Gauthama Buddha,

2012-05-05T16:42:00.001+09:00

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Homage to the Buddha

The Blessed One

The Exalted One

The Fully Enlightened One

ආයුබෝවන්

Enter

2012-05-05T16:18:00.000+09:00

Are you like this hamster on the wheel?
Going round and round.
Stop!
Stop going round and round.
Creating "samsara" and suffering.
Stop grasping.

It was on the full moon Poya day in May that Siddhattha Gothama, became fully enlightened. This day is now called Wesak, Waishakya, or Wesakha, depending on the language. Siddattha was an ascetic then.He became known as the Buddha Gothama, after his enlightenment. The tree beneath which He was sitting at this time came to be known as the “Bodhi” tree.

What He realized at enlightenment was that it is “craving” that causes endless suffering to beings. Craving or desire by ever creating the “be - ing”, the so called “me” that leads to delusion makes all beings suffer relentlessly.

After His enlightenment He spent seven weeks under and around the “Bodhi” blessing the tree that gave him protection and shade during His time of striving. Nobody else came to his aid. Thereafter, on the eighth week he set forth to Isipathana, where the five ascetics who cared for him thus far [i] were residing at “Migadhaya” (the Deer Park). He set forth thus, to teach them the Dhamma, to show them the path to end suffering.

Now as the Perfectly Enlightened One, the Buddha Gauthama taught them the Four Noble Truths, to show them the way out of suffering. They are:

1. The Truth of Suffering evident in life.

2. The Cause (Craving) of Suffering

3. Cessation of Suffering

4. Way to the Cessation of Suffering

This teaching is called the “Dhammachakka - pavaththana sutta”, because Dhamma means the truth, chakka means the wheel, “pavaththana” literally means setting in motion. Thus, He set the wheel of Dhamma rolling. He revealed to the world the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering and the way to the cessation of suffering which is today called the Noble Eight Fold Path.

Dhammachakkha pawatthana Sutta-

This is the Discourse on keeping the wheel of Dhamma rolling. In this discourse the Buddha taught the eight fold path, the way to end suffering. Towards the end of his discourse, one of the five ascetic listeners, named Kondañña became enlightened. We say that he became a “stream-winner”.

The English meanings of the eight fold path are given below.

Wisdom (Pañña)

1. Right understanding (right seeing=Right View)

2. Right thoughts or right intentions

Virtue (Seela)

3. Right speech

4. Right actions (Right behavior)

5. Right livelihood

Stillness (Samādhi)

6. Right effort

7. Right mindfulness

8. Right Peace of Mind (Right absorption through Meditation)

Even though Wisdom leads the list, in practice it is Virtue that leads. Virtue means a high standard of discipline. Discipline will make you honour the precepts like not being dishonest to your partner, if you are married. If you are celebate keep with the Brahmachari precept. It is this discipline which will make you not lie or cheat. When you conscience is clear, you find it easy to reach the Stillness in Samadhi. Samadhi is the second step on the path after Virtue. Reaching the stillness of mind which is called Samadhi, in Jhanic Bliss etc., you will be able to see that there is “no-self”. Seeing that there is no self to call, me or mine, is the dawning of Wisdom, the first realization on the enlightenment path. So you see, Seela leads to Samadhi, and Samadhi in turn leads to Wisdom.

The Four Noble Truths

1. Suffering the truth

Coming face to face with life we have to accept that, there is Suffering. There’s no denying that! What do ordinary people like us have in common with Obama, Bin Laden, Queen Elizabeth or Kate Middleton. It is suffering. Every life has to face this in one way or another. We all have to undergo sicknesses, ageing and death, not to mention all the other upheavals we have to bear, in between the day were born till the day we die. As if this normal dose is not enough, terminal diseases like cancer and “telling on you” diseases like Alzheimer etc, also get introduced into life. Then the pain of separation from loved ones, problems of divorces, problems of children, traumas, poverty, natural calamities, recessions etc. etc. gets the people exhausted. These are all the stuff of life, the plain truth even though you may like to think it otherwise. You can never wish them away.

2. The Cause of Suffering.

The Buddha found that the cause of suffering is initially craving. Craving for sense pleasure, craving for existence, craving to control and have power. Any kind of craving falls into one of these three categories.

Sensual pleasures, in the meanwhile spread out in six ways based on the six senses. The eye desires forms, the ear desires sounds, the nose desires odours, the tongue desires taste, the body desires objects, and the mind desires, dreams or illusions. These desires forms the backdrop to the eventual ignorance of the pristine nature of the mind, (that has no desires in its pure form)

3. The Cessation of Suffering:

Once this craving stops, (the pristine) Peace of mind arises in its stead. It is natural for the mind to be in Perfect bliss, and peace when it is free of the three fold cravings. If one just be happy with whatever is in the present moment without wishing for things (in the future), nor lamenting (on the past), but be in the present moment, it would really lead him to a lot of happiness, contentment and peace of mind. This process is quite natural. By letting go of the past and future, one can naturally realize this peace.

4. The Way leading to the Cessation of Suffering:

There is a way out of suffering. This is called the Noble Eightfold Path. Also called the middle path as it does not tilt towards luxurious living nor self mortification. It is a very balanced way of life, which would lead to contentment and peace.

Be in the present moment.

…………..in the silence

………in the peace within

…………in wisdom

[i] The five Ascetics were attending on Him anticipating that He would become fully enlightened through severe ascetic practices, that nearly killed Siddhattha. They left when He accepted the meal of milk rice offered to Him by Sujatha, thereby breaking the severe ascetic practices of not eating. Hedid this as He realized that severe ascetic practices will not lead to enlightenment.

Taming an Elephant with loving kindness - Nalagiri was the Royal Elephant

2012-01-11T20:04:00.003+09:00

Nalagiri getting up to walk with the Buddha after being calmed down

Nalagiri was the name of the royal tusker belonging to King Suppabuddha. This king was the father of Devadatta. Devadattha, who was jealous of the Buddha, plotted to kill Him while He was in Rajgir..... They brought this huge tusker, and gave it alcohol, then hurt and wounded it with spears and irritated it so much that it was enraged beyond compare. Then they let it out loose from a special gate at Rajgir into the narrow streets of Rajgir, where the Buddha was coming down on alms round. The intoxicated elephant started running down this street furiously tearing down everything on its sight. Everybody ran helter-skelter, when they saw this huge enraged elephant come charging down the street. The Buddha and his faithful attendant Venerable Ananda alone, stayed-on , without running away. Bhikkhu Ananda stood in front of the Buddha, so that the elephant would get him instead of the Buddha. (So you see Ananda Thero was quite different to St. Peter). However, the Buddha, came forward and with his immense mettha, relieved him off his pain and calmed the animal, who bowed down at his feet with tears running down his elephantine face. For..., the Buddha did not think about Himself, He only felt the urgency of ending the pain from which this huge animal was suffering, .... and that’s just what He did. With His immense metttha, He ended the suffering of that animal, and the poor animal felt His loving kindness in his entire gigantic body thus, curing him off his pain and intoxication. He bowed down at the Blessed One's feet crying in gratitude.

Renunciation - Prince Siddhartha

2011-12-16T20:32:00.007+09:00

I was surprised beyond my wits when I came across this painting on the internet. It is unbelievable but true that this was the creative work of a youth in Europe in the nineteenth century. Later I was to learn that during the Victorian age, western youth were inspired by the idea of renunciation. It was also considered fashionable to look East during this period in History where the orient was attractive and mystical. Maybe this painting was the beautiful result of such a “burn of inspiration.”

