*THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PLACES OF PILGRIMAGE* Sayagyi U Chit Tin. *The Four Places of Pilgrimage*

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "*THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PLACES OF PILGRIMAGE* Sayagyi U Chit Tin. *The Four Places of Pilgrimage*"

Transcription

1 1 ======================================================================= First published in the Dhammadana Series 10 //The First International Conference and Pilgrimage in the Tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin//, page 1-11, by the Sayagyi U Ba Khin Memorial Trust U.K., 1988 ======================================================================= *THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PLACES OF PILGRIMAGE* Sayagyi U Chit Tin *The Four Places of Pilgrimage* On the day of the Buddha's demise, Venerable Ananda said to the Buddha that the bhikkhus used to come to see him after the rains retreat. This would no longer be possible after his demise. So the Buddha replied,[1] "There are these four places, Ananda, which give rise to a positive feeling (Samvejaniya), which are worthy of being seen by people of good family who have faith." He goes on to name the four places as: (1) the birthplace of the Buddha, (2) the place where he was fully awakened to unsurpassed, perfect awakening, (3) the place where he set rolling the unsurpassed Wheel of the Doctrine, and (4) the place where he was completely quenched in the state of Nibbana without any residue of (the effects of past) grasping remaining. These four places are: Lumbini, Bodh-Gaya, the deer forest (Migadaya) at Isipatana near Baranasi, and Kusinara. The Buddha then says that bhikkhus, bhikkhunis, men and women who are lay disciples will come to see these four sites. "Indeed, Ananda," he said, "for all those who with a believing mind die while travelling on a journey to the monuments (at these places), after their death, they will be reborn in a happy, heavenly world." We can see that the key idea in a pilgrimage is the mental attitude of those who visit the sites. Ashin Buddhaghosa explains that having faith means having a believing mind and keeping all the observances with regards to the Buddha, etc. The observances include such well-known actions as the duty (of sweeping) the space around a monument in the early morning, etc.[2] Ashin Dhammapala adds that this means faith in the three objects (of Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha). Having a believing mind means being filled with joy and faith when acting.[3] Ashin Buddhaghosa says the positive feeling (Samvejaniya) produced by seeing these sites is the religious excitement or sense of urgency they produce (Samvega-janaka). Ashin Dhammapala explains that this sense of urgency means the mind possesses the knowledge (that one should) shrink back from doing wrong (Ottappa-nana), for that is the condition for rebirth and so on (Abhijati-tthan'adini). The translation by the Burma Pitaka Association of Burma interprets this sense of urgency as meaning that "which causes awareness and apprehension of the nature of impermanence."[4] Here we see a hint that visiting these places of pilgrimage should help us in our practice of the Buddha's Teachings. Travelling to see the monuments, Ashin Buddhaghosa says, means that at the various Cetiyas, the pilgrims sweep the space around them, clean the seats, and water the Bodhi tree. In this way, we should pay homage to the monuments. Thus we set out, with a believing mind in the intervening period (before reaching the goal), and we will be established in the very next life in a heavenly world. Ashin Dhammapala explains that skilful thought (Kusala-cetana) founded on the merit of the Buddha is sure to lead one to a heavenly world. We may add that in addition to the veneration at the Cetiyas

