The boldest optimism ever proclaimed to the world

by Jayatissa Pathirana

The whole structure of Buddhism rests on the solid foundation of four truths about human existence. They are: suffering (dukkha), the arising of suffering (dukkhasamudaya) the ceasing of suffering (dukkhanirodha) and the path leading to the cessation of suffering (dukkhanirodagamini patipada).

These Four Truths which are "Noble" (ariya saccam) are appropriately referred to as factual truths with moral relevance, according to David J. Kalupahana, reputed author of many analytical studies on Buddhism.

An aspect of Buddhism which the Buddhists quite willingly get involved in large numbers, especially on significant days of the Buddhist calendar, viz. Dana, Sila and Bhavana. Dana-giving alms, giving generously, and liberally what is needed and to those in need, and at the right time.

In the early days of Buddhism, lay devotees spent their free time in supporting the Buddha and the Bhikkhus - providing them with their four requisites: 1. Robes. 2. Alms. 3. Residential quarters or monasteries with the necessary equipment. 4. Medicine and medical treatment in illness.

In the late afternoon their practice consisted in listening to the preaching of the Dhamma and reflecting on the profound discourses.

The second aspect of the aspiration of Buddhism is self training in the observance of the moral rules, the five Precepts and still higher virtues. Besides mere refraining from violence, stealing or deceiving, adultery, telling lies and habitually using intoxicating drinks, the higher moral training consists in cultivating loving kindness to all, compassion, sympathetic joy and tranquillity of mind as well as readiness to forgive and to help all who need our help.

The third indispensable characteristic of a true Buddhist is mental training, the culture of the mind (Bhavana). Listening to the discourses on the Dhamma, study of the Dhamma in great detail are the stepping stones to the edifice contemplation and concentration and the development of mindfulness. Here, Right Understanding leads to the discerning of the necessity of training and on the choice of the right subject of meditation.

Morality leads steadiness to mind, freeing it of all remorse, unrest, distraction and scruples. Right Effort provides the tools for this spiritual work. Right Mindfulness gives the subjects of Contemplation, viz, one's own body or feelings, the mind and its states or factors and thoughts.

Concentration means the yoking of the restless mind to this Contemplation. Today, medicine men recommend Bhavana as a therapy for many illnesses. A Buddhist devotee who could practise Bhavana for at least 10 minutes daily on anapanasati or marananussati or Buddhanussati, gains the necessary strength of will for the restraints demanded by Buddhist morality, makes progress in his study and soon gains the necessary poise of mind, the right frame of the mind of a true Buddhist.

The unique feature in Buddha's teachings is that there's no place for dogmatism, blind faith is rejected and the progress on the path of virtue depends upon one's own understanding and insight.

In the Kalama Sutta Buddha says: "Do not go merely by hearsay or tradition, by which has been handed down from olden time, by rumours, by mere reasoning, and logical educations, by outward appearances, by cherished opinions and speculations, by mere possibilities and do not believe merely because I am your master. But when you yourselves have seen that a thing is evil and leads to harm and suffering, then you should reject it.

And when you see that a thing is good and blameless and leads to blessing and welfare, then you should do such a thing".

Nyanatiloka Mahathera once said quoting from Buddhist texts "our so called individual existence is in reality nothing but a mere process of physical and mental phenomena, a process which since time immemorial was already going on before one's apparent birth and which also after death will continue for immemorial periods of time".

No one denies the fact that our body is changing from moment to moment, that old cells are continually breaking down and new ones arising. In other words after a few years time, nothing will remain of the former flesh, bones, blood etc. All in a state of perpetual flux, Buddha declared. Buddha Dhamma is divided into three main divisions.

They are: pariyatti, patipatti and pativedha. It is appropriate to examine these three words in little detail.

Pariyatti-the study of the books on Buddhism.

Patipatti-practice or application and Pativedha-penetration or spiritual realization viz., self realization of the goal of liberation. All the three aspects should enter into our study of the Dhamma from the very first beginning, for the study of one who 'knows' but does not apply his knowledge is imperfect; and the application of Buddhism without spiritual insight and the penetration of the "three signs" (tilakkhana), anicca, dukka, anatta, only leads to confusion and misery.

Therefore, it is best that we make a selfless withdrawal from the throngs of the world and attain serenity unruffled by anything in the world.

If not, we would be liable to become ambitious, self assertive, busy with disciplining others while neglecting first to train ourselves.

It was at this point that the Perfect One set rolling the Supreme Wheel of the Law that cannot be turned back or stopped by any human or celestial being. The Turning of the Wheel of the Law means proclaiming, teaching, pointing out, establishing, revealing, analysing and making clear of the Four Noble Truths.

Buddha says: "Monks, associate and keep company with Sariputta and Moggallana, for they are wise and great supporters of their brothers in the holy life.

Sariputta may be compared to a mother and Moggallana to a nurse. For Sariputta educates you for the entrance into the stream that leads to Nibbana but Moggallana trains you for the Highest self realization. Sariputta is well qualified to proclaim, teach, analyse and make clear the Four Noble Truths of "Suffering".

There's no dispute in the fact if one says, Buddha's teaching the boldest optimism ever proclaimed to the world. And Buddha Dhamma truly offers hope, comfort, happiness to all sections of the society, be they poor or rich.

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