We have to work on the path ourselves

BY VEN. SOURABA Nanda

(Compassion Buddhist Institute)

WHAT is religion? The interpretation of the answer would be different in accordance with different religions, cultures or individuals. When asked what his religion was, Mahatma Gandhi answered, "You must watch how I live, eat, sit, talk, behave in general.

The sum total of all those in me is my religion." This gives one a sense of the personal essence of religion. It is deeply rooted into society and is the foundation of a civilised man.

Some other would say religion is simply a way of life or a belief system or it is a way to pacify our fear of the unknown power.

Moreover the dictionary definition of this word states more specifically that a religion is, "The service and worship of God and the supernatural, and a commitment of devotion to religious faith or observance", as well as, "a personal set or institutionalised system of religious attitudes, beliefs and practices."

A critical overview of all the religions confirms many similarities among them. There are a number of aspects in each religion that are shared among them all, in varying degrees. There are also details, of greater number, which they do not share. In this aspect, the most unique of the world religions is Buddhism.

Buddhism unlike theistic religions does not declare the existence of any unknown, most powerful divine entity. In other words it is atheistic. So is Buddhism a religion?

The Buddha was a human being who could give the highest possible value to His human dignity by developing His human-mind to its apex. Now what is this human-mind? This human mind, according to Buddhism and latest scientist discovery, is neither located in the brain, nor heart nor in any part of our physical body.

Then where is it? The Buddha in Dhammapada says, "Faring far, wandering alone, bodiless, lying in a cave (i.e., the seat of consciousness), is the mind." The above saying gives a clear picture of the nature of our human mind. Our human-mind cannot be touched nor is it a part of our physical body and yet it is not away from it either.

Lying down in a cave denotes lying down in our heart, which is also considered as a seat of our mind or consciousness. The mind is the speediest and fastest of all. For normal people it is beyond control. We also don't know what we do or think of at times.

There is no moment we don't think of anything and our thoughts are mixed and scattered. The human mind, by means of thinking, understanding, analysing, and examining, is able to do many magnificent unimaginable things, depending on how one develops it.

One can develop the mind in a way that could destroy the whole world within a second, i.e. the atom bomb, yet another can develop the mind to such a positive extent that it could lead the whole of humanity to the correct spiritual path resulting in eternal peace and harmony in this life, and the next too.

So in the core of everything we do, either wholesome or unwholesome, the mind plays the major part and the outcome of the very action has nothing to do with God or any other unknown mysterious power. It is our mind that initiates any action and receives the result.

The Buddha is the first spiritual teacher to declare that one is the God of oneself. What a pity to see most of us are not aware of this mysterious mental potential! The objective of the Buddha's teachings is to lead us to attain this highest possible positive mental power. We all can achieve this goal.

Now why should we consider Buddhism as a religion? The main objective of religion is to tame this untamable mind.

According to Buddhism we should use our proper effort (Samma Vayama) in four ways, i.e. the effort to abandon the evil that has already arisen, the effort to prevent the arising of unarisen evil, the effort to develop unarisen good and the effort to promote that good which has already arisen.

When an evil thought comes to our mind, we must try not to let it rule us and when a good thought appears we should use our maximum energy to act by that, and this is what the duty of any religion should be, and if not, there is no use of religion.

Religion is something of importance and authenticity in its original form, and therefore one can rely on it for one's worldly and spiritual progress as well. It is religion that repeatedly reminds us to do what is good and discard the evils and thus purify our minds. It is religion that can improve our insight, positive thoughts and proper understanding more and more, and enlarge our wisdom.

Religion enables humans to explore their inner and outer worlds by providing intellectual support or epistemology within which they may delve into questions about the meaning of life, death, rebirth, consequences of our actions and so forth. It is religion that helps us to develop our human dignity, values and potentialities.

In a conversation with my teacher Mrs. Rajitha I asked what does she think about the modern life. In her response she said, "The life in the modern world is very competitive. One should be totally self motivated, self confident in order to target the goals.

And I feel that we all are running after things and get tired very easily. That is the time we need a strong base. If any life could build on religion (any) life won't be hard and complex.

But the problem is that the competition has taken us all away from all the good things that we should value as human. Modern life is hard. But the competition will remain the same and might get worse. No one can ignore it.

One has to face it with the help of religion. Then one could survive". Buddhism does not claim to be a religion, for it is not a system of faith and worship owing to any allegiance to a supernatural being nor does it depend on any external powerful God.

Buddhism encourages us to depend on ourselves. The Buddha highly stresses that the Buddha(s) are only teachers to show the Path; we have to work on the path ourselves.

However, what is meant by religion is teaching which guides whole humanity to understand the realities of life, gives mental consolations and happiness, to get rid of ills of life and at last enables us to properly guide ourselves on the Path, the path of Highest Wisdom and Complete Emancipation, then Buddhism is certainly a religion.