2 2 (Cetiya-puja) mentioned by these commentators, the practice of mindfulness of the breath (Anapana) and the development of insight (Vipassana) will also be very powerful in instilling in us a sense of urgency with regards to the need to escape from suffering. As we progress in the practice, our faith in the Buddha, his Doctrine, and those who follow that Doctrine scrupulously will grow stronger and stronger. *The Four Places Which Do Not Vary* These four places mentioned by the Buddha are not the only ones that pilgrims visit, however. Ashin Buddhaghosa points out that there are four places which do not vary for the Buddhas:[5] (1) the seat of awakening (Bodhi-pallanka) is in only one place; (2) they set rolling the Wheel of the Dhamma in a deer forest (Migadaya) in Isipatana; (3) when they descend from the Deva (world), the block where they first step at the gateway of the city of Sankassa does not vary;(6) and (4) the placement of the four feet of their bed in the Perfumed Hut (Gandhkuti) in Jetavana does not vary. The dwelling itself may be large or small, but its site does not vary, nor does the city nearby -- although the city may be to the east, west, south, or north of the dwelling. This gives us two more places to add to our list: the Jetavana monastery given by the layman Anathapindika where the Perfumed Hut was located and the place at Sankassa where the Buddha first set foot on the earth after teaching the Abhidhamma in the Deva world. The site of the Jetavana monastery was near Savatthi, modern-day Sravasti (or Saheth- Maheth). Sankassa was located at a site about twenty-three miles from modern-day Fatehgarh.[7] *Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Buddha* The story of the Buddha's last birth is given in the commentaries.[8] before their last birth on the human plane, Bodhisattas are born in the Tusita Deva world. While they are there, there is the announcement of the coming of a Buddha, which means the Devas who are the guardians of the world go around announcing that a Buddha will arise in a thousand years. Hearing this, the Devas of the ten thousand world systems come to the Bodhisatta and request that he take birth on the human plane and attain Nibbana, for he fulfilled the ten perfections in order to become a Buddha and not for any lower attainment. The Bodhisatta then investigates whether it is the right time, where the right continent, distric, and family are, and whether it is the right moment in his future mother's life to take conception. The right time for the Buddhas depends on the length of the lifespan in the human world. For Buddha Gotama, the human life-span was the minimum of a hundred years. For all the Buddhas, the right continent is Jambudipa, and the district in that continent is the Middle District. The future Buddha Gotama saw that for him the city would be Kapilavatthu. And he saw that he would be born in a warrior-noble family. His father would be King Suddhodana and his mother Queen Mahamaya. She had fulfilled the ten perfections for a hundred thousand aeons and had kept the five precepts throughout her life. Seeing it was the right moment in her life, for mothers of future Buddhas live only a week after the birth of the Bodhisatta, the future Buddha Gotama informed the assembled Devas that it was indeed the right time for his last birth. When the Bodhisatta descends into his mother's womb, the ten thousand world-systems quake, and the thirty-two indicative signs appear.

