Buddhist Spectrum

Jathaka stories:

A national treasure

Rupa BANDUWARDENA

The Jathaka story, the sacred masterpiece, has come down the ages adding piety and sanctity to Buddhist literature.

This is undoubtedly the most important sacred work that occupies a unique place in religious history. This is a unique reflection of religious tradition demonstrating the pride of place given to Buddhism.

It has a special place in Buddhist culture and the literary world having a very long record of history as far back as the birth of the Buddha and Buddhism.

Eternal bliss

Jathaka stories were first written on Ola leaves.

This sacred text consists of stories that reflect the previous lives of the Buddha on his way to the search of the bliss of eternal truth of life. They are said to be thousands countless in number in the sea of Sansara. In each of these stories we are told how he spent his previous births with the ultimate goal of attaining Buddhahood.

Back to its origin - Prince Siddhartha while in his search for the absolute truth, under the sacred Bodhi tree at Gaya on Vesak full moon day developed the super powers of remembering in detail the thousands of past lives he had lived before becoming the perfect one - The Thathagatha.

He had to fulfil the 10 perfections (Dasa Paramitha) while aspiring Buddhahood. All the lives spent were based on the attainment of the above, each birth with overflowing love and compassion found in Bosath Charitha, while Kamma and Vipaka as explained by Thathagatha later were the guiding principles for birth, death and rebirth.

Divine vision

Secondly the same day Sakyamuni Gauthama was blessed with the super normal attainment of divine vision which enabled him to see through the lives of humans in their journey of Sansara. Still later he was crowned with the super power of insight into the desire for lasting existence. Enlightenment dawned upon him. His sansaric tour was revealed to him.

He saw his own existence as well as those of others. It was revelation of life in previous births of all beings. The compilation of Jathaka stories is the outcome of this super power. This is considered as the legend of the life of Buddha. He became the all wise, all compassionate one.

In each of his discourses, these life stories were focussed as examples for exemplary behaviour. The most famous of the oldest religious stories is the Pansiya Panas Jathakaya, a book of advice most sacred to Buddhists describing the pre-birth tales of the Buddha.

These are very moving human accounts. This collection of Jathaka stories is said to have come down from India like other immortal treasures - namely the message of Dhamma. In short it is a landmark to Sri Lankan Buddhists from India.

According to Martin Wickremasinghe the well renowned writer: “Jathakas give us a picture of life in the raw, as the authors found it in the villages of north India painted artlessly and faithfully by people whose wisdom was ripened by a knowledge of the world. He further says that Jathaka tales are some of the most valuable treasures we possess and that Jathakas portray life fearlessly as it is, and seek to make people good by holding up to reality.”

Rhys Davids says that they are not the oldest but the most valuable specimens of folklore that we possess. It is believed that the great work Pansiya Panas Jayathakaya had a profound influence on the religious evolution of Sri Lanka. Buddhists pay great respect to this as no other book boasts of such a fine collection of perfect stories. Jathaka stories are adjudged the best works on religion. All human emotions - love sorrow, joy are depicted in the very best form.

The life stories portray no ill will anger or disgust. Instead they reflect strong feelings of love and compassion. These stories flowed freely from the heart of Thathagatha the perfect one.

He taught that “hatred never conquers hatred. His view was may you be reconciled with those whom you have had difficulties in life”. Each story presents a narrative on good qualities, virtue and moral values. Angulimala is the best example for Buddha’s loving kindness.

Another best known story among Buddhists, coming down from ancient times is Vessanthara Jathakaya - a pre-birth tale of the Buddha which depicts the dana paramitha at its maximum.

Some of the most entertaining examples of Jathaka stories are Kaalagola, Kusa, Maname and Guththila etc. They are immensely popular in the drama world of the modern era.

Cultural heritage

These stories have survived through the annals of history reviving the cultural heritage. Some of them are elaborately narrated and dramatised as valuable drama rich in religious as well as cultural tradition. Maname came to be ranked as the first ever best drama - a drama par excellence produced by late Professor Saratchandra.

This particular Jathaka story of his choice was very entertaining and full of advice. Yet another mass media which deserves mention is the ITN for conducting a program Paramitha based on Jathaka stories in the recent past, written by the eminent writer Somaweera Senanayaka and dramatised by the versatile dramatist Henry Jayasena and his talented caste.

The impact of Jathaka stories on Sri Lankan society and religious thinking was so deep that some stories have been utilised for prescribed texts in schools, for teaching of literature as well as religion. Selected Jathaka stories are squeezed into both subjects marking a very important milestone in education.

Marvellous gift

A striking example is Ummagga Jathakaya, said to be the longest, depicting the wisdom of the Bosath, given pride of place in Sinhala literature. A knowledge of the Jathaka stories will undoubtedly pave the way for a new breed of students.

The students enjoy the stories with faith and piety showing a great interest to know more about the message of the Buddha. This is a marvellous gift to the student world, as the greatest philosophy embodied in Buddhism is conveyed through the Jathaka stories as well.

Hence Buddhist scripture consisting of Jathaka stories should be hailed for its mammoth contribution in the sphere of religious education.

ABHIDHAMMA IN A NUTSHELL - XXV:

Earth - Water - Fire - Air

Shamika Soysa

Readers of this series might remember the article called ‘Science and Religion’ appeared on Buddhist Spectrum on January 21. ‘Angels and Demons’ by Dan Brown talks about an ancient group called ‘Illuminati’. Illuminati believed about four primordial elements of all things in existence: Earth, Water, Fire and Air.

These are four Greek classical elements dated from pre-Socratic times and persisted throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, deeply influencing European thought and culture.

The similar concept is also found in ancient India, where they formed a basis of analysis in both Hinduism and Buddhism.

The four great essentials

Leaving the story aside now it is time to describe the relevant four elements in Buddhism. As mentioned in the previous episode there are 28 Rupas mentioned in Abhidhamma. The first four are the most essentials and other 28 Rupas are derived from them.

Those are known as Mahabhutha Rupas or ‘The Great Essentials’. Though it has drawn a link between the Greek interpretation of the four elements to Bhutharupas in Buddhism, it should be thoroughly understood that the two concepts are not identical. The explanation of Bhutharupa in Abhidhamma is more advance, descriptive and broad.

Stages of a Material

‘Water’ is an essential item on this Earth. Under ordinary climatic conditions it has the characteristic of fluidity. When temperature reduces in certain parts on Earth one could see the fluidity nature of water changes and takes a more solid formation.

Consider a volcanic environment. In such condition the same water takes the form of heated air. Therefore it is quite evident that ‘Water’ has characteristics of solidity, fluidity and motion subject to the heat applied.

Similarly, any object found in the universe posses the above characteristics more or less. A stone, for example, is more solid in nature.

It would be comparatively difficult to change the shape of stone than changing the shape of a piece of a wood. But still wood is also solid in nature. Solidity of wood is less than that of a stone.

Similarly there are objects with varying intensity of fluidity, heat and motion. These four characteristics i.e. solidity, fluidity, heat and motion are ‘The Four Great Essentials’ or Chathur Mahabhutha Rupa. In more technical terms they are known as The element of Extension (Patavi), Cohesion (Apo), Heat (Thejo) and Motion (Vayo).

The Element of Extension (Patavi)

Generally, Patavi means everything which is solid in nature. But it could be more clearly defined that it is the solid nature of any object. This element occupies the space for the object. This feature of an object would range from softness to hardness.

This is one of the essential raw material for the creation and existence of an object. This element serves as a support or foundation for other coexisting objects. It also has the capability to expand or extend. Thus it is called ‘The Element of Extension’.

The Element of Cohesion (Apo)

The main characteristic of this element is fluidity. It has the ability to cohere different objects and particles without being scattered. For example, when cement and other solid materials obtain the ability to bind when those materials are mixed with water. Different amount of water is mixed depending on the composition of cement and other solid materials to suit the type of construction.

The Element of Heat (Thejo)

Thejo is an energy. Both heat and cold are included in Thejo. It has the power to change the form of other objects and elements. For example, heat or cold can convert fluid water to solid ice or air of motion. By applying heat one could burn a body while making the body cold one can preserve it. This element also has the ability to generate and regenerate other objects.

The Element of Motion (Vayo)

Exterior of a balloon is solid though it is soft. When it is filled with air it gets the capability to move. This feature of any object is known as the element of motion or Vayo. For example, when heat is applied on water after a certain temperature, this water converts into hot air.

Creation and existence of materials

There are number of elements defined in Chemistry (H, He, Li, ..). Objects contain different compositions of this elements. When these are mixed with each other they generate different objects. Some are mixed with water and applied heat.

Though these chemical experiments are done by men, many changes of these objects happen automatically since infinite amount of time in the past. The above four elements have been there on this universe all the time.

They would have got mixed with each other and reacted with each other in various compositions to generate various types of objects.

When salt water from the ocean is disturbed and exposed to sun salt is remained.

No one is required for that as the element of heat (Thejo) does the work. A being is born as a result of sexual intercourse.

This reproduction system involves interaction of beings.

Involvement of any person or force is not necessary for these elements to form new objects. It has the self interacting power.

Under continuous rainless weather condition when two leaves of a tree touches each other for sometime due to wind, would cause fire and the same wind would spread this fire all around.

This did not require any involvement of any person. Leaves which is solid (Patavi) had got dried due to heat (Thejo) contacted with each other due to wind (Vayo) and generated fire (Thejo).

These four elements have been there all the time.

They have been reacting with each other and generating and regenerating the things we see, hear, smell, taste and feel.

The next episode would illustrate the derivatives of these four elements which would further explain the creation and existence of the world and beings.

Reference:

‘A Manual of Abhidhamma’ by Narada Maha Thera, ‘www.en.wikipedia.org’

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First Buddhist cultural festival launched in Britain

The first ever arts and cultural festival drawing on Buddhist cultural traditions has been unveiled in Britain.

The festival, known as The Many Faces of Buddhism, is held in London at the Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum and the Barbican Center in collaboration with the Hong Kong-based philanthropic organization — Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation.

Highlights of the festival include an International Forum on Buddhism and the Arts Today held last Saturday, the opening of the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Gallery at the V&A, performances of Buddhist sacred dance, and the first International Buddhist Film Festival in London.

Gallery

The new Buddhist sculpture gallery which is to open to the public on Wednesday is the first such gallery in Britain. It features treasures from the V&A’s world class collections ranging from monumental Chinese temple sculptures to tiny portable gilded Buddhas.

The 50 or so sculptures created between AD 200 and 1850 are arranged in geographic groupings demonstrating the diversity of artistic expression throughout Asia, and reflect the differing Buddhist practices of India, Sri Lanka, the Himalayas, Myanmar, Java, Thailand, China and Japan.

The new gallery includes an 18th-century monumental gilt bronze seated Buddha from China’s Tibet, a powerful 7th-century marble torso of the Buddha from Tang Dynasty of China and the head of Buddha, once carved directly into the rock face of a 6th-century cave temple complex at Xiangtangshan, northern China.

Festival

The International Buddhist Film Festival will showcase over 40 films from 18 countries, including 27 UK premieres from May 7 to 17.

At a press preview of the new gallery held at V&A on Monday, Robert Yau Chung Ho, director of the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation, said: “The objective of the Foundation is to support broadly Chinese arts and culture.

We sincerely hope that our audience for the Many Faces of Buddhism Festival will begin to appreciate Buddhism’s rich enduring history and message and through it will find new ways of experiencing and approaching the world.”

The festival will run through May 17.

LONDON, April 27, Xinhua
 

Taming of Alawaka

The ruling king of Alawa, had a problem in his State
His subjects were numbered so was their fate.
A Demon a Yaksha, Alawaka by name
Feated on human life, that brought the kingdom shame.

Everyone was worried, as to who will be next
No Law to forbid the Yaksha, nothing was in text
It so happened; the turn was on the king’s son
Panic ruled the palace; the baby was a charming one

No way out, the king had to keep his word
If it could be fought, the king would take his sword
True to the subjects of Alawa, the king indeed
Was to feast the Yaksha, that dined on flesh with greed.

Samma Sambuddha was alert, Alawaka Yaksha he could see
And also, that the baby was destined to be free/prince
Samma Sam Buddha! made his way.
To the abode of Alawaka, that very day

Alawaka was furious, to see, the Buddha as he strode
“Get out you monk, get out of my abode”
The Buddha was calm; he showed he would obey
Gently the Buddha walked, without delay.

“Get in you shaven headed monk, get in I say”
Shouted Alawaka in a mocking way
Again the Buddha, took his seat
For that was the way, Alawaka wanted to treat.

The Yaksha was thrilled, thus he went on
Get out! Get in! Monk be gone
Thrice the Buddha! did give in
Next the Buddha, would not budge from within.

“Do as I say” shouted Alawaka “you are a small victim to me.”
“I will take you by your foot, and bowl you over the sea”
Buddha - “I will not listen to you, I am not going out again
you may shower me with fire, smoke or rain.
Many years ago Mara, threatened me, he thought
I would dread, I stayed calm, Mara was defeated he fled”
Alawaka - “If you want me to believe, what you say
Can you answer my Questions in simple way,
If you could convince me with answers true
I will accept them and bow down to you.”

Alawaka - “What is the greatest wealth that the man has on earth?”
Buddha - “Alawaka, generosity with piety, is the greatest wealth inspired from birth.”
Alawaka - “What should a person practise, to be pleasant when seen?”
Buddha - “He who lives a religious life is calm and serene”
Alawaka - “Who is supreme person, what is his taste?”
Buddha - “He who speaks the truth, acts piously, flavours a religious life is great”
Alawaka - “Samma Sambuddha! I bow down, in reality I could see.
Sadu! sadu! I Worship you! as you have convinced me”

Samma Sam Buddha, saw that Alawaka was ignorant no more
He had grasped the facts, from his merits in store
At this particular time, the baby prince was brought
Handed over to Alawaka, as the deal he had fought.

Alawaka was no more a demon; dreadful to meet
He offered the baby prince at Samma Sambuddha’s feet.
Samma Sambuddha predicted, the prince would be a blessing some day
And named him Athha Alawaka as in Alawaka’s hands he lay.