The painting itself, done in oil on canvass, is a brilliant portrayal of the artist’s imagination. I am at a loss to explain Chevalier’s skill in depicting his “Mano Sankhara- the picture in his mind ” so cleverly. He indeed is a master. It certainly makes an impact in anybody’s mind.

Life of the Buddha seen through a Ceylonese (Sinhalese) Artist's eyes

2011-12-08T20:23:00.006+09:00

A young artist from Gampaha, Sri Lanka who is known as "Dhamma Eye" in his blog has been inspired to paint the pictures on this slideshow. He is undoubtedly a great artist, and I see on his blogspot that his past time is meditation. We thank him for his great work and wish him all the best to draw many more paintings of the Buddha.

I have seen many of these paintings appearing elsewhere on the internet, and some people have queried who the author is, of these pictures. I hope the people who read my blogspot will now know who did these beautiful paintings.

Life of the Buddha - Paintings from "Dhamma Eye"

Spreading the Message of the Dhamma- Gothama Buddha urges his first 60 disciples to go forth spreading the Dhamma

2011-11-15T18:16:00.005+09:00

Sending the first 60 disciples out to teach

(Source of this post – Manual of Buddhism – by Venerable Narada Thera)

After delivering the discourse on the Dhammacakka, to the five Waggiya bhikkhus, the Buddha remained in Benares, at Isipatana, Deer park. (today's “Varanasi” in Sarnath – ancient suttas refer to this place as “Baranasi”).

During this time there lived in Banares a young man called Yasa. He was a millionaire who lived in luxury. Hearing about the Buddha, and realizing the futility of worldly life, he stole away from home at night to see the Buddha. The Buddha invited him to sit down spoke to him.

While listening, Yasa became a “Stream winner” – “Sothapanna”[1]. Later he ordained and became fully enlightened as an Arahant. His father who came looking for Yasa also met the Buddha and hearing the Dhamma from Him became so inspired and took refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. He was the first “Upasaka”[2], the first lay disciple of the Buddha.

He then invited the Buddha and Venerable Yasa to his house for a meal (alms). When the Buddha, visited his house and explained the Dhamma, Venerable Yasa’s mother, and former wife also became inspired and sought refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, and became the first two Upāsikās.

Venerable Yasa had 54 friends, they all heard about Yasa’s ordination, and thereafter, met the Buddha, and were so moved that they became ordained themselves and later attained Arahantship. Then there were sixty Arahants excluding the Buddha in this world. (The five Vaggiya Bhikkus, Yasa and his fifty four friends : 5+1+54 =60)

The Buddha spent the rainy season at the Deer Park at Isipatana in Benares, in retreat as it was not favorable to travel during the rains. After the rains, He called all His 60 followers, all of them were now Arahants (Fully enlightened beings) to come before Him. He then, dispatched them in various directions to spread the Sublime Dhamma for the benefit of mankind thus:’

"Caratha bhikkave carikan, bahujana hitaya, bahujana sukhaya................. ......... ......."

“Go forth, O Bhikkus, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the good, benefit, and happiness of gods and men..... Let not two go by one way. Preach, O Bhikkhus, the Dhamma, excellent in the beginning, excellent in the middle, excellent in the end, both in spirit and in the letter. Proclaim the Holy Life, altogether perfect and pure”

“There are beings but with a little dust in their eyes, who, not hearing the Dhamma, will fall away. There will be those who understand the Dhamma.”

“I, too, O Bhikkhus, will go to Uruvela in Senānigāma, in order to preach the Dhamma.”

With this exhortation the Buddha despatched His First sixty disciple Arhants in various directions.

[1] Sothapanna is a person who realizes mainly “self-less-ness”, by ridding off “Sakkaya – ditthi”. Sakkaya ditthi means ignorant self view that one holds onto as the body is “me” and “ mine”

[2] A layman who takes refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, (the Triple Gem)is called an Upāsaka . A laywoman who takes refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha is called an Upāsikā.

Prince Siddhattha's Genealogical table

2011-11-08T20:45:00.002+09:00

Mettha Sutta (Karaniya Mettha Suttha)

2011-10-04T20:50:00.006+09:00

Once some disciple monks of Gauthama Buddha wanting some seclusion in order to meditate and practice went in search of a suitable forest. Coming across a beautiful forest studded with ponds and pools with crystal clear water as well as huge trees and caves, they felt that it is just the place for their purpose. They decided to dwell in it and practice diligently. Thus resolved to gain insight, they set upon their task ahead sitting under chosen trees and caves as it should be for such austerities.

Now, it so happened that there in that forest, there lived the “Wana Devathawas”, who were the real and all time dwellers of this forest. Wana means the forest; Devathawas means the spirits (or the “Devas” ) of the forest. Some of them occupied the caves and lived therein, while some occupied the huge trees. The tree dwelling spirits are known as “Vruksha Devathas” ; Vruksha means the trees, Devathas[1] means the spirits.

When the monks started their practice, as first the devathas, thought that this is just a temporary abiding on the monks’ part. They thought that the monks may have stopped on their way to somewhere else, as is customary when people had to travel long distances on foot etc. Virtuous monks are held in high esteem and the devathas felt it is improper for them to reside in the same premises be it a tree or a cave and share the same with such a righteous brahmachari[2] being. So in the hope of seeing the monks’ departure soon, they used to move about hither and thither, together with their kith and kin and little ones, until the monks would vacate the forest as they envisaged. When they realised that the monks have no plans to vacate soon they became concerned.

They got together and planned to scare the monks away. When darkness started to fall in within the forest, in the twilight, they started to make fearful noises like the wild beasts, or appear in glimpses like tigers, lions or leopards. Sometimes the leaves on the ground would crack like creepy creatures, and make hissing sounds like the snakes. Big trees would rustle as if a wild jumbo is around. However, the monks were determined in their meditation techniques and focussed on their breath that they were not easily distracted. So the devas made severe efforts with loud noises and other tactics that the poor monks, could no longer stay in that forest. Finally they decided to leave this forest. However, one monk suggested that they go and inform the Buddha about this happenings in the jungle before they could go in search of another place. Everybody agreed and so they set forth to see the Buddha.

When the Buddha was told about this incident, He realised what has happened. So, instead of going to another place, the Buddha advised the monks to go back to that same forest. He told them that this particular forest is indeed the best place for them to meditate. However, this time, He advised the monks to meditate on “Mettha” . He taught them the “ Karaniya Mettha” sutta (sutta =discourse). The discourse on loving kindness, and asked the monks to chant it aloud, and practice loving kindness throughout the day. He told the monks that loving kindness practices like that would soon end all the scary noises etc., that they experienced in the forest.

The monks were surprised that the Buddha should ask them to go back, but they did just as they were told, out of sheer respect for the Buddha. So immediately as they set forth from the village itself they started practising on loving kindness in their hearts. As they entered the forest , all of them got together and started chanting the Sutta aloud, while focusing on the meaning of each and every word of the sutta.

When the spirits heard the sutta and knew that the monks were spreading loving kindness towards all of them, they quickly realised that the monks will not be a threat to them. They realised that they too could share the forest together with the monks and dwell in the same place without having to move out themselves. They soon discovered their mistake of trying to chase the monks out, because, with all that kindness spread around them they found contentment and well being among themselves. So instead of trying to make the monks leave the forest by frightening them out of their skins, they themselves, started being fond of them loved having them around and caring for them. Soon after spreading Mettha like this the monks were able to meditate well and gain insights, and thus become enlightened.

