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| Sunday, 7 May 2006 |
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Features |  |
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Buddha's
doctrine for a conflict-free life
Reviewed by Samangie Wettimuny Buddhism, being a special doctrine which a man is supposed to realize through wisdom, a considerable knowledge of the subject and the practical use of it can give a mental and physical relief to the suffering humanity. In fact all of life's most complicated problems could be better understood if we try to learn and practise Buddha's teachings. So a buddhist who lives in compliance with buddhism ,trying to give up greed,hatred ignorance at least to a certain extent, can lead a conflict- free life. In that context Samma Sambuddha Dharma Deshana, edited by Ruwan D. Araththanage is of great importance as it contains a series ofdhamma desana (sermons )based on Maha Mangala Sutta and Parabhava sutta. Those too suttas are considered very important, particularly for laymen, as they respectively deal with what highest auspices are, and the causes for ruin. Each gatha (verse) of the sutta is being illustrated using a story relevant to the matter discussed. Since those two suttas deal with good qualities which should be cultivated, and vices which should be abandoned , practical use of their content, help people to lead a meaningful domestic life, overcoming the common vices which have afflicted mankind. Simple presentation
Lord buddha has preached his disciples not to accept anything out of veneration to Buddha, but to verify, and test what they have heard in the light of their own experience. Thus Buddhism is a doctrine of Ehi passika where individuals have freedom to follow it only if they agree with it. Nobody is forced to follow it and nobody is being punished for not following it. A good buddhist should always have a considerable knowledge in buddhism. Ironically, there are people who affirm their faith in buddhism, yet lacking the knowledge of the basic principles of it. Lord Buddha has preached his disciples that if one wants to see buddha, see dhamma. Yo dhamman passathi, soman passathi. So in selecting these timely sermons, in editing them and presenting them together through publication , Ruwan Araththanage has genuinely tried to enlighten buddhists about very important facts related to dhamma. Company of friends One has to be very careful when associating with friends, as a lot of people have got into hot water because of bad company. In the discourse made by Piyadassi thera, which is based on the gatha Asevanacha Balanang, the thera emphasises the drastic results that one may come upon as a result of unfavourable relationships. The company of a bad colleague like Devadaththa was strong enough even to mislead a great king like Ajasaththa to the extent of killing his own father simply out of lust. So the thera in his sermon reminds elders of their duty, to be vigilant about the relationships of their children. In his sermon Davuldara Gnanissara thera deals with the drastic results brought about by man's cruelty to nature.
Here the thera shows how all the great incidents in Buddha's life, birth, enlightenment and death took place related to forests. Lord Buddha was always in high praise of the environment and had referred to it as the great resource provider of mankind expecting nothing in return. Even when explaining complicated matters in Dhamma, Buddha had always used examples from nature. Buddhism thus being a religion in agreement with the environment what the thera highlights here is the importance of leading an environmentally friendly life. Avoiding extremes A simple way of life is always emphasised in buddhism. Buddha's teachings avoid extremes and follow the middle path. Extreme austerity or extreme self indulgence are not considered conducive to the development of wisdom and understanding. In today's world people have got used to consume a lot of goods. Over consumption has made people's lives busy and complicated. To overcome such crises, the solution is there in Buddhism. Maduluwawe Sobitha thera's sermon which is based on Parabhava sutta finely illustrates how the old Sinhalese practically applied this sutta to lead a conflict free life and how that simple way of life paved the way for physical and mental relief of individuals,and how the country moved forward economically as a result. The country is largely dependent on foreign aid. According to the thera, the indebtness of man is largely due to the overconsumption. Buddha has once preached that a comfortable life could be led, if one does not fall into unnecessary debts. (It is referred to as Anana Suka in Buddhism). So, at a time like this where Buddha's doctrine is more in need, the thera's sermon is really useful. Though rarely discussed, not working on time, is a silent trouble maker in the country. In his sermon, Ven. Kotugoda Dhammavasi thera highlights the importance of performing duties on time taking examples even from Buddha's life. Problems arising from generation gaps are not rare in the society. So sermons which help overcome or at least minimise such conflicts are welcome. Rules of good conduct Since the society in which one lives is largely responsible in building up his/her character, a favourable surrounding is vital to lead a calm and quiet life free from stress. It is the rules of good conduct that creates a society characterized by harmony and peace. So the people need such religious discourses to protect deteriorating social values. When Thun Dora (Sitha, Kaya, Wachanaya) is properly controlled it prevents people getting into the wrong track. Lobha, Dosha and Moha are the key factors which tempt men to commit bad and the good buddhist who tries to control them will each be responsible in turning the society into a better place. Samma Sambudda Dharma Deshana edited by Ruwan D. Araththanage being one of the several valuable books written on practical buddhism , may positively contribute in building up a society favourable for living. Moreover out of all dhana (giving), dhamma dhana is considered the best in Buddhism. ******* The Vesak Moon by Andrew Scott Year After year I've seen you Shyly unravelling your silvery face Appearing and disappearing through cotton soft clouds That joyfully float across the starry sky. So calm and serene you look, Yet you're lustily bright, While I, a more mortal, in silent thought Watch you pensively from this troubled earth. Ever radiant, ever virgin, You so rhythmically sail over misty mountains Lighting up gardens and flowery fountains, And adorn the tranquil sky Like a gilded swan That sails gracefully in a placid ocean. You rise over Lanka's verdant hills and plains Beaming forth a mellow light Over man and beast alike, Echoing in the ears of all mankind The sublime message Of Lord Buddha, the Almighty Sage, Whose exalted message Appeals to any age, Irrespective of caste or creed, Or high or low breed. And as long as the sun and moon, The earth and sky, in man's ken remain, The Vesak moon will shine again and again Bathing the world in her tranquil light That revives memories of this sacred day Which guides the worldly beings to lead A life that's moulded on the noble Buddhist Way. |
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| Produced by Lake House |
On this Vesak we contemplate the Birth, Enlightenment and Passing away of
the Buddha. This article examines the Buddhist discourse with a review of
the Samma Sambudda Dharma Deshana, edited by Ruwan D. Araththanage
and first published in 2005. 
Using the most popular mode of teaching dhamma (form of dhamma desana),
difficult aspects of the religion are being presented in a simple manner,
understood by everybody even without prior knowledge of the subject. This
book forms the foundation needed for the further progress on the subject.
Man's ignorance and ingratitude to the environment was at peak when the
2004 tsunami hit us unexpectedly, snatching away thousands of lives. Going
against nature is always viewed negatively in Buddhism. 
