Buddha's timeless manifesto

by Kalakeerthi Dr. Edwin Ariyadasa

"Turn the wheel of the dhamma (truth), in a way, that, it can never be reversed either by Gods, or by forces of death or by Brahmas, or for that matter by anyone in the world." Declaration by supremely enlightened Buddha, in his first sermon - Dhamma Cakka Pavattana Sutta - (The Discourse on the turning of the wheel of Dhamma - Truth).

On Friday we will be celebrating the Esala (July) Poya Day, an important event in the Annual Religious calendar that has greater significance to the totality of mankind.

The 'Sermon of the Turning of the wheel', symbolizes an unprecedented turning point, in the stupendous march of human progress. It is the first-ever declaration of a spiritual Agenda, in the whole of human culture.

We fully recognize that prior to the Buddha's Declaration in this context, there have been comprehensive spiritual treatises. The Vedas of ancient Bharath, reflect, the pioneering codification of a religious system - complete with vision, philosophy, mystique and practical rites and rituals of worship.

But, the Supreme Buddha's Dhamma Cakka Pavattana Sutta is the trail-blazing Declaration, that traces, the odyssey of a spiritual quest of Truth and its Triumphant Fulfilment.

The sermon is further ennobled, because it is the first record of a deep transformation that occurred within the inner recesses of a unique spiritual hero.

In what other religious systems of mankind, can we see the moment of an Individual Truth seeker's Inner Enlightenment as the centre and the focus of celebration.

This earth-altering inner transformation, took place inside the being of Ascetic Siddhartha.

This was 2604 years-ago. The Ascetic, ending six-years of excruciating austerities, sat under the Bodhi Tree, determined that he will not get up from that position, until he achieved Supreme Enlightenment.

Supremely Enlightened Buddha

After his spiritual victory, the Ascetic arose as the Supremely Enlightened Buddha. But, what is quite relevant to us on Esala Full Moon Day, is that when Ascetic Siddhartha, scaled unprecedented spiritual heights, and attained Enlightenment, it was initially an individual experience - a personal escalation.

It was not a religious system yet. It wasn't a spiritual tradition at that stage. Though unique, it was still a personal state of spiritual transformation.

The Supremely Enlightened Buddha resolved, that his personal Enlightenment, should be shared with his five co-seekers, though they abandoned him, when he eschewed, the mortifying self-torture he practices for six long years.

The Buddha sought out his former spiritual colleagues. They were at Migadaya, Isipatana, a sacred location set aside exclusively for ascetics, bent on realising moksha - liberation. This tranquil settlement stood at the edge of Benares - an extensively reputed Trade Centre, favoured by the excessively affluent and exclusively privileged.

Serene spiritual haven

The Buddha arrived at this Serene spiritual haven on an Esala Full Moon Day - 2604 years.

A few details of this site will establish its Spiritual Identity. The larger area, had the name 'Isipatana' (The Assembly of Sages) one specific spot of this settlement bore the name Kalandaka Nirape (The place where the squirrels were fed) cumulating, these place names build the calm, serene and peaceful aura of this Domain of spiritual way of life.

The Buddha met his erstwhile fellow seekers, at a specially subdued spot.

This is where, the supreme Buddha presented to them, the systematic record of his pursuit and the timeless truths he discovered, leading him to the stature of supremely enlightened Buddha.

This statement is the world's unparalleled spiritual manifesto. Scripture knows it as Dhammacakkapavattana Sutta. The sermon of the Turning of the wheel of Dhamma - Truth).

Several centuries later the 'Righteous Emperor' (Dharmasoka) converted this sacred site into an Animal sanctuary, bestowing upon it the name 'Migadaya' (the free area given to animals).

In the British Days, Migadaya was converted to "Deer Park". This English version troubles me immensely. If this in the Deer Park" it implies this is a sanctuary only for the Deer. Asoka the Righteous Emperor never intended it that way.

In Pali, Sanskrit and Sinhala the words Mrga, Miga and Muwa denote all animals. Emperor Asoka established this as an Animal Sanctuary - not a place exclusively for the Deer to live free.

We should persuade authorities to alter this irksome title 'Deer Park' into 'Animal Sanctuary', Just as Emperor originally meant.

As for Dhammacakka Sutta in the world's oldest spiritual manifesto it is timeless. Unlike the ephemeral manifestos of generations of politicians, the Buddha's manifesto is eternal. And above all, in the Buddha's manifesto, there are no Amendments. Theree manifesto applies to the whole universe - forever and ever.

This is the meaning of the Easela Full Moon Day.

I should touch on yet another joyous point. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Japan in September 2014, he entered into a compact with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzho Abe. Purpose? Develop city of Benares to be on par with Japan's Kyoto- their spiritual city.

This way, the Buddha's manifesto city will be re-incarnated through Indo-Japanese collaboration.