Vesak reflections

The Buddha lived and preached more than 2,500 years ago. Yet his words are more appropriate today than ever. The Buddha’s eternal message of peace will reverberate throughout the world today as Buddhists celebrate Vesak, the Thrice Blessed Day which marks His Birth, Enlightenment and Parinibbana (Passing Away).

This Vesak, we must ponder on Buddha’s words as the world experiences an unprecedented economic crisis. The root cause of this crisis is money - or rather the relentless pursuit of it.

The Buddha explained that attachment to worldly goods including money results in suffering, which keeps us in a Samsaric journey. He enunciated the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path which could end this cycle of suffering through the attainment of Nibbana, the Supreme State of Bliss.

It is clear that the greed for more wealth ultimately brought ruin to individuals and countries. The Buddha, on the other hand, advocated moderation in all aspects of life - the Middle Path. Having experienced the extremes of both comfort and suffering, He learned that the Middle Path was the best option. This is the path that we should seek as we strive to live in a highly commercial, competitive world.

There is a wrong notion that the Buddha’s teachings are complex tenets that cannot be followed by lay persons. In fact, many of his Discourses including the Singalovada Sutta focused exclusively on the practical aspects of lay life. The Buddha showed how we could apply the Dhamma to succeed in our day-to-day lives. These words hold true to this day and can easily be followed for a happy family life.

The key to understanding Buddha’s philosophy is realizing the virtue of getting away from Lobha (Greed), Dosha (Hatred) and Moha (Delusion). These are the evils that keep us in the Samsaric journey. This may seem difficult, but why not strictly adhere to Pancha Seela (Five Precepts) at first? This will make a difference to our lives and piety will emerge naturally.

True, piety is often the last thing on our minds in a highly commercialised world. Even Vesak has not been spared in the rush for commercialization. The true meaning of Vesak must be found in our inner selves, away from the glitz of decorations and illuminations. Turning the searchlight inwards is the best way to cleanse our minds of the impurities of sins.

There is nothing intrinsically wrong in material offerings, but we should give priority to spiritual offerings to the Buddha. We should get closer to our religion, whatever that may be. One of the main reasons for the rise of vice in our society is the huge gulf between religion and individuals.

The temple used to be the focal point in the village and the goodness that emanated from it touched all. The temple and other places of worship must again assume this role to rid the society of evil. Religious dignitaries should make it a point to inculcate moral values in the younger generation who are exposed day in and day out to a morally corrupt world.

Today’s younger generation is very keen to learn more about Buddhism. More youth are attending Sil campaigns in temples and engaging in other meritorious deeds. This augurs well for the future. The media had played a pivotal role in this transformation and there should be more outlets that cater to their desire to seek additional information on the Dhamma, which should ideally become the basis for our lives.

Westerners too are keen to learn more about Buddhism, especially in the light of recent developments in their countries. They have realized the futility of pursuing only material wealth at the expense of true happiness.

Our temples should mould more young Bhikkus who could engage in Dhamma Dutha missions abroad to spread the Buddha’s immortal words.

The Buddha’s words can not only bring solace to our minds, they can also heal the wounds of war. The Buddha visited this isle on one occasion to defuse tension between two warring parties and usher in peace. After 30 long years of conflict, Sri Lanka is finally heading towards peace and reconciliation. Today, as terrorism is finally defeated and the conflict comes to a close, peace and reconciliation are sorely needed to take our country forward.

Rancour and discord should give way to amity and brotherhood as all communities seek to make a fresh start in a land free of terror. As the Buddha said “Hatred never ceases by Hatred - it ceases by Love alone”.

This Vesak, we should offer love and compassion to those who have been liberated from the grip of terror and in the true spirit of Buddhism, to former enemy combatants who have abandoned their murderous ways. That will be an ideal start to renewed attempts for peace and harmony in our Motherland as we pay homage to the Enlightened One today.