3 3 These signs appear on four occasions: (1) when an omniscent Bodhisatta descends into the mother's womb, (2) when he is born, (3) when he attains Awakening, and (4) when he sets in motion the Wheel of the Dhamma.[9] So these marvels were set going in three of the places on our pilgrimage. During the ten lunar months in the mother's womb, four Devas keep guard to shield the mother from harm. And two of the thirty features that are general rules for all Buddhas are associated with the pregnancy:[10] The Bodhisatta is aware it is his last existence when he descends into the mother's womb, and he is seated cross-legged facing outwards in the womb. Queen Mahamaya decided to go to her home city of Devadaha when she felt the birth was near. On the way there, she stopped at a grove of sal trees, the Lumbini Grove. The trees were in full bloom, and she reached up and took hold of a branch, and at that moment she felt she was going to give birth. Three of the thirty general rules for all Buddhas are associated with the birth: the Bodhisatta's mother is standing when she gives birth; the birth takes place in a forest; and when the baby is born, the feet are placed on a golden cloth, the baby takes seven steps towards the north, surveys the four quarters, and gives the lion's roar, "I am supreme in the world." *Bodh-Gaya, the Place of Attaining Awakening* The Bodhisatta Prince Siddhattha was brought up in a life of luxury. But two more of the general rules for all Buddhas came into play: after seeing the four signs of an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and one who had gone forth from the life of the householder, and after the birth of a son, he made the Great Renunciation; and having gone forth, he put on yellow robes and engaged in the striving for awakening. This striving lasts for a minimum of seven days, but Siddhattha worked for six years. During this time, he was attended on by the group of five, but they abandoned him when he adopted the Middle Path. He had realized that the path was not through a life spent indulging the sense desires nor in following extreme ascetic practices. So the Bodhisatta Siddhattha was alone when he went to the market town of Senani near Uruvela on the full-moon day of Visakha. This was the day of the great awakening, and four more of the general rules for all Buddhas were accomplished. On the day of awakening, future Buddhas have a meal of milk-rice. Siddhattha received his from Sujata. Then, after spending the day in a grove of sal trees, he went in the evening to the Tree of Awakening. Now all Buddhas attain Self-Awakening while seated on grass, and Siddhattha was given eight handfuls of grass, by a Brahman named Sotthiya. The Bodhisatta spread the grass under the Assattha Tree, the Tree of Awakening. He sat with his back to the tree, facing the east. All the Buddhas begin by practising mindfulness of the in-breath and outbreath, they scatter the forces of Mara, and still seated in a crosslegged position, they acquire the three types of knowledge -- divine sight, the knowledge and recollection of past lives, and the knowledge that the taints have been destroyed -- as well as the special qualities of Buddhas beginning with the knowledges not shared by others. Two other general rules for Buddhas are associated with Bodh-Gaya, where they all attain Self-Awakening: they spend seven weeks close to the Tree of Awakening itself, and a Great Brahma requests that they teach the Dhamma. One of these weeks is of particular importance, as it is the time when the Buddha thinks through the Abhidhamma-pitaka. Buddha Gotama spent this week seated in the Cetiya of the Jewel House (Ratanaghara-cetiya) created by Devas to the north-west of the Tree of Awakening. When he began to contemplate the last part of the Abhidhamma, the Patthana, the

4 4 rays of six colours began to shine forth.[11] After receiving rice cakes and honey balls from the merchants Tapassu and Bhalluka, he sat down at the foot of the Ajapala Banyan tree. He was disinclined to teach the Dhamma he had realized because it is so profound others might not be able to understand it. The Great Brahma Sahampati requested that he teach the Dhamma and he accepted. He considered whom he should teach first. he realized that the teachers under whom he had worked, Alara and Uddaka, had died, and he could not teach them. Then he thought of the group of five who had been helpful during his striving to become awakened. He saw that they were at the deer forest in Isipatana and decided to go there on the full-moon day of Asalha. *Migadaya at Isipatana, the Place the First Sermon was Taught* It is a general rule that Buddhas set rolling the Wheel of the Dhamma in a deer forest at Isipatana. Most Buddhas go from Bodh-Gaya to Isipatana by flying through the air, but Buddha Gotama saw that if he walked, he would meet Upaka on the way, so he walked. At Isipatana, the Buddha overcame the reluctance of the group of five to recognize him as their teacher by directing his loving-kindness towards them.[12] Anna-Kondanna attained the first path of Sotapanna at the conclusion of the first sermon. The other four, Vappa, Bhaddiya, Mahanama, and Assaji, also became Sotapannas during the following days. As each of them reached the first path, he requested to be ordained, and this was the beginning of the Sangha. Then the Buddha taught the discourse on the lack of self (Anattalakhana Sutta) and all five bhikkhus attained Arahatship. At that time, a young man named Yasa lived in the city of Baranasi. He led a life of luxury similar to what Prince Siddhattha had known. One night he woke, surrounded by sleeping female musicians. It seemed to him he was in a cemetery. he got up and left. Towards dawn, the Buddha saw him approaching the deer forest at Isipatana. He sat down and waited. When he was near the Buddha, Yasa said, "What distress indeed, what affliction indeed!" Then the Buddha said, "*This* is not distress, Yasa; *this* is not affliction, Yasa. Come, sit down, Yasa. I will teach you the doctrine." Yasa sat down and the Buddha taught him a progressive discourse on generosity, on leading a moral life, on how to attain rebirth in the higher abodes, and on the peril, vanity, and depravity of the sense pleasures as well as the advantage in renouncing them. This discourse prepared Yasa for attaining the final goal by making his mind adaptable and then free of hindrances, by making it be uplifted and pleased. Then the Buddha taught him concerning suffering, the arising of suffering, the end of suffering, and the way that leads to the end of suffering. Yasa realized that "whatever has the nature of arising, all that has the nature of ceasing." Yasa's mother noticed her son was missing and sent out his father to find him. When the father came to Isipatana, the Buddha used his psychic powers to render Yasa invisible. He taught Yasa's father and the father, without help from another, attained full confidence in the Doctrine. And he was the first person to take refuge in the Triple Gem. While the Buddha was teaching him, Yasa reviewed the stage he had reached and attained Arahatship. Only then did the Buddha let the father see his son.

