sri Lanka was very fortunate to inherit a worthy personage at the dawn of the 20th century.
An irreplaceable loss of Most Venerable Kotugoda Dhammawasa Maha Nayaka Maha Thera is a huge vacuity. Humbleness and simplicity are the shining characteristics in Maha Thera’s life. Unique style of delivering Dhamma talks were pleasing and agreeable. May Maha Thera attain The Supreme Bliss of Nibbana!
Today
I would like to outline about Buddhism in brief
For
Buddhism, numerous interpretations and expositions have been given by foremost
scholars and prominent intellectuals who have immensely studied Buddhism in the
globe.
However,
twenty-six centuries ago, DHAMMA-VINAYA is the exclusive and peculiar word
the great Master, the Gotama Buddha has pronounced and proclaimed for the
reality or the truth he founded.
Some
scholars have characterised and distinguished the teachings of the Buddha as
the way of life and philosophy. It is beyond modern philosophy and psychology.
It
is the Path of Purification and Path of Freedom. Freedom from bondage to
liberation. Freedom from cruelty to compassion. Freedom from misery to
happiness. This is the essence and principle of Buddhism.
It
is impossible to define and describe what Buddha said in few words. As a Buddha
he has delivered innumerable discourses in his 45 years incumbency.
DHAMMA
– the truth – is what he realised and pointed out as advice for all who want to
get rid of suffering.
VINAYA-
discipline- is what the Blessed One compassionately constituted as disciplinary
codes and standards of behaviour for those of his followers who go forth from
home life to take up the quest for release in greater resolution and
enthusiasm.
In
the present, so called Buddhist countries and born Buddhists wherever they
live, even in abroad, they have added their own cultural aspects and practices
with Buddhism.
Some
cultural values and ethnic practices are acceptable and admirable. Some of them
are controversial and inconsistent with what the Buddha said.
We
are in the climax of the development of science and advancement of technology
now. We call it is the New Millennium and Digital Age.
Specially,
we are in a global village now. Whatever it happens in any part of the world
will swiftly fly and spread all over the world in a nanosecond.
Our
young generation is well equipped with the knowledge of modern science and well
advanced in nano technology. When they curiously question and challenge us to
find what exactly the great master the Buddha said. Now outdated rites and
rituals are critically questioned and severely challenged by youth. If it is
not compatible and agreeable with the true words of the Buddha, we are lost for
words.
We
should be wise and mindful when we perform some cultural rites and rituals in
the name of Buddhism.
In
Buddha Dhamma, generosity, morality, and practice of mindfulness are the key
and paramount factors should be practiced for lay followers of the Buddha.
Morality, tranquillity, and wisdom are the prime and leading qualities which
monks and nuns (lifetime dedicated disciples of the Buddha) should practice. It
is commendable that there are virtuous and exemplary monks and lay disciples
are in our society, but they are silently and devotedly practice according to Buddha’s
instructions.
Unfortunately,
now Buddhism has been politicized and modified by some hypocritical politicians
and monks who support corrupted politicians to make innocent citizens fool and
mislead. It is completely contrary to what the Buddha said.
Unfortunately,
most born Buddhists think and accept what these hypocrites do, but in Buddhism
there is no room at all for these blind faiths and beliefs.
Be
wise to understand what the Buddha said and be honest to be pragmatic disciple
of the Buddha.
Coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID_19) is a contagious respiratory and vascular disease. It is
currently an ongoing global pandemic. There
are no proven vaccines or specific treatments for COVID-19 yet, though several
are in development. Preventive measures
are the only precautions at this high-risk situation. Magnitude of spreading
and transmission is massive, unimaginable and unpredictable.
Selfishness is the prime
and leading hindrance and impediment to this pandemic disease rapidly spreading
all over the world.
Everyone
should be kind and compassionate.
Diligently
follow the rules and guidelines and observe the advice given by health
professionals.
Once
the Buddha said:
“Bhikkhus,
the mind is luminous, but it is defiled by adventitious defilements.”
We
need to investigate ourselves and scrutinize ourselves. Looking inward is the
paramount factor in Buddhism.
Be
mindful of what you think, what you speak and what you do.
In
Samyutta Nikaya, the connected Discourses of the Buddha, The Dhamma is defined
thus:
“The
Straight Way’ that path is called,
And
‘fearless’ is its destination.
The
chariot is called ‘unrattling’,
Fitted
with wheels of wholesome states.
“The
sense of shame is its leaning board,
Mindfulness
its upholstery;
I
call the Dhamma the charioteer,
With
right view running out in front.
“One
who has such a vehicle-
Whether
a man or a woman-
Has,
by means of this vehicle,
Drawn
close to Nibbana.”
We
should endeavour to perform wholesome activities which our great spiritual
teacher encouraged us to carry out and perform.
Wholesome
deeds will pave the way to innermost peace and happiness.