The similie of the stream

THESE four kinds of persons, O monks, are to be found in the world. What four? The person who goes with the stream; one who goes against the stream; one who stands firm; and one who has crossed over and gone to the far shore, a brahmin who stands on dry land.

Of what nature is the person going with the stream? It is one who indulges his sensual desire and commits wrong deeds.

Of what nature is one who goes against the stream? It is one who does not indulge sensual desire and commit wrong deeds. He lives the holy life, though in painful struggle, with difficulty, sighing and in tears.

Of what nature is one who stands firm? It is one who, with the utter destruction of the five lower fetters, is due to be reborn spontaneously (in a celestial realm) and there attain final Nibbana, without ever returning from that world.

Of what nature is one who has crossed over and gone to the far shore, a brahmin who stands on dry land? It is one who, with the destruction of the taints, in this very life enters and dwells in the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, having realized it for himself by direct knowledge.

These, monks are the four kinds of persons to be found in the world.

- Anguttara Nikaya.

New Sangha Nayaka of the United Kingdom

IT IS a rare opportunity for a Buddhist monk to receive two ecclesiastical epithets consecutively from a community of monks belonging to one of the orthodox and distinguished Buddhist sects in Sri Lanka.

It was Venerable Pandit Galayaye Piyadassi, M.A., a well-known Buddhist Dharmaduta and Head of the Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre, Kingsbury, London who received this opportunity. Malvatu Maha Vihara of the Siamese Sect of Sri Lanka appointed him very recently as the Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka of the United Kingdom.

Asgiri Maha Vihara of the Siamese Sect of Sri Lanka is expected to follow suit by appointing Ven. Piyadassi as the Chief Sangha Nayaka of the United Kingdom. Thera received the act of appointment on August 15 at the historic Asgiri Maha Vihara in Kandy.

Ven. Piyadassi hails from a village called Galayaya in the North-Western Province of Sri Lanka. He joined the Order of Sangha as a Novice and received his Higher Ordination at the age of twenty.

After completing his basic education at Shastrodaya Pirivena, Sandalankawa, this young monk entered Vidyodaya Pirivena in Colombo where he studied Buddhism, Eastern Philosophy, Pali and Sanskrit.

While staying in Colombo he completed successfully the Pandit degree examination of the Association of Oriental Studies and devoted some time to learn English language which is a prerequisite for Buddhist missionary activities in Europe.

The Thera carried out his tertiary education at the University of Kelaniya where he received his B.A. and M.A. degrees. Having received the proper training and higher education in Sri Lanka Ven Piyadassi proceeded to the United Kingdom to engage in Buddhist missionary activities.

In the United Kingdom Ven. Piyadassi has been fortunate enough to be trained under his preceptor Venerable Dr. Hammalawa Sri Saddhatissa, Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain and a scholar of great renown.

Now Ven. Piyadassi has become an internationally acclaimed monk. The Borough of London and the Borough of Brent in Great Britain have honoured him as the best citizen who has rendered a highly praiseworthy service to the mankind.

He is the only Buddhist monk so far to receive the honorary award of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.) from Her Majesty the Queen of England.

The Government of Myanmar conferred the degree of Aggamaha Saddhamma Jotika Dhaja on him in recognition of his service and achievements.

Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre which was founded by Ven. Piyadassi at Kingsbury in London is a haven for Sri Lankans and members of the international community to congregate in order to perform their religious, social, cultural and educational activities.

Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre supports numerous important organisations such as the World Buddhist Foundation, Sri Lanka Educational and Cultural Foundation, International College of Buddhist Studies, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, London Branch, UK Campus of the World Buddhist University of Thailand and Sinhala and Dhamma School. All these organisations came into existence due to the untiring effort and dedication of Ven. Piyadassi.

The service of Ven. Piyadassi is not confined only to the Great Britain. He founded a home for the destitute and parentless children in Hettipola, the North-Western Province of Sri Lanka.

The Thera has been providing all necessary requirements for the children who have been looked after in this home. He also played an important role in sending food and other necessary materials to Sri Lanka to be distributed among tsunami victims.

- Professor Ratna Wijetunge

Chief Adhikarana Sanghanayaka in the south

Ven. Habarakada Indrarathana a teacher who served at Ananda College, Colombo for 22 years will be conferred with the post of Chief Adhikarana Sanghanayake of the South of Sri Lanka with the title of Keerthi Sri Paryapthi Visharada at the Uposthagaraya of Malwatte Maha Vihare on August 20.

Malwatte Mahanayake Thera and Prime Minister Sri Rohana Dhanaranjana Mahinda Rajapakse will participate in the ceremony.