5 5 The father at first wanted to take his son home to his mother who was worried about him, but the Buddha pointed out that Yasa could no longer return to lay life. So the father invited the Buddha and Yasa for a meal. Before the meal, the Buddha established Yasa's mother and former wife in the doctrine. Next four of Yasa's friends (Vimala, Subahu, Punnaji, and Gavampati) followed his example. Another fifty friends followed the four. All fifty-four became Arahats, and, like Yasa, requested to be ordained. This meant that sixty men had become Arahats and ordained under the Buddha. The Buddha sent them out to teach the Doctrine to others. Thus, it is most appropriate for us to hold our first conference here at the place where the Buddha taught the first sermon, established the Sangha, and sent forth the bhikkhus "for the blessing of many people, for the happiness of many people, out of compassion for the world, for the welfare, blessing, and happiness of Devas and men."[13] Isipatana is also important outside the period of a Buddha's dispensation. Pacceka Buddhas, who generally reside on the Gandhamadana mountain range beyond seven mountain ranges in the northern Himalayas, will come to the Middle Country on their alms rounds after spending seven days in the attainment of the cessation state. They go through the air and descend at Isipatana -- thus the name, which means "the (place of) decent of the sages (Isi)" -- and when they return to Gandhamadan, they go up in the air at Isipatana. At times they also hold the day of observance, the Uposatha, at Isipatana.[14] The Chinese pilgrim, Hiouen Thsang, who made a pilgrimage in the seventh century A.D., says that the name "The Deer Forest" (Migadaya) refers to the Nigrodhamiga Jataka[15] in which the Bodhisatta is the golden king of the deer. He impresses King Brahmadatta of Baranasi with his generosity, loving kindness, and pity in offering his own life in the stead of a doe. First, the king grants immunity to the king of the deer and the doe. Then, at the prompting of the Bodhisatta he extends this to all the deer in his park, then to all deer everywhere, then to all fourfooted animals, then to birds and fish. Finally, the king takes the five precepts. Baranasi will be known by the name of Ketumati when the next Buddha Metteyya arises. It will be the royal city of the Universal Monarch Sankha, who will ordain under Buddha Metteyya and attain Arahatship.[16] *Savatthi, the Site of the Regular Residence of the Buddha at Jetavana* We can associate three of the thirty regular rules for Buddhas with Savatthi. The Buddha's regular residence is the Jetavana monastery. This is where the Perfumed Hut is located. The Marvel of the Double, which is performed to confound the teachers of other doctrines, takes place at the gateway of Savatthi. It is after this that the Buddha goes to the Tavatimsa Deva world to teach the Abhidhamma during the three months of the rains retreat. The Jetavana monastery was given to the Buddha by the rich merchant Anathapindika. He encountered the Buddha when on a visit to Rajagaha. He became a Sotapanna on hearing his first discourse and invited the Buddha to come stay in Savatthi.[17] Anathapindika saw that a park belonging to Prince Jeta would be the best site for the monastery, for the Buddha had made a point of saying that he preferred solitude. He bought it by covering all but a small portion of the ground with gold coins. Prince