It is said that after the Mettha sutta was chanted in this forest it became such a delightful place to abide. The doe started feeding the leopard cubs together with her kids and vice versa. So you see even the animals get affected through loving kindness. I can remember, when I was at school some sceptics used to laugh and scoff at such ideas as a doe feeding a tiger cub. They said that it could never be. Today, we come across a hoard of internet links that portray how even the animal world is full of Mettha.

[1] Devatha, devathawa – singular noun : devathas, devathawas – plural noun

[2] Brahmachari - celibate

If animals can be so full of Mettha, why can’t we?

Can you believe this? The dove won't let the cat sleep. See how the cat is very tolerant.

Mettha in Pali (ancient Indian Language) literally means friendliness or kindliness. Click the video below to see unusual animal friends.

Even so Sometimes it is necessary to make a little noise.

Here is a story.

Once the Bodhisatthawa was a Sage living in the jungle. In the cave where he dwelt there was a cobra. Because of the Sage’s kindness and compassion the snake did not harm him. Soon the cobra and the Sage became friends. The Sage used to teach the cobra Mettha. He told him not to harm any other living being. The cobra loved the Sage so much that he listened to whatever the Sage said. He too began practising loving kindness! Thus, there was this snake full of Mettha!! He wouldn’t bite any body, let alone spit his venom!!

One day the cobra was lying in the jungle minding his own business and meditating. There were some aboriginal boys who came to the jungle to gather firewood. They came very near the cobra but did not see him. They were very rough and hardy boys. Soon they finished gathering firewood and were looking round them to find a piece of vine or creeper (to act like a string) to tie up the pieces of wood. They seized the cobra (with his hood too) thinking that it was a creeper and wound up the stack of wood with the snakes body using it like a string. The cobra because he was practising mettha, did not do anything at all, and bore all that pain and humiliation too. He being a cobra after all does not deserve to be treated like a piece of string coming handy to tie up a stack of wood. The boys tied up a knot with the snake’s body and carried the wood to their camp site, and undid the knot and threw the cobra away. All the while the poor cobra didn’t even hiss.

It was a battered cobra indeed that returned to the cave that evening. The Sage was so surprised when he saw the state of his snake friend. He looked so haggard and beaten.

“Dear cobra whatever’s happened to you ? You look so battered” He inquired.

The cobra put down his head sadly and said that he practised mettha, and look what happened. He related the story of how those naughty boys used him as a creeper to tie up a stack of wood. It dawned upon the Sage then, that He must further advise the cobra. He is a cobra after all.

“My dear cobra, why didn’t you show those bad boys, that YOU ARE A COBRA, by opening up your hood and hissing. After all, people must treat you like a cobra. They should not be made to see you like a string and exploit the situation. They must not take advantage of your kindness and make you suffer for it. Hereafter, if anybody tries to be smart with you, PLEASE DO OPEN UP YOUR HOOD and SHOW THEM WHAT YOU TRULY ARE WORTH. Then they would never take advantage of your kindness. Just opening up your hood and hissing won't harm anybody.”

So this is what the Bodhisatwa said. It is all so nice to have compassion, kindness and be gentle. But there are times when you have to make a little noise, to show the world what you really are and be firm. This would save you as well as the others, not to take advantage of your kindness and compassion and make you suffer for it.

Tolerant Tabby Cat teaches the little pup a lesson, not to harass her while she is eating.

"Mettha"-Unique Quality of the Buddha

2011-09-19T18:24:00.008+09:00

"Mettha" – Unconditional Loving Kindness

The unique quality of the Buddha (and indeed even the Bodhisatva Prince Siddhattha) was His “Mettha”- loving kindness. In fact it was this quality which urged him to renounce and go forth in search of finding a way out of suffering. He (Prince Siddhattha) simply did not accept that beings are born (created) to suffer. For Him the fact that we get born to suffer was unbelievable, as He too as a Hindu believed in God (Athma) and his creation. If suffering is the lot by nature, there must be a way out too offered by nature itself. He took it upon Himself to save all beings from this predicament. In the end he found out that it was “craving” that causes suffering. We suffer because we identify with a self. "It's me who suffers". In short if a being were to be born, then live without craving, he would die not to arise (be born) again. There will not be any “samsara”. I feel that plants, which are not so evolved like animals, do not really get caught to this “craving”. Plants have only a sensitivity.

Why the Prince underwent immense hardships in search of a way to end suffering is because of his unconditional love, that he did not want to see anybody suffering.

So how could we stop craving. The Buddha has given many methods. Various techniques of meditation. However, what one should realize is, whatever, technique one uses, EACH ONE OF THEM should be practiced in a base of loving kindness. I mean one’s heart should possess kindness first of all.

Buddha and Nalagiri - Bihar -India -(11 -12th Century A.D.) Stone.

Thereafter, one must practice diligently to really “go against the grain” because we have got so used to grasping (or clinging; craving leads to clinging) according to our senses’ wishes thereby giving rise to craving the whole time. The trick is to be mindful and remain in the present moment, without running to the past and future. When the mind does run and you catch it, just be mindful of that and be aware of the present moment, without reprimanding yourself for the lack of mindfulness. The mind is just like that, running all over. It has been so for eons, so you can’t stop over night. Practicing like that is “going against the grain.”

So "mettha" leads the way.. Try the Nalagiri Strategy with your mind, as Ajahn Brahm says. Whenever you catch the mind running to and fro, have loving kindness to that aspect also, and allow things to be so, open your heart to the running mind, and instead of being upset and scolding yourself, say, “ mind I know you are running all over the place, I accept you as you are and love the running mind”…. Soon the mind will stop running.

Nalagiri Strategy

Nalagiri bowing down at the Buddha's feet

Nalagiri was the name of the royal tusker belonging to King Suppabuddha. This king was the father of Devadatta. Devadattha, who was jealous of the Buddha, plotted to kill Him while He was in Rajgir..... They brought this huge tusker, and gave it alcohol, then hurt and wounded it with spears and irritated it so much that it was enraged beyond compare. Then they let it out loose from a special gate at Rajgir into the narrow streets of Rajgir, where the Buddha was coming down on alms round. The intoxicated elephant started running down this street furiously tearing down everything on its sight. Everybody ran helter-skelter, when they saw this huge enraged elephant come charging down the street. The Buddha and his faithful attendant Venerable Ananda alone, stayed on this street, without running away. Bhikkhu Ananda stood in front of the Buddha, so that the elephant would get him instead of the Buddha. (So you see Ananda Thero was quite different to St. Peter). However, the Buddha, came forward and with his immense mettha, calmed the animal, who bowed down at his feet with tears running down his elephantine face. For..., the Buddha did not think about Himself, He only felt the urgency of bringing the pain from which this huge animal was suffering, to an end. And that’s just what He did. With His immense metttha, He ended the suffering of that animal, and the poor animal felt His loving kindness in his entire gigantic body thus, curing him of his pain and intoxication. He bowed down at the Blessed One's feet crying in gratitude.

Nalagiri at Buddha's feet -Rajgir - India- stone carving

Like to learn Mettha meditation? listen to Ajahn Brahmali lead a guided meditation on mettha

Listen to a Guided metation on mettha and a chanting to welcome the New Year here

Enlightenment

2011-09-04T15:40:00.006+09:00

A Sinhalese Artist's depiction of the Buddha under the Bodhi tree soon after enlightenment.
The devas in the background worshipping Him.