Ven. Habarakada Indrarathana was born in Thavalama, Habaraka in 1941. His father was K. W. Karunaratne and his mother was D. L. Misinona at the age of 14 he was ordained as a Samanera as a pupil of Ven. Mavanane Sri Sonuththara Mahanayake Thera, chief incumbent of Rotumba Budugala historic Rajamaha Vihara and Ven. Rajakeeya Panditha Ven. Mawanane Keerthi Sri Premanandabhidana, Adhikarana Sanghanayake of Galle and Matara, chief incumbent of Panchamaha Viharas including Thavalama Habarakada Sri Vijayananda Rajamaha Vihara. He received his higher ordination at the historic Seemamalaka of Malwatte Mahavihara.

After studying many subjects at Vidyodaya Pirivena, Colombo, he obtained his BA Honours degree, Master's degree and Diploma in Education from the Vidyodaya University. Thereafter he became a teacher for the purpose of imparting his knowledge to the younger generation.

During his teaching career spanning 33 years, he served at Sri Vajayananda Pirivena Habarakada Tangalle Maha Vidyalaya, Thurstan College, Colombo and Ananda College, Colombo. During his tenure as a teacher at Ananda College, Colombo he taught Buddhism to many students who later excelled in fields such as medicine, engineering, teaching and business.

All Anandians will remember how he fortified the Buddhist Society of the college along with the active participation of Saddharma Keerthi Sri Thripitakacharya Ven. Diriyagaha Yassassi Nayaka Thera who was Assistant Principal of the College.

As he was eager to usher in a society respecting morals, he imparted his knowledge through Dhamma Desana and useful discussions over the radio and television.

Meanwhile he served as the assistant secretary of the Sri Lanka Buddhist Congress and chief patron of the past pupils association of Vidyodaya Pirivena, Sri Lanka Development Foundation of Thavalama, and the Buddhist Society of Old Anandians.

His contributions to newspapers and magazines are popular among the intelligent younger generation. His books "Miniskam, Atalodahamen Kampa Noveema" and "Pohodina Piliveth" have helped society immensely.

He has extended his services not only to the south of Sri Lanka but also to other parts of the island. While he was the Viharadhipathi of Habarakada Sri Viharanda Maha Vihara, Galle; Rotumba Budugala Rajamaha Vihara, Matara; Habarakada Jethavanaramaya, Galle West; Ela Ihala Abhinavaramaya, Galle; and Sri Vijayananda Dharmayathanaya, Hokandara, he served the people in an exemplary manner. Since he did not discriminate against anybody he was addressed as "Ape Hamuduruvo" would wherever he happened to be.

Sometimes he attends an alms giving in Colombo and delivers a Dhamma Desana in Galle at night. The same day on the following day he would participate in a meeting at Ananda College. This shows his time management and commitment to serve the people.

He disseminates the message of the Dhamma from Devinuwara to Point Pedro and foreign countries. Therefore his appointment as the Chief Adhikarana Sanghanayake in the South is a great event for the whole of Sri Lanka.

The handing over of the Akthapathra will take place in Kandy on August 20, and a felicitation ceremony will be held at Sri Vijayananda Pirivena on August 26.We wish him longevity and good health.

Colonel Sudath Madugalle, Patron, Old Anandians' Buddhist Society

The nine great qualities of the Buddha

DEVOID of defilements, - a clean mind,

And refrained from 'sin' even in dream;

Worthy of homage from every kind,

'Arhant' - greatest Buddha supreme!

All the 'Dhamma' by Himself alone,

Was realised fully its pristine cream,

Purpose achieved for which He was born,

'Samma Sambuddha' our Buddha supreme!

'Knowledge and conduct' virtues great,

With 'Six high spiritual powers' team

"Vijja Carana' the qualities straight,

Possessed by our holy Buddha supreme!

His walk was pleasant for one to see,

Has reached the 'final aim' supreme..

His word gave the hearer full of glee;

'Sugata' is a quality - our Buddha supreme!

With 'Buddha - wisdom' He knew the world,

About the universe His knowledge extreme.

The 'Truth' he expounded in words so bold,

'Loka Vidu' greatest Buddha supreme!

Uncontrollable by any other, men so wild,

He restrained with ease to enter the stream;

Deservedly, He earned and got styled

'Anuttara Purisadamma Sarati,' Buddha supreme!

Advising gods and men with compassion,

Helped them to cross the ocean cream;

So He became 'Sattha Devamanussanam'

Our radiant Buddha, the Buddha supreme!

It is not possible to describe a Buddha,

By any, other than a Buddha supreme

Who has proclaimed the 'Caturarya Sacca'

He is the Buddha, the Buddha supreme!

Bhagava for Him is a hallowed name,

Earned for possessing 'fortune' extreme;

And put an end to 'lust' a complete fame,

He is our greatest Buddha supreme!

- DANISTER I Fernando