6 6 Jeta asked permission to give that portion and build a gatehouse on it. When the time came to dedicate the monastery, Anathapindika asked the Buddha to give him advice on how to proceed. The Buddha instructed him to give the Jeta Grove to the Sangha of the four quarters, both present and future. There were two other monasteries at Savatthi: the Pubbarama monastery given by the lay woman Visakha and the Rajakarama built by King Pasenadi.[18] The commentaries state that for the first twenty years after the Awakening, the Buddha did not spend the rains retreat in a regular place, but that Savatthi was the place of residence during the last twenty-five years.[19] Nineteen retreats were in the Jetavana monastery and six in the Pubbarama monastery. This was due to the great merit that had been acquired by the two families who offered these monasteries. It is understandable, therfore, that a great number of discourses were given by the Buddha at Savatthi.[20] These include discourses, Jataka stories, and many of the verses of the Dhammapada. It was also in Savatthi that King Pasenadi, aided by his wife, Queen Mallika, made the great offering to the Buddha of gifts beyond compare.[21] *Sankassa, the Place where the Buddha Descends After Teaching the Abhidhamma* As we said, it is Savatthi that the Buddha ascends to the Tavatimsa Deva world to teach the Abhidhamma. Afterwards, he descends a ladder that Sakka has built and sets foot on the ground at the gate of the city of Sankassa,[22] for this is another of the thirty unchanging rules for all Buddhas. It is on this occasion that the Buddha makes clear to all that Venerable Sariputta is second only to the Buddha in his comprehension of the Dhamma. *Kusinara, the Place where the Buddha Attained the Maha-Parinibbana* At the end of his life, the Buddha set out on a journey from Rajagaha to Kusinara, a capital city of the Mallas. The account of this trip and his demise is found in the Maha-Parinibbana Sutta.[23] Two of the thirty regular rules for all Buddhas are accomplished at this time: on the day they reach final Nibbana, they have a meal with meat, and final Nibbana is reached after having attained the twenty-four hundred thousand crores of attainments. The account of the events leading up to the Buddha's Parinibbana shows clearly how his every move was made with the idea of benefitting others. He continually gives discourses, and in his instructions to Venerable Ananda, it is clear that practising the Dhamma is the essential. When Ven. Ananda describes how upset he was when the Buddha fell ill, the Buddha points out that he has openly taught the full Doctrine without holding back anything. Through practising the Doctrine, a person will be an island to himself -- in other words, his own firm support. A person will become his own refuge. The Doctrine will be his refuge. When Ven. Ananda asks how to honour the Buddha's body after his Parinibbana, the Buddha tells him to leave this to the laymen. He tells

7 7 him the bhikkhus should strive to attain Nibbana. On the night he attained Parinibbana, a great crowd from Kusinara came to pay respects, but the Buddha made sure Subhadda had an opportunity to hear a discourse. The last words of the Buddha were: Handa 'dani bhikkhave amantayami vo: Vaya-dhamma sankhara; appamadena sampadetha. Indeed, bhikkhus, I say to you now: decay is inherent in the constituent elements. Strive with vigilance. *Digha Nikaya*, II 156 The Buddha was lying between two sal trees when he breathed his last, with his head to the north. After his Parinibbana, his body was taken through the northern gate of the city and out through the eastern gate to the shrine of the Mallas. They were unable to light the funeral pyre until Ven. Maha-Kassapa came and paid his respects. After the cremation, the Brahmin Dona divided the relics into eight parts to be distributed among the various groups who claimed a share. Monuments were built in various places for the eight shares of the relics, for the vessel that contained them, and for the charred pieces of the firewood used in the cremation. During our pilgrimage, we will be visiting the places where the Buddha lived. We will follow in his footsteps. We will meditate in Bodh- Gaya, where he gained Awakening and where, according to tradition, future Buddhas will also gain Awakening. This is a great occasion for the disciples of Sayagyi U Ba Khin. We have come together to practise the Buddha's Teachings. We will venerate the Triple Gem, our teacher Sayagyi U Ba Khin, and our parents by practising the Buddha-Dhamma. It has been passed on to us in pristine purity by our teacher Sayagyi U Ba Khin, just as the Buddha taught it over twenty-five centuries ago. We must keep the Teachings alive and maintain their ourity. Through this conference and pilgrimage, we are able to pool our resources and coordinate our efforts in order to impart to other people all over the world the essentials of the Buddha-Dhamma which they so desperately need. In closing this brief look at these places of pilgrimage, let us recall the Buddha's words to Ven. Ananda when many marvellous signs appeared in homage to the Buddha as he lay between the sal trees: "Ananda," the Buddha said, "mere acts of reverence of this kind cannot be deemed to honour, esteem, venerate, revere, and worship the Tathagata rightly. (Only) the bhikkhu, or bhikkhuni, or the lay disciple, or the female lay disciple who practises fully according to the Teaching, who is endowed with correctness in the practice of the Teaching, and who lives in perfect conformity with righteousness and truth, can be deemed to honour, esteem, venerate, revere, and worship the Tathagata in the highest degrees."[24] TRUTH WILL TRIUMPH Sayagyi U Chit Tin FOOTNOTES:

8 8 [1] Digha Nikaya, II 140 f. (//Dialogues of the Buddha//, II 153f.; //Ten Suttas from Digha Nikaya// (Burmese Pitaka Association, 1984), pp ; //Thus Have I Heard: The Long Discourses of the Buddha// (Maurice Walshe, trans.; London: Wisdom Publications, 1987), pp. 263f.). This passage is found also in the Anguttara Nikaya, II 140 (//Gradual Sayings//, II 124f.). [2] Digha Nikaya commentary (Sumangalavilasini), II 582. The references to Ashin Buddhaghosa which follow refer to this same passage. [3] Tika (sub-commentary) on the Digha Nikaya, II 229f. The references to Ashin Dhammapala which follow refer to this same passage. [4] //Ten Suttas//, p [5] Digha Nikaya commentary, II 424; Majjhima Nikaya commentary (Papancasudani), II 166, and see the Buddhavamsa commentary (Madhuratthavilasini), pp. 133, 297f. (//Clarifier of the Sweet Meaning//, 188, 428). [6] The Digha commentary uses the term "avijahita" (which we translate here by "which do not vary"); the Majjhima commentary uses the term "acala" ("immovable"). [7] B.C. Law, //Geography of Early Buddhism// (Bhartiya Publishing House, 1973), p. 53. [8] See the introduction to the commentary on the Jataka, I, pp. 47ff. (T.W. Rhys Davids, //Buddhist Birth Stories//, 2nd ed., 1925, pp. 144f.) and the Buddhavamsa commentary (//Clarifier of the Sweet Meaning//, pp ). See all //The Dictionary of Pali Proper Names// under "Buddha." [9] See the Buddhavamsa commentary, p. 79 (//Clarifier//, p. 110). [10] See the Buddhavamsa commentary, p. 298 (//Clarifier//, p. 429). [11] See the Atthasalini, pp. 13f. (//The Expositor//, pp. 16ff.). [12] For the events at Isipatana, see Vinaya, I 7-21 (//The Book of the Discipline//, IV 13-28). [13] Vinaya, I 21 (//The Book of the Discipline//, IV 28). [14] See "Isipatana" in //The Dictionary of Pali Proper Names// and Ria Kloppenborg, //The Paccekabuddha// (Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1974), pp (selected passages published under the same title in //The Wheel//, nos , see pp ). See also under "Isipatana" in //A Critical Pali Dictionary//. The mention of holding the Uposatha is found in the Anguttara commentary (Manorathapurani), I 347. [15] No 12. See //The Dictionary of Pali Proper Names// under "Isipatana". [16] See //Dialogues of the Buddha//, III 73f. [17] For details, see Vinaya, II 154ff. (//The Book of the Discipline//, V , 229f.) and //Buddhist Birth Stories//, pp [18] On the gift of the Pubbarama, see //Buddhist Legends//, II 79-82; on the gift of the Rajakarama, see the commentary on the Samyutta Nikaya (Saratthappakasini), III 218f., and the introduction and

