Dear Friends,
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 Now outdated rites and rituals are critically questioned and severely challenged by youth.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.
May all beings be well and happy.
BY: Ven. Horowpothane Sathindriya Thera.