After seeing the gold bowl float upstream, Ascetic Siddhattha crossed the river Anoma,. A little way further up he found a nice tree to sit and meditate underneath. A passing Brahmin had offered him a pile of grass to be used as a seat. He spread the grass underneath the tree and took seat. He then determined thus. “Let my blood, bones and sinews dry up, I shall not get up from this seat, until I have realised the cause behind suffering and freedom from it”.

He then resorted to what is unique to Him as His own meditation technique. Hitherto, He had tried all the techniques that had been taught to him by others, but they were of no avail on his quest to end suffering. Now He started on His own method. His mind was full of “ mettha” (loving kindness) and compassion. With a mind full of compassion and kindness He started the “Ana-pana” meditation that was unique to him from his childhood.

In the early hours of the full moon day in May, He achieved “Samma Sambodhi-hood” (Perfectly complete enlightenment).

The First Seven Weeks After Enlightenment

Enjoying the peace of Sambodhihood he stayed seated under the tree, which thenceforth came to be known as “Bodhi- tree”. (Bodhi means enlightenment).

Thereafter, on the second week He paid gratitude to the tree which gave Him shade throughout His ordeal of breaking all fetters and defeating Mara[i], by blessing the tree with unblinking eyes.

On the third week He created a Chankamana, a walking meditation path in gold and spent his time in walking meditation.

The fourth week he created a “Gold Roof with four gold pillars and floor”, (Rathana-Ghara) closeby to the Bodhi tree, and stayed within it meditating.

On the fifth week He moved away from the Bodhi tree and sat in meditation underneath the Banyan Tree which was called “Ajapala”. There, two merchants passing by offered him bee’s honey and rice cracker-flakes (rice crackers - the Sinhala scriptures say "Wilanda”, which is a form of blown-out flakes of rice like pop corns). The Buddha accepted and ate this. Thus, this was the first meal the Buddha had in more than five weeks. The two merchants were Tha-us and Balaka. (Some people say Thapassu-Bhalluka which were the Indianised names of the two). They were from Hela-Diva the present day Sri Lanka, (Ceylon). They were highly impressed seeing the Buddha in all his glory, and after listening to a Dhamma discourse they became the first of His disciples. They took refuge in Buddha and Dhamma, as the Sangha were not yet founded at this time. On their request for something for veneration, the Buddha gave them a lock of His hair. This, they brought to their home country and enshrined it in a “Da-gaba” in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka where it is preserved up to this day. So, the first to disciples of the Buddha were actually two Ceylonese (Sinhalese) merchants. There had been a route passing this place from Trincomalee to the Northern parts of India, which was taken constantly by Ceylonese sea farers. “Naga” in ancient Sinhalese means a navigator (-“ නැව් ගාමී - නාග”- refer writings by Acharya Arisen Ahubudu[ii].) .

On the sixth week he was sitting in meditation by a pond a little way further up the Banyan tree. During this week the rains started to come down while the Buddha was thus seated. Another seafarer who was travelling with Tha-us and Balaka, but delayed on the way due to his business needs came by and seeing the Buddha getting wet, drew up curtains to shield him from the rain. As he was a Naga, this act later-on gave rise to the story of a big cobra (“naga” in Indian languages means a cobra) coiling round to shield the Blessed One from the rain with his hood. This passerby was called Mudhalindu (මුදලිඳු)which in Sinhalese means a chieftain (derivatives of which even exists today used as a common surname). That is how the said cobra’s name happened to be Muchalinda.

On the seventh week the Blessed One stayed at Rajayathana, where he reflected that even though very deep, there indeed are people among the populace who would be able to understand and cross the borders to Nibbana and end suffering. He reflected thus, “Like the lotus flowers that bloom out of the muddy waters to shine radiantly on the surface without touching the mud, among the tainted populace there would be those who would come out of defilements to be virtuous and free, then shine the world in true Dhamma”.

There is a story that Maha Brahma called Sahampathi invited him to teach at this moment. At first He thought of going to Alara Kaalaama and Uddaka Ramaputtha to help them gain knowledge on how to end suffering. However, seeing that they have already passed away to “Neva Sagna Na-sagna” and “ Akasha sagna" yathana respectively, He decided to teach the “ Pancha waggiya bhikkhus”, the five friends who cared for him during his time of severe ascetic practices. He then saw with His divine eye that the five are now residing at Isipathana, Migadaya, (the deer park at Isipathana (Miga=deer ; daya=sanctuary). Thus, He set forth on foot to Isipathana (present day Uttar Pradesh) from the place where the Bodhi tree was, present day Budhgaya in Bihar, which is a formidable distance.

From these historical records we can see that, at first when Siddhattha Gauthama became perfectly enlightened, He was quite a glorious person to look at. So much so that all the passers-by were struck by His personality and gazed at him in wonder.

When the Buddha was seated under the Ajapala Banyan tree, a young passerby named Upaka seeing Him simply jumped. He then approached the Buddha and asked if He were God. The Buddha replied “No”. Then he asked the Buddha if He were the Devil to which the Blessed one replied “No”. Then he inquired "Are you Man?" to which the Buddha again replied "No".

“Who are you then?” Upaka asked.
The Buddha replied, “ I am Samma Sam Buddha.” But Upaka, did not understand.

Apart from Upaka, Tha-us and Balaka, and Mudalindu too, were highly impressed at the very first sight of Him. The two merchants worshipped Him and became His first two disciples on just seeingHim, and wanting to offer Him a meal offered bees’ honey and rice pops as a gift. Then Mudalindu seeing Him stopped on his way to cover him from the rain. All this go to show us that the Buddha made an impressive picture during the first few weeks of His enlightenment.

The Buddha then, probably realising this, made himself to appear as a normal person, when he set forth to meet the Pancha- waggiya Bhikkhus to teach them the Dhamma. During the Buddha's life on many instances, we see that He appeared a normal ascetic.

For example after the Buddha became famous and had many disciples after several years had passed, the Brahmin clansman, Pukkusathi (who considered himself a disciple of the Buddha, and was practising on His teachings but had not yet seen Him) did not even recognise Him, until he had listened to a full discourse on Nibbana. Thereafter, understanding that this indeed is the Buddha, His much Venerated Teacher whom he had not seen thus far, worshipped and venerated Him, before he departed from the Blessed One soon after the discourse.

The Buddha had thousands of disciples both men and women, who became enlightened themselves after He started teaching on Asala full moon day to the Pancha Waggiya Bhikkus. Read the first discourse. No other teacher had such a large number of followers in history.

The Method that helped Ascetic turned Prince Sidhattha to get enlightened - is just residing in the present moment watching your breath, and going inwards to the silence within. Read download it and save it on to your desk top.

Have a look at the Pali scripture teaching in English (Roman)script . This is a very common method that is unique to Gauthama Buddha. He was the first person who taught the world how focusing the mind on in and out breath leads to liberation. It was He who showed the world how one can reach the very deep stillness of the quiet mind by being aware of the in and out breathing of the body and thereby get enlightened.

If you are interested you can see the Pali version in Roman script look here. See instructions below.

After clicking you will come to the Chaṭṭha Saṅgāyana web page with a column to your left.

Go down on this left column underneath the turning wheel and click the word web in “Roman web.”

It will open a blank page with Tipitaka (Roman) folder displayed on the left side.

Then follow the path below.

the + sign on Tipitaka opens Tipitaka Mūla

the + sign on Tipitaka Mūla opens Suttapitaka.

the + sign on Suttapitaka opens Majjhimanikāya.

the + sign on Majjhimanikāya opens Uparipannāsapāli

Click on the + sign on Uparipannāsapāli and the suttas of this pitaka will open up on the right hand side of the page.