9 9 conclusion to the Bharu Jataka (no 213). [19] See //Buddhist Legends//, I 147, and //Clarifier//, pp. 4f. [20] See //Kindred Sayings//, p. xvii. Woodward identifies 871 discourses in the four Nikayas as being given at Savatthi: 844 at the Jetavana, 23 at the Pubbarama, and 4 near the city. [21] See //Buddhist Legends//, III [22] See //Buddhist Legends//, III [23] //Dialogues of the Buddha//, II ; //Ten Suttas//, pp ; //Thus Have I Heard//, pp [24] This translation is from //Ten Suttas//, p. 269 Cf. //Thus Have I Heard//, p. 272, where the opening words are translated, "Never before has the Tathagata been so honoured,..." Worldwide Contact Addresses in the Tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *AUSTRIA*: International Meditation Centre, A-9064 St. Michael/Gurk 6, Austria;Tel: , Fax: CIS, IMC-Austria, ,3423 *EASTERN AUSTRALIA*: International Meditation Centre, Lot 2 Cessnock Road, Sunshine NSW 2264, Australia; Tel: , Fax: *UNITED KINGDOM*: International Meditation Centre, Splatts House, Heddington, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 OPE, England; Tel: , Fax: , CIS, IMC-UK,100330,3304 *USA (East Coast)*: International Meditation Centre, 438 Bankard Road, Westminster MD 21158, USA; Tel: , Fax: ; CIS, IMC-USA, 74163,2452 *WESTERN AUSTRALIA*: International Meditation Centre, Lot 78 Jacoby St, Mahogany Creek WA 6072, Australia; Tel: , Fax: *CANADA*: IMC-Canada, 336 Sandowne Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, N2K 1V8, Canada; Tel: , Fax: *GERMANY*: Sayagyi U Ba Khin Gesellschaft, Christaweg 16, Freiburg, Germany, Tel: , Fax: *JAPAN*: Sayagyi U Ba Khin Memorial Trust, Komatsuri-Cho 923, Kishiwada-Shi, Osaka-Fu, 596 Japan, Tel: *THE NETHERLANDS*: Sayagyi U Ba Khin Stichting, Oudegracht 124,

10 AW Utrecht, The Netherlands, Tel: , Fax: *SINGAPORE*: Sayagyi U Ba Khin Memorial Association, 9 Penang Road #07-12, Park Mall, Singapore 0923 Tel: , Fax: *SWITZERLAND*: Sayagyi U Ba Khin Gesellschaft, Greyerzstrasse 35, 3013 Bern, Switzerland; Tel: , Fax: ; CIS, ,3576 *USA (West Coast)*: Contact Address: IMC-USA c/o Joe McCormack, 77 Kensington Rd., San Anselmo, CA 94960, U.S.A. Tel: , Fax: *BELGIUM*: Address as for the Netherlands, Tel: *DENMARK*: Contact Address: Mr. Peter Drost-Nissen, Strandboulevarden 117, 3th, 2100 Kopenhagen, Denmark. Tel: *ITALY*: Contact address: Mr. Renzo Fedele, Via Euganea 94, Bresseo PD, Italy. Tel: Published by the Sayagyi U Ba Khin Memorial Trust, United Kingdom Address as above, registered charity no

*THERAVADA BUDDHIST MEDITATION AS TAUGHT BY SAYAGYI U BA KHIN* by Sayagyi U Chit Tin

*THERAVADA BUDDHIST MEDITATION AS TAUGHT BY SAYAGYI U BA KHIN* by Sayagyi U Chit Tin 1 This file is uploaded to DharmaNet by the Sayagyi U Ba Khin Memorial Trust, UK, who also has the Copyright to this publication. This publication can be copied and distributed but not altered or changed.

