Self-realisation

by Husna Inayathullah

In a coastal town in the Galle district, there lived eight families on a lane. It was a beautiful village called Unawatuna. Surrounded by the beautiful beach and corals, the cool breeze was blowing throughout the day. There was greenery everywhere with thousands of trees, coconuts, and palms dominating the region.

There were six boys of the same age group living down the same lane. They were so mischievous and naughty. They were so playful that they wanted to do something adventurous.

Taking risks was a part of them. They enjoyed it. They had a lot of pleasure in doing things that the elders objected to. So the group of boys named themselves "The risk takers." They painted it on the walls of the street and carved it on the trees.

Uncle Sunil on the next lane hated the boys. He always chased them away when he found them in his garden. He advised them to behave themselves. Uncle Sunil had a garden full of king coconut trees and he looked after them well. So the naughty boys wanted to take a risk in stealing the king coconuts.

The six boys attended different schools. As a result they met only in the evenings after school. They were eager to meet each other and play different games.

It was the Vesak season. The whole village was decorated with lanterns. The temples were decorated and illuminated. Scenes from the life of the Buddha were created and painted on pandals.

There were dansals everywhere. Devout Buddhists provided food for passers-by on the street and to those who observed sil at the temple.

The boys got together in the morning. They went to the temple dressed in white to meditate and offer flowers and incense to the Buddha. After returning home the six of them planned to do something interesting. Then Nimal said ,"Hey we can peacefully pluck some king coconuts today as uncle Sunil is not at home.

"Wow! That's a good idea but where has uncle Sunil gone? asked Kosala.

"He has gone on a pilgrimage and father said he won't be back for three days," said Nimal.

"Okay, let's start our journey to drink some king coconut peacefully today," said Reshan.

Everyone was happy except Gayanake. He explained the significance of Vesak. He said that it was not proper to steal on a Vesak day. He said that all the merit they had gained from meditating in the morning would vanish.

Gayanake explained to his friends the teachings of the Buddha. He said it was not merely meditating and offering flowers but by truly and sincerely striving to follow his teachings that one can become a pious Buddhist. He said Vesak is a day that could be devoted to do some meritorious deeds.

Gayanake said, "Ammi said that we are expected to celebrate Vesak without causing any harm to others. We should lead a noble life, develop our minds and practise kindness and bring peace and harmony to humanity."

The other five boys realised the gravity of Vesak. They determined not to commit any act that violates the principles of Buddhism.