Go down this page until you come to Sutta Number 8 Ănāpānassatisuttaṃ. This is after Mahācattārisakasuttaṃ (7).

Listen to the Sutta - Ajahn Brahm explains in English- download it and listen to it(free) in MP3 format - then you can write your own CDs and give it as a gift to your friends.

The Buddha said

"Of all Gifts the Gift of Dhamma is the highest."

So here I am giving it to you. Get Enlightened !!!

[i] Mara –the name refers to the evil one who blocks enlightenment. Also referred to as the defilements in the mind that blocks enlightenment. Mara refers to death in many Indian languages.

[ii] Acharya Arisen Ahubudu is a Scholar who researched on ancient Sinhala writings and “Hela” language. According to him there had been a Sinhala “Janapadhaya” ( state or territory) in Northern India.

"Sabba dānaṁ Dhamma dānaṁ jināthi"

Monasteries

2011-08-31T19:48:00.001+09:00

Abhayagiri Monastery – USA - www.abhayagiri.org

for photos

Founded by Ajahn Sumedho, this monastery is situated in the Redwood Valley, California. and is the first monastery of its kind in the US. It is 13 miles (21 km) north of Ukiah. The Senior Monks lead meditation retreats and teaches Dhamma in and around California. Both Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Amaro act as the co-Abbots.

Aruna Ratanagiri Monastery- UK

– www.ratanagiri.org.uk

Located in HarnhamNorthumberland, England, this beautiful monastery has a retreat facility named Kusala House, where lay people too can reside and meditate.

Presently there are 11 members of Sangha with Ajahn Munindo as the Abbot. Monks from this monastery often teach meditation groups in the North of England and Scotland. Retreats are conducted at Kusala house for both male and female retreatants throughout the year.

Amaravati Monastery – UK

- www.amaravati.org

Ajahn Sumedho founded this very popular monastery in 1984. Situated in Hertfordshire, within commuting distance from London (30 miles) makes it an accessible place of practice for many. The spacious and countryside environment so close to a busy metropolitan makes it an endearing place of visit for the laity to practice in quietude. The resident community numbers around 35 members and the monastery hosts retreats, festivals, talks, and workshops regularly, except during the three month winter retreat from end December to end March.

Bodhinyanarama Monastery - New Zealand

-www.bodhinyanarama.net.nz

Situated in a 126 acre woodland near Wellington this beautiful monastic sanctuary is an ideal place for those who aspire for a peaceful dwelling to practice the path of Dhamma leading to enlightenment. Isolated lodgings within the forest offer a suitable environment to practice in solitude, while living within the monastic community provides the necessary inner security of knowing you are not alone. Even though the monastery is mainly built for silent mediation practice, there is a large public area and a meeting hall for religious festivals, public meetings and retreats. The Abbot, Ajahn Thiradhammo, gives instructions in meditation and teaches the Buddhist way of living. The senior monks teach meditation and lead retreats in the monastery as well as abroad.

Cittaviveka - UK-

- www.cittaviveka.org

The First Monastery of Ajahn Chah tradition, established in UK. Generally considered the first of it’s kind in the West, this most beautiful monastery is an old Manor House converted into a peaceful dwelling place. Established by Ajahn Sumedho, it was started in 1979, with Ajahn Chah’s visit to England. There are about 15 male and 8 female residents. This Monastery is situated in Hampshire and normall, is called the Chithurst Monastery. The old Manor House now has its adjacent Dhamma Hall, while the sprawling grounds (including Hammer Wood) enjoys many meditation Kutis. Rocana Vihara houses the nuns while the Aloka cottage accommodates female guests. The Present Abbot is Ajahn Sucitto

Dhammapala Kloster – Switzerland

- www.dhammapala.ch

A beautiful Monastery in mountainous Switzerland this is located in Kandersteg at an altitude of 1200m. Ajahn Khemasiri is the leader of the small community. This beautiful monastery was founded during the life time of Ajahn Chah and the venerable Master had visited this monastery, in his visit to Europe.

Hartridge Monastery – UK

- www.hartridgemonastery.org

Situated in an area of remarkable natural beauty in East Devon this monastery was founded in 1986. In comprised of an old cottage, adjoining guest accommodation and twenty acres of fields with a newly plated woodland containing a pond. For the meditative practising monks there are four kutis where they can spend their time in solitude. Ajahn Jutindharo is the senior incumbent.

Santacittarama Monastero - Italy

- www.santacittarama.org

Santha Cittaarama means the garden where the peaceful heart resides. “Arama” in Pali means a beautiful garden full of natural endowments. A place where huge trees, ponds, lakes, wild life like deer, and streamlets makes the visitors heart relax and enjoy the beauties of nature and be happy. This monastery was established in 1990. Located in the Sabina hills of Rieti province, it is 35 miles to the North of Rome. Situated amongst the olive groves and vineyards of Italy, the monastery has 10 hectares of woodland and meadow where several buildings are housed. The Abbot is Ajahn Chandapalo and there are usually 7 or 8 monks.

Forest Hermitage - UK

www.foresthermitage.org.uk

A small monastery found in Warwickshire. The Senior monk is Ajahn Kemadhammo here. A few other monks and a lay attendant takes care of the needs services provided by this monastery., and he lives with other monks and a lay attendant. This headquarters of “Angulimala”, the state Buddhist guidance service whereby prison inmates are helped to come to the Dhamma path, carries out many lay retreats all through the year.

Vimutti Hermitage - New Zealand

www.vimutti.org.nz

This monastery offers an opportunity for all those who wish to practice in solitude and deepen their mediation. A Buddhist monastery of Ajahn Chah’s tradition, it is located in the midst of native bush, pine, streams and rolling hills. This is one place where all nationalities can get together and work in harmony, for a common goal. “Vimutti” means freedom (from suffering).

The Wat Buddha Dhamma- NSW Australa

-www.wbd.org.au

A Buddhist monastery of the Thai ‘Theravada’ forest tradition, just a couple of hours north of Sydney. Wat Buddha Dhamma was set up as a monastery with the intention of being a spiritual home, not just for monastics living here, but for the lay community as well. While there are organized retreats from time to time, you are most welcome to visit at any time.

The Wat lies some fifteen kilometres inland from the Wiseman’s Ferry road, and is to be found in a secluded valley in the coastal surroundings of the Dharug national park. Wat Buddha Dhamma is devoted to the training of monks, nuns and lay practitioners. People are welcome to visit and it is possible to arrange to stay as a guest for a period of time, sharing in the lifestyle of the monastic community. The Wat encourages the development of seclusion, simplicity and renunciation. It is the dedicated commitment to this way of life that facilitates a communal atmosphere where people of diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and personalities can live in harmony and to practice the Teachings of the Lord Buddha to realise Ultimate Liberation.

Nestled within the Dharug National Park, the Wat’s 90 hectares are virtually indistinguishable from the beautiful bushland that surrounds it. The Wat welcomes enquirers into and practitioners of Buddhist meditation. It is a centre for the development and practice of skilful living, calm and insight, and for loving-kindness.

Address of Wat Buddha Dhamma
-Ten Mile Hollow-Wisemans Ferry-NSW Australia 2775

Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage
- www.dhammagiri.org.au/about.html

Located on 85 acres in a serene, natural environment amid forested hills adjoining D’Aguilar National Park, yet only 45 mins drive from Brisbane CBD, Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage provides us with ideal conditions to follow the Buddha’s advice.

