Seeing the Buddha on this Vesak day

Ven. Dr. Mirisse DhammikaThera

2564 years have gone by since the Buddha passed away. Today, even though there is no living Buddha, His Teachings, known as Buddhism are still alive. Thus, is it possible to see the Buddha by learning and following His Teachings?

During Buddha’s time, a young man named Wakkali became a monk because he was fascinated by the Buddha’s body. He was preoccupied by thoughts about Buddha’s body rather than the teachings. When it was brought to his attention, the Buddha said (yodhammangpassathi, so mangpassathi) “if one sees the dhamma, one sees the Buddha“. Therefore, reflecting His supreme qualities and following the teachings wisely are the noblest ways to respect and adore the Buddha. Anyone who begins to explore Buddhism may also see this noble being, the Buddha by learning analytically and following His teachings wisely.

Buddha’s teachings can be followed without any socioeconomic hindrance. The term human is implied to all mankind. Any division may be based purely on their own activity rather than by birth. According to Buddhism, a disciplined and its actions shape an individual into a noble human being. This path of action can be initiated through dana (generosity), sila (morality) and bhavana (meditation). It should not be misunderstood that these activities can be performed only by Buddhists. Without distinction, anyone who strives for physical and mental peace can achieve these qualities.

Giving away acertain portion of what one has rightfully earned with purity in mind and full of happiness is call generosity. One might think, “Why should one give away any potion of what one has rightfully one”? When qualities like mutual respect, trust, compassion, equanimity and patience develop among humans, the relationship and the value of generosity become more obvious. There are four things that are common to all beings, namely food, sleep, fear and reproduction of the species, but human beings are distinct because of the ability of advanced thinking. Buddhism sees this ability as the basis for generosity and morality. However, one shall not become generous in anticipation of returns such as fame, praise, leadership or any other gain. One has to develop generosity with a pure mind.

Morality is the discipline of speech and body whereby one’s thoughts, words and actions are harmless to one – self and to others. Can you imagine how much relief it brings to all beings? There is no age difference in maintaining morality that brings personal satisfaction and enhances the development of self confidence.

Sila is two-fold in which engaging in daily activities in a righteous and a civilized way is described as AbhisamacharikaSila and the non-civilized and anti-social way of life that cannot maintain morality as Abhisamacharika Sila.

Meditation is training of the mind. In the Pali Cannon it reads “Bhavanathi Vaddhana”. Mind wonders perpetually and entangles in intentions. The intentions may be wholesome or unwholesome where wholesome intentions foster happiness and the unwholesome ones destroy happiness. Therefore, focussing and keeping the trained and disciplined mind on wholesome thoughts is the first step in meditation which produces steady physical and mental happiness. By following in-depth meditation, one is able to comprehend the true nature of life with all its interactions. Then, one realizes that I, me and mine are nothings but concept.

It is worthwhile to depict some examples of Buddhist Saints (Arahants) who achieved permanent peace and happiness by following the Buddha’s teachings. These are not super human, but noble qualities that can be developed by average human beings. Stories such as Kisagothamie, Patachara, Punna and Rajjumalamentioneded in the literature are known to many Buddhists. It is a joy to reflect on how Buddha helped and relieved those human beings who were engulfed in sorrow and helplessness. It should not be difficult to imagine the state of mind of a woman who lost her husband, two children and her parents at the same time. Patachara was one such woman. While people threw stones at her to find relief by calling her “sister”. Those compassionate words brought relief to her at a time when she was engulfed in unending sorrow. We often experience the scenarios where individualsare made to suffer rather than helping them to find relief, happiness and peace. There are numerous individuals with physical and mental agony caused by social problems. Even though every one of them cannot be helped economically, helping them with at least a kind word is a way of seeing the Buddha.

Once the Brahmin Akkosabharadvaja invited the Buddha to his home. When Buddha arrived, the Brahmin treated him with very harsh words. Imagine, how you would react if you were confronted with a similer situation. Buddha listened to the Brahmin and said, “Brahmin!, how would you treat your relatives and friends when you invite them? Suppose if they refused to take what you offer, doesn’t that remain wih you? Similarly, I do not accept your treatment and it is all yours”. The Brahmin who was full of remorse and hatred was wise enough to understand the message. He took refuge in the Buddha.

Isn’t the Buddha an example for those who think that it is impossible to live the life without hitting back when hit or without verbally abusing when verbally abused? Isn’t it a demonstration for problem solving using common sense and kindness? Once, when Arahant Sariuth was walking for alms, a person who came from behind beat him in the back. Arahant Sariuth kept walking in peace. The abuser felt very embarrassed and begged for forgiveness. When asked why he begged for forgiveness, the abuser explained what he did. Arahant Sariuthasked him “did you beat me? Think for a moment why Arahant Sariuthmight have asked that question. One may assume either he wasn’t aware of the beating or he simply didn’t feel it. I would suggest the following. Perhaps his body was beaten, but not the mind. Therefore, there was no anger and hatred. Often human being suffer because they are mentally hurt rather than physically. If we look through a coloured glass, the objects are seen coloured by the colour of the glass. Similarly, if unwholesome thoughts are resident in the mind, one’s conscious decisions and thoughts are affected by them. A pure mind full of wholesome thoughts only can make decisions that foster harmony and happiness. The disciple who treads the path of the Dhamma makes his way through the noble Eight Fold Path which is the final segment towards enlightenment. Foe Bhikkus and laymen alike there is no path other than the noble Eight Fold Path for enlightenment (Nibbana).

Buddhism is not centered around a master but around virtues. We consider the Buddha as our Teacher because of the supreme virtues and qualities incorporated in Him. We pay homage not to his body but to his virtues. Therefore our teacher is the noble qualities and supreme virtues. Where there are no virtues, there is neither Buddhism nor Buddhists.

Generosity, non-greediness, compassion, kindness, simplicity, equanimity, selflessness and patience etc., are a thousand and one qualities incorporated in the Buddha’s teachings. It is worthwhile to think honestly for a moment and see individually as to how many of these qualities are there in every one of us. It is a way to see the Buddha and the Dhamma.

May you be well, happy and peaceful!!!