More information

NEWSLETTER. International Meditation Centre. April 2015 TEACHERS

NEWSLETTER. International Meditation Centre. April 2015 TEACHERS April 2015 NEWSLETTER International Meditation Centre IN THE TRADITION OF SAYAGYI U BA KHIN TEACHERS Mother Sayamagyi: IMC United Kingdom IMC Australia (NSW) IMC Australia (WA) IMC Austria IMC USA U Khin

More information

MALAYSIAN BUDDHIST EXAMINATION SYNDICATE. ( Preliminary Stage ) THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA, THE DHAMMA, THE SANGHA

MALAYSIAN BUDDHIST EXAMINATION SYNDICATE. ( Preliminary Stage ) THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA, THE DHAMMA, THE SANGHA Subject code : 01 31 August 2013 Time : 1 hour MALAYSIAN BUDDHIST EXAMINATION SYNDICATE 40 th MALAYSIAN BUDDHIST EXAMINATION ( Preliminary Stage ) THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA, THE DHAMMA, THE SANGHA 1. There

More information

Subject code : August 2014 MALAYSIAN BUDDHIST EXAMINATION SYNDICATE. (Preliminary Stage) THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA, THE DHAMMA, THE SANGHA

Subject code : August 2014 MALAYSIAN BUDDHIST EXAMINATION SYNDICATE. (Preliminary Stage) THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA, THE DHAMMA, THE SANGHA Subject code : 01 31 August 2014 MALAYSIAN BUDDHIST EXAMINATION SYNDICATE 41 st MALAYSIAN BUDDHIST EXAMINATION (Preliminary Stage) THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA, THE DHAMMA, THE SANGHA Time : 1 hour 1. There

More information

NEWSLETTER. International Meditation Centre. IMC Australia (NSW) IMC Australia (WA) IMC Austria IMC USA. October 2017

NEWSLETTER. International Meditation Centre. IMC Australia (NSW) IMC Australia (WA) IMC Austria IMC USA. October 2017 October 2017 NEWSLETTER International Meditation Centre IN THE TRADITION OF SAYAGYI U BA KHIN AND MOTHER SAYAMAGYI IMC United Kingdom IMC Australia (NSW) IMC Australia (WA) IMC Austria IMC USA IMC Yangon

More information

SELECTED DISCOURSES of WEBU SAYADAW Translated by Roger Bischoff. Interview with Webu Sayadaw by a group of Western Students (JAN.

SELECTED DISCOURSES of WEBU SAYADAW Translated by Roger Bischoff. Interview with Webu Sayadaw by a group of Western Students (JAN. SELECTED DISCOURSES of WEBU SAYADAW Translated by Roger Bischoff Interview with Webu Sayadaw by a group of Western Students (JAN. 19, 1976)[1] SAYAGYI U CHIT TIN: These are the disciples of Sayagyi U Ba

More information

NEWSLETTER. International Meditation Centre. November 2013 TEACHERS

NEWSLETTER. International Meditation Centre. November 2013 TEACHERS November 2013 NEWSLETTER International Meditation Centre IN THE TRADITION OF SAYAGYI U BA KHIN TEACHERS Mother Sayamagyi: IMC United Kingdom IMC Australia (NSW) IMC Australia (WA) IMC Austria IMC USA U

More information

NEWSLETTER. International Meditation Centre IN THE TRADITION OF SAYAGYI U BA KHIN. July 2016 TEACHERS

NEWSLETTER. International Meditation Centre IN THE TRADITION OF SAYAGYI U BA KHIN. July 2016 TEACHERS July 2016 NEWSLETTER International Meditation Centre IN THE TRADITION OF SAYAGYI U BA KHIN TEACHERS Mother Sayamagyi: IMC United Kingdom IMC Australia (NSW) IMC Australia (WA) IMC Austria IMC USA U Khin

More information

A