A small Theravada Buddhist forest monastery associated with the tradition of Ajahn Chah. It aims to transcend today's bewildering confusion of Buddhist gurus, dogmas and techniques by returning to the original teachings of the Buddha as found in the early parts of the Pali canon. LEARN MORE

The idea of Dhammagiri is to establish a Hermitage in the Theravāda Buddhist forest tradition. It is the first of its kind in Queensland. The Hermitage's main purpose is to serve as residence for a small number of Buddhist monks.

Based on a strict standard of virtue, the monks are dedicated to renunciation of sensuality and material possessions. In simplicity and solitude they practice meditation to develop states of profound stillness, concentration and bliss (samādhi).

The resultant calm and one-pointedness of mind is used to develop insight into things as they really are. Wisdom arises and is progressively deepened in a process of thorough investigation of reality (vipassanā), until ultimately the mind is liberated from greed, hatred, and delusion in the experience of Nibbāna.

Dhammagiri also supports the lay community in their practice of the Buddhist teachings. By offering almsfood and other requisites to the monastic community, and by sharing their merits with deceased relatives and all living beings, visitors to the Hermitage develop generosity (dāna) in the traditional Buddhist form. After the meal, the senior monk is available for discussion. Visitors can deepen their theoretical knowledge of the Buddha's teaching, and receive instructions and encouragement to apply this knowledge to their own particular problems and conditions in everyday life.

Address of Dhammagiri FH
10 Ben Varden Avenue
Kholo QLD 4306
Australia

Please note that Bhikkhu Dhammasiha does not use emails.
Emails are initially directed to the webmaster.

The best time to call Bhikkhu Dhammasiha is between 6:45am and 9am.
At other times, please leave a message.
Phone: +61 7 3201 2041
Fax: +61 7 3201 2044

Seeing the four sights

2011-08-27T17:04:00.003+09:00

The life of Prince Siddhattha was to change dramatically after he saw four particular sights, which led him to set forth in search of a way to wipe out the suffering of human kind for good.

Venturing out of the city gates he saw on four instances :-

an age old man who was very feeble and rendered helpless due to age
a sick man who was so bitten by disease and thus helpless.
a dead man, his corpse being carried to the burial ground by his grieving kith and kin
a mendicant monk who having renounced the worldly charms was thus in happiness and peace, unbitten by the nature's toll around him.

Coming across the old man

Fours years passed after his marriage. While on a visit to the outer skirts of the City, he sighted an aged man, who was so feeble that he could not walk properly. The Prince soon got down from his carriage and tried to help this man reach a sheltered place. His heart bled for this man as he tried to walk him. With his immense “mettha”, the Prince relieved him of his pain and was confident that he would become better.

Sick man

The next day however, the Prince found him bitten by disease of old age and worse off than before. This shocked the Prince terribly, as he found that all his efforts had not brought this man any signs of recovery towards the better. For the first time in His life, the Prince became helpless in His need. He wanted to help this man but found that He could do only very little to help him.... to relieve him of his suffering, of pain and disease of old age. Nevertheless, He tried to relieve him with His “mettha” and other remedial healing methods, on which He had been successful thus far. This time it was all different. The Prince was sad and confused. He did not accept the fact that Man has been thus created like this, (as according to ancient tradition He too believed in “Athman”)..to be aged, ..and then get bitten by disease related to old age, leading to a lot of suffering. The Prince did whatever he could to comfort this man and when He left, He seemed to be okay.

Dead man

The next day however, the Prince saw this man was dead and being carried away to the burial grounds on a stretcher. The fact that this man became aged, feeble with disease unable to fend for himself ..... and thereafter, died such a pathetic death, left a great impact in Siddhartha’s heart. That he was in pain and thus passed away leaving the body to be taken to the burial grounds, left a deep imprint in His mind. On the discussions that pursued with Channa, after seeing this man, the Prince learnt that there indeed are many others like this poor man, in the Kingdom of the Shakyans. The Prince was shocked. How could He reign above them, if His people are going to suffer like this, in old age, get bitten by disease and die helplessly. Being a Brilliant spiritual man, Sidhartha felt that this cannot be so. We simply cannot be thus created by Maha Brahma..., in this way .. to suffer and die..... There definitely must be a way out of this suffering. For according to the religious beliefs of ancient India, He too believed in God and therefore, did not want to accept that this suffering is the inheritance of man. There must be a way out too inherited by man. Deeply struck by this incident, He abandoned His trip to the Park and returned to the Palace immediately.

“Samana” – Mendicant monk.

Still perturbed by His realization of suffering, the Prince once again set out the next evening, on the visit to the parks in the outer skirts of the town, to relieve Himself of worries in His mind. I must mention here that the Parks those days were peacefully silent places where the beauties of nature were in their fullest. They had huge trees, lakes, streams, ponds and animals. The Parks are called “Arama” in Pali. The Pali word “rama” means joy. “Arama” literally means a place of joy for the visitors. They were quiet places full of loveliness. The Prince may have thought, that a visit to such a place with inherent beauties of nature, would do Him a world of good, in His present state of mind. On this evening, He spotted a mendicant monk, in saffron robes. The monk's placid footsteps, calm countenance, peaceful personality and the look of freedom, from the travails of the world, were so impressive, that the Prince thought how wonderful it would be, to become such a monk. Then it struck Him, that this is the way, to go in search for the truth. He knew, when one does not have any belongings in the world, one feels free. Thereby, enabling the qualities of the mind to mature and come forth, bringing the results of peace, and the realization of what causes suffering.

Living in the Palace, with its inherent possessions would never give the freedom of the mendicant monk but would only cause a hindrance to the path of truth and freedom. He resolved to leave the Palace and become a mendicant monk, and live a meditative life, striving on, until He finds out the truth that causes suffering. This way, He can help everyone lead a peaceful and happy life. Determined to do that the Prince returned to the Palace.

Just as He entered through the gates, a messenger brought Him the news that a baby son had been born to Him. The first words that came to His lips were “A Rahula was born” Rahula means a block on the way. A baby son means a fetter on the path to His resolve to become a mendicant monk. Therefore, the baby was named Rahula, after the Prince’s words.

Marriage to Princess Yasodhara

2011-08-26T20:50:00.001+09:00

The young prince evern though he excelled in studies, mental and physical abilities, had everything he wanted was always very reflective, and deep in thought. This worried the King, and he sought counsel from his wise men to what should be done to keep him more on a carefree and merry mood. Because all along the King was plagued by the prophecy of the wise sages at the birth and the naming ceremony of the prince, that his son would one day leave the palace to be a mendicant monk. These advisors said "Oh King your son is now 16 years old. So why not get him married to a beautiful girl. This would keep him tied down to lay life indeed.”

The King thereafter arranged for a beautiful Princess from the Koliya Royal Clan to be the Prince’s wife. Prince Siddhartha however, had to perform various feats to prove himself and win her hand. This he did excellently, to show his prowess as a defender of his country and its people, to her father King Suppabuddha, who doubted his abilities.

More about the Young Prince

More about Prince Siddhattha's Marriage

Prince Siddhattha and the Swan

2011-08-18T00:42:00.001+09:00

Prince Siddhattha was a very kind person and he loved animals. Therefore, he would never shoot and kill animals even though he excelled in archery and shooting correctly at the target. Once his cousin Devadattha shot down a swan with his arrow and the poor bird fell near Prince Siddhattha. He felt so sorry for the bird, and he very quickly but gently pulled the arrow out and was treating his wound when Devadatta came looking for the bird to where it fell and claimed it. But Prince Siddhattha refused to give it to him. He said the bird cannot belong to Devadatta, as it is not killed, and as he saved the bird it belongs to him. But Devadatta would not hear of it. So they had to go seeking justice on who owns the bird. They went to the Court of the Sage. There the Sage said that the life of the animal was saved by Prince Siddhattha, and therefore it belongs to him. Life should always belong to the one who saves it and not to the one who seeks to kill it.

