Buddhism An exposition of reality
J C BOANGE
******------
It would be of benefit to us to dwell on this
thrice blessed day on the nature of the Buddha’s teaching and understand
what the enlightened one was seeking to mankind in general. For this we
have to start at the outset with his first sermon, the
Dhammacakkapavattana which was delivered to five ascetics at the Deer
Park at Saranath.
******-----
The Buddha commenced by stating that, the extremes of indulgence in
sense pleasures and self- mortification should be avoided as futile, and
instead the middle path, described as the Noble Eight-fold Path, should
be followed which leads to peace, deep knowledge, complete awakening and
Nibbana. Thereafter, the Buddha set out the four noble truths Dukkha,
Samudaya (arising), Nirodhaya (cessation) and Magga (the path).
The Buddha statue in Mihintale. Picture by Lakshan Maduranga |
The Buddha went on to describe, what he characterised as ‘Dukkha’.
Though it has been translated as ‘ unsatisfactoriness’, ‘ Conflict’, ‘
suffering’ and more, it is not possible to get an accurate understanding
of this truth, by these translations.
In this circumstance, the description given by the Buddha has to be
considered to get an understanding of Dukkha. Explaining further, the
Buddha says Jati or birth is Dukkha, Jara (ageing) is Dukkha, and so is
Vyadhi (sickness), Marana (death) and also being joined to what is not
dear and being separated from what is dear is Dukkha.
Furthermore, not to obtain what one deserves is Dukkha. In brief the
five aggregates of changing (constituting Mind and Body) are Dukkha.
Now, this truth has to be understood as reality, as set out above, in
terms of personal experience and not by the mere knowledge of it or by
reasoning.
For instance, taking an obvious situation like Jara or Ageing would
not be a reference to be forever young and attractive, enjoying the
pleasures of youth and vigour.
But, can it be so? Yet, the process of ageing, which is a fact of
impermanence, is a natural characteristic of existence and thus the
inevitable has to be accepted, whether one likes it or not.
At the same time, if not for the process of Ageing, the helpless baby
would not mature into youth. In like manner, the other situations should
be seriously, assiduously and clearly contemplated upon, by those who
wish to penetrate the truth of Dukkha, which would enable one to get
into the path of ultimate liberation and be free of Sansara.
The manner of arising (samudaya ) is set out as craving (tanha) which
leads to continuation in existence, which is connected with enjoyment
and passion, greatly enjoying this and that as follows.
kama tanha (craving for sense pleasures, that is of pleasant sights,
smells, tastes, sounds, bodily feelings and thoughts), Bhava tanha
(craving for continuation in existence, whether in human heavenly or any
other sphere, which could be considered more pleasant or attractive),
Vibbhava tanha (Craving for termination of existence, in other words
existencewould continue, so long as there is some sort of craving and
clinging and merely by wishing for it or adopting a view about it, would
not result in cessation.
Thereafter, the manner of cessation (nirodaya) of Dukkha is set out,
as the complete fading away and cessation, without remainder of that
craving. Thus, it is only remainder less Extinction of craving, that
would ensure the cessation of Dukkha.
The second and third truths, that is arising and ceasing of dukkha,
also illustrates the process of dependant arising or Pattichcha
Samapadda, which could be set out as follows.
“When this exists that comes to be; with the arising of this, that
arises.
When this does not exist, that does not come to be, with the
cessation of this, that ceases”, (as set out in the Bahudhatuka sutta,
Majjhima Nikaya, Translated by Bhikkhu Bodhi).
This is a teaching which emanates solely from the Buddha, and is
central to Buddha Dhamma, and explains the entire process of the world,
without self or soul.
The path which has to be followed to get out of this situation known
as dukkha is set out as the Noble Eightfold Path and in the Four Noble
Truths. Expounded in the first sermon, that is Samma Ditthi (right
view), Samma Sankappa (right thought), Samma Vaca (right speech), Samma
Kammanta (right action), Samma Ajivo (right livelihood), Samma Vayamo
(right effort), Samma Satti (mindfulness) and Samma Samadhi (right
concentration).
These truths are more fully explained in the Saccavibhanga sutta in
the Majjhima Nikaya, which was delivered by Arhath Sariputta, and also
approved by the enlightened one.
Then the Buddha went on to state. “Only after O monks, my knowledge
and insight (Nanadassana) was perfectly well cleansed by the working out
the four noble truths, in terms of three-fold generations [ Tiparivattam
dvasdaskaram, that is knowing from outside about the truth itself,
endeavoring to personalize it in one’s own life and the achievement of
that aspiration in one’s own life].”
Thus the Four Noble Truths have to be viewed from three aspects as,
the Knowledge of the Truth, the affirmative action concerning the Truth,
and the realisation that the necessary action has been accomplished.
Therefore, the Noble Truth of dukkha has to be understood, the Noble
Truth of arising has to be abandoned, the Noble Truth of cessation has
to be realised.
And the Noble Eightfold Path has to be developed, which would result
in panna (wisdom) and vimuktha (liberation).
Thus, the Buddha’s teaching is in essence as exposition of the
realities of existence, the practice and the full understanding of
which, would result in disenchantment (nibidda) and dispassion (Viraga)
towards continued existence.
Fraught with much danger and peril, leading to a liberation from the
Samsaric round of Births and deaths which is Nibbana!
Bhikku Anandajothi’s safeguard recitals have also been used in the
preparation of this article. |