The Sangha and Buddhist Meditation

Ven. Kanumuldeniye Dharmashoka Thera

The society today is faced with many a dilemma, obstacle, crisis and unrest. Almost the whole world is in deep social and psychological turmoil. Though we are affluent with material comfort brought about by modern science and technology, it is extremely regrettable that we are in the lowest ebb with regard to “spiritual and moral advancement”. It is time to reassure our role and duty towards a better world avoiding destruction of man-made cruelty leading the living beings for survival.

The message of the Compassionate Buddha, for this purpose, is replete with many a direction of guidance.

At this critical juncture, the Sangha have been advised to work for the well-being of the world and thay have a great responsibility to play. It is the responsibility to lead them on the correct tract of spiritual life. They have to strive for purity, perfection and fulfillment of the whole community.

To achieve this goal, ethical conduct is very necessary. Morality is, however, the initial step, and must be followed by mental culture or meditation. In order to attract almost every member of the society towards that goal the Sangha have a leading role to play.

The Buddhist teachings clearly emphasis the cultivation of human character itself, in turn, paves the way to perfection or ‘nibbana’. For this purpose greed, hatred, delusion and every other related difilement must be eradicated. To achieve this goal, the only authority having an effective experience is the ‘Sangha’.

On account of the above facts, the Sangha can play a vital role in changing the minds and thoughts of people where its really necessary and vital. Trying to change others in the society without striving to change the inner thoughts of himself is really like trying to change the reflection of an image in a mirror without changing the object that is being reflected.

The attitude of the Buddha with regard to ‘Change the thoughts and attitudes’ well-attested by many a discourse contained in the Pali Canonical tests. Once a deity reached the Buddha and asked as follows;

“The inner tangle and the outer tangle,

“This generation is covered up by these tangles, So, ask the Lord, Please let me know the person who disentangles these tangles?”

The reply of the Buddha is extremely important to the modern world seriously affected by many a problem, unrest, dilemma and conflict.

The reply was;

“When a wise man, Established in virtue (or sila), Develops mind and wisdom (panna), Such an ardent and virtuous Bhikkhu can disentangle the riddle of ‘Samsara’.

Now, here, one can become virtuous by practicing morality, higher consciousness (Samadhi) and meditation of insight (Panna bhavana). Mental training is the key to develop wisdom or (panna). The path of Spirituality is the path of wisdom.

Through morality one can attain peace in the complex world with many a temptation. It is through meditation one can attain peace in one’s mind the internal world.

The mind having total freedom and peace is the birth place of wisdom or insight, and that leads to final perfection, ‘Nibbana’ or perfect peace and happiness. Finally, let me draw your attention on one other point.

That is the point of conflicts and unrest dominated by modern man. How to make a change to these problems? Who has the responsibility to that end? With regards to this, I am sure; that we Buddhists are especially Bhikkhus can do a better role.

Buddhism is not only a living faith but also it is the most accorded religion with modern science.

The science of mind culture is the best contribution that can be largely affected by the modern society. For this, we, are the members of the monastic community who can help the people. We got to address the people at large.

We can set an example by introducing new methods and avenues to develop the mind. Now, I am sure, we all have to seek new avenues, ways and methods to disseminate the “Buddhist meditation techniques” astonishingly, 40 capable techniques ruled out by the Buddha - and for this very end the Sangha can play a vital and magnificent role.

Finally, I would like to pay your attention on the words of the Buddha!

“Work hard, making continuous effort to destroy the evils of every nature like a tusker demolishing a house built with bamboo”.

May you all be happy, healthy and

prosperous!

The Great Socialist

Buddha was the great socialist
Ever lived in this world
Refusing the old Brahmin ideas
Buddha preached:
By birth all are alike
No difference
From blood, bones, behaviour and appearance
All alike, no difference
He treated the people of
Four creeds alike
And took them in order
All kings and people of higher status
Had to worship their feet
And offered alms to:
Suneetha was a coolie
Upali was a barber
Channa was a driver
Pilothika was a beggar
All became Arahats.
Buddha said that,
Only by their bad deeds
One becomes a chandala
Not by birth
Brahmins hated Buddha
But later they all become followers.
Buddha was the greatest socialist
Ever lived in this world.
By one’s good deeds,
One can be a Brahamin.
Buddha treated all sons and daughter alike
What a humble person is the Buddha!

- Daya Dahanayake