In Prince Siddhattha’s kind hands the swan soon recovered and was flown away by the happy Prince.

Prince Siddhartha Saving the Swan sculpture

The Prince’s athletic skills

My teacher Ajahn Brahm

2011-08-13T23:34:00.004+09:00

How I met my teacher Ajahn Brahm

There I was sitting in meditation. The pain was immense. I did not however, stretch my legs even though the pain in the knee was huge.

Then suddenly, I was absorbed into a most beautiful state. It was like being inside a fluorescent bulb, nay the bulb is no match to the state I was in ….because the light is intense in a fluorescent bulb…true I was absorbed in intense light but it was not harsh like the intense light of a florescent bulb, the state I was in was extremely mild like the moonlight… so …so nice. It is very hard to describe. This is not imagination …. nor wishful thinking. This is my own experience. I was like… wow.. what’s this! I could not feel my body anymore, nor could hear anything. I was stuck in a most blissful state in the world !!! ...something like being inside a light extremely peaceful.

But then… soon I felt this blissful peace of mind waning. Then I was like …Oh don’t let it go! But then again the blissfulness was too much to bear…! It soon waned off and I came back into myself …in my body… There I was sitting inside the hall of the International Vipassana Centre at Wijerama Road, Colombo 7... what on earth was that state of mind. Except.. that I recalled, that I"ve experienced the same thing before at the Kanduboda Meditation Centre about 20 years ago.

This experience left me baffled. I remembered that I had the same experience when I went to learn meditation for the first time at the Kanduboda Vipassana Centre. Then after a very very long time later once again, I came to somewhat close to this state ...one morning, while meditating at home before leaving for work.

I was extremely happy after the experience but completely confused….because if this happens again I knew, there is nothing I can do. Once I get stuck in this state, I could only be there stuck!!! However blissful, I knew this is not Nibbana.. and I thought, if I get stuck like this I cannot go further. I could fathom that “this” blissful state is the pure mind.. in its pristine form, but that’s it. There was no one to confirm it nor help me with proper advice.

One day, while I was at Nillambe meditation centre, I happened to go through a very small book called “Basics in Meditation”. As it said “basics”, I who prided myself as a good meditator (!!) was not inclined to even read it. However, on the last day of my stay there, I had some spare time and for want of a thing to do, I just took it and started reading it. Goodness, this is not just another book on meditation! It was so very interesting and written in the simplest of the English Language, but took you step by step through mediation. ….and stopped at the place where one reaches the blissful state I’ve experienced. And the author calls this “basics”. I looked at the author at the back cover page… His picture was there, a western monk,…. I realized that he is the one that I should meet, to discuss my meditation practice with him. Then again I thought... no ....I rather go to Myanmar........ than go to a western monk, , go to the monastery of most famous monk Venerable U Panditha, the disciple of Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw, in Myanmar.

So many things have come and gone since then. So many things including a Tsunami to Sri Lanka, a country that never experiences such things.. Even though the Tsunami is a horrible thing… it turned out that I had fortune turned my way because of this awful ocean wave. All due to this awful tsunami, people the world over came forward trying to help the tsunami affected people of the ravaged land. Such was their sympathy and concern that they wanted to do the best they possibly can. Some Smart Singaporeans, namely the Buddhist Fellowship of Singapore, thought, the best they could offer is to bring blessings for the ravaged country to make a turn around back to normal. To accomplish this task they brought Ajahn Brahm with his “Mega Mettha” to this island along with a huge donation to rebuild houses of the people who lost theirs due to the tsunami.

I was elated when I got to know that Ajahn Brahm was coming to Sri Lanka. Me and my cousin left our work places early to go home and dress in white and rushed to the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Hall, where he was scheduled to address his first audience in Sri Lanka. I carried with myself a small gift for him a “mosquito repellent”, mainly as an excuse to go up to him, up to the stage, offer it to him and speak a word. I later learnt that he did not use it, as he is quite contented without such things as mosquito repellents. But he accepted it with thanks, saying that there were a few “mossies” under the chair he was sitting on !! mainly to make me happy I suppose. In that brief encounter, I inquired whether I could come to his monastery. He said “of course” and gave me the name of the website of the Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BSWA), where all the information I will need could be found. It was easy to remember www.bswa.org when I knew what the letters b.s.w.a. stood for.

Since I met Ajahn Brahm, I have learnt a lot about the experiences that could happen in deep states of Samadhi, and I am no longer baffled by my own experience. It is neither an exclusive experience nor anything new. In fact, it is quite a normal happening to meditators. Many have gone beyond this stage. Ajahn Brahm explains all this, so that people won’t be confused anymore and remain in ignorance. All these stages have been clearly described by the Buddha in many suttas. It was he, Ajahn Brahm, who taught me how the Buddha has explained all these experiences in the very popular "Ana-pana Sutta." It is the most common meditation technique of all, the meditation on “in and out breath,” “Ana-pana-sati.” In this Sutta, the Buddha gives a vivid discourse on each stage a meditator would pass on the path to enlightenment and how to overcome the barriers.

Now, I consider meeting Ajahn Brahm an extremely lucky circumstance in my life. Maybe I have done a really really good thing in the past.

Listen to Ajahn Brahm explain the “Ana-pana-sati sutta”

Baby Prince Siddhattha

2011-08-13T23:27:00.005+09:00

The Baby Prince

King Suddhodana and all the other Shakyan princes were given their education by a very virtuous and wise Brahmin called Asita. He was a sage who lived in the jungle close to the Himalayas. He spent his time meditating in a kuti there, when one morning he saw and heard the Devas singing and dancing in rejoice. On inquiring he found out that a baby son has been born to King Suddhodana and Queen Maya and that this boy prince would one day become the perfectly enlightened one surpassing all beings. When he heard this Asita the sage became delighted and hurried to Kapilawastu pura to see the King.

When King Suddhodana saw him he was very happy that his wise old teacher has thus come to see his baby son, even before he could send message informing him about the birth of his first born. He brought the little baby prince to show him to the wise old sage, also for the sage to examine and predict his little one’s future. However, when he thus held the baby his little feet touched the Jathah (head dress) of the Brahmin.

Surprised at this the sage took hold of his little feet and saw by the layout of the lines of the little soles that this baby will definitely be the perfectly enlightened one. He was so happy at this and got up from his seat and holding his hands in anjali, paid respects to the little baby. When the King saw this teacher thus venerating the baby, he too held his hands together and venerated his baby son. (This was the first time the King, the father of the Buddha to be, thus paid respects to his baby son.) However, Asita’s delight changed into sadness when he realized, that by the time this baby would become enlightened, he himself would have passed away from the human realm to the realm of “Neva-sagna na-sagna yathana” – the realm of neither perception nor perception[1]. So, a prediction was made that this baby boy will be the perfectly enlightened Buddha one day. The little prince was named Siddhattha. (Siddhartha in Sanskrit which literally means doing good to the world.)

On the seventh day of Prince Siddhattha’s birth his mother Queen Maha Maya passed away, and thereafter, her younger sister Maha Prajapathi who was King Suddhodana’s second wife, looked after the baby like her own son.

[1] The mind is so subtle in this realm that it cannot be perceived nor not perceived. Extremely high practices of Samadhi (extreme stillness of the mind) brings about this situation. However, The Buddha realized that this is not Nibbhana.

2011-07-26T18:08:00.007+09:00

Gauthama Buddha

The Buddha was born as a prince, the only son of King Suddhodhana and Queen Maha Maya of the virtuous and noble Shakya clan around 560 BC. The place of his birth, Lumbini is now situated within the territories of Nepal. He was born under a blossoming and fragrant Sal flower tree.

The Buddha Found Out the End of Suffering and called it "Nibbana".

The word "Nibbana" was coined by Him.

Read about - Nibbana

Background

Around 623 BC, in India, the people in general were inclined towards spiritual pursuit. It was customary, for a young man to get married when he was about 16 years old to a damsel of 14 years. The young couple lived with their parents and other family members in one household where every adult contributed towards the upbringing of their children. When the “ripe old age” of 32 was reached in their lives they would become Brahmachari and lead a celibate life in pursuit of spiritual happiness devoted to meditation. This was a traditional practice found in India even in the 20^th century as Mahatma Gandhi’s life shows. He,.. Mahatma and his wife Kasturba took up the Brahmachari precept, when they were 32 years old, after bringing up 16 children.

During this period in History, the social order was such in India, that there were 4 castes. The Kshatriyas, Brahmanas, Vaishyas and Kshudras. Kshatriya were the royals, who governed and held the highest position in society. The Brahmanas were the Brahmins who taught the people what is good and bad, the sages who gave good advise (and sometimes bad as well..!) to the Royals and all other people in the society, and as such held a high positions as teachers of religion and righteousness.Vaishyas were the business class, extremely rich, and engaged themselves in commerce, trading between many lands, bringing in wealth to the country. The Kshudra were the lowest of castes and were generally, the labourers and such, who were looked down upon in society and all sorts of menial and lowly jobs were thrown upon them.

Prince Siddhattha, "The Buddha to be" was born in such an environment.

The legend as passed down

It is said that the Bodhisathwa,[1] was in the Thusitha heavens marking his time until it was ripe for him to make his appearance on earth. The Bodhiwathwa considered five aspects to see whether the time is ripe for him to be born into this world.

These five aspects were

1. the times on earth (relates to an environment where spiritual pursuits were possible),

2. family clan,

3. territory,

4. suitable mother to give a virtuous birth

and

5. the country

The Bodhisathwa saw that the time was right as the people in general were seeking the truth, the Noble family clan the Shakyans were already on earth serving the people in their wholesome ways, the Mother, Queen Maya was already born on earth (descendant of the Brahma worlds to the our world) ready to give birth to the future enlightened being, and the “Magadha Desha” was a suitable territory where many a Brahmin was already teaching meditation and were seeking the truth about life and happiness, and the chosen country where each one of these fitted in was India, as we now know as a historical fact.

[1] Bodhisathwa – the person who would later become the all enlightened person the Buddha.

The Dream of Queen Maha Maya

When the Bodhisathwa realized that it is now the correct moment in time to appear on earth he descended from Thusitha heaven and conceived in the womb of Queen Maha Maya, when she was sleeping. During this time she dreamt a white elephant carrying a lotus flower in its trunk circling round her three times and entering her womb from her right side thus portraying a pure birth.

The Parents

The year was 623 B.C. Close to the foothills of the Himalayas, in the northern parts of India and in what is now Nepal, there lived the noble tribe of Shakyans. The capital of this territory was Kapilavastu-pura (Kapitavastu-city). Their ruler was King Suddhodhana. His wife was a Koliyan princess, the daughter of King Anjana of the Koliya country (Nepal). She was of remarkable beauty that she was named Maya, which means “vision”. Not only was she beautiful, but was renowned for her virtue and intelligence. King Suddhodhana too was a very just ruler and popular among his subjects. He was highly admired, honoured and respected by all.

Birth

When the date of birth for her baby came closer, the Queen wanted to visit her parents, as it was customary for a young mother to have her new born baby at her father’s house. Therefore, the King arranged for her to visit her parents. In the procession his soldiers went first, to pave the way for the Queen and her retinue, to follow comfortably and safely. Along the way they were to pass the park called Lumbini, which was a most beautiful park full of fragrant “Sal” trees. The Queen felt like taking a short rest there as it was so beautiful with birds and fragrant “Sal” flowers and it would be a delightful place for her and her retinue to repose for a while before proceeding. As she relaxed under a “Sal” tree holding a branch laden with Sal flowers, the birth of her baby began and her son was born. It was an auspicious day. It was the full moon day of May, which is now known as “VESAK”. After the birth of her son, the Queen returned to Kapilavastu abandoning her plans to visit her parents.

When the King heard this he was delighted and the people of the state hearing a new heir to the throne was born, rejoiced holding many celebrations round the countryside.

Ajahn Punnadhammo of Arrow River Forest Monastery -

2011-07-26T01:46:00.006+09:00

I have listened to Ajahn Punnadhammo's teachings and find them very interesting. I hope the link will help you too. I am from Sri lanka, so far away from his monastery in Thunder Bay near Toronto, Canada. My aim is to help anyone who comes across my blog, to listen to Dhamma talks from all over the world on Buddhist Meditation. So that they won't have to waste time searching for them, themselves, but find what they want in this blogspot at once.

The map below shows where this Monastery is From Toronto Canada.

Listen now

The Buddha set the Dhammachakka rolling................

2011-07-08T18:38:00.035+09:00

Don"t be like the Hampster on this wheel, going round and round.

Stop .., Be Still....

In the silence, you will hear.

Listen, Be in the present moment.

Don't go to the past,

Don't go to the future

Be quiet in the Present Moment.

That is all you have now. The past is gone, the future uncertain.

You will hear your own breath.

Focus on it silently.

This way enlightenment is possible.

Because right now, feeling your breath, with nothing in your mind.

Just his breath.

You will not hear anything going on between your ears.

You are free from any craving, that leads you on in Sansara.

Like the Hamspter above.

Don't go round and round like the hampster.

Get enlightened.

Be silent.

Be present in this moment.

Enjoy the peace within.

Now learn what the Buddha said, on the Full Moon Poya day, in July, about 2500 years ago. This fool moon day is called "Asala". A is pronounced like the first A in Amazon.

Read the Sutta in English

Listen to it as it was chanted in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in the 6th Century. Click on the words My favourite to listen to a three year old chant the Chamma cakka Sutta by Heart.

Listen to it as it is chanted now at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery-UK.

Dhamma cakkahttp://theravadin.wordpress.com/2008/08/09/chanting-in-the-6th-century/

Ajahn Sumedho

2011-06-29T03:24:00.005+09:00

Ajahn Sumedho of Amaravati Monastery in Hertfordshire, retired last year. Adorably known as Luang Por, he was the oldest monk in Europe at the age of sixty (60 !!! .. too young to be the oldest !!! in Asian standards) when I visited Amaravati back in 1996.

We do wish him all the best to enjoy his peace and quititude in retirement, which he much deserves. We do know how busy he was, always on the go, as he was in much demand. However, as much as we wish him to enjoy his retirement in peace, we do wish we'd be able to see him again at Amaravati. Even though I am from Sri Lanka, I cannot fathom Amaravati without him. So how would his disciples in England and indeed all Europe respond to this situation. We know that life is very uncertain and that we have to accept saying good bye. Nevertheless.... , we still would love to see him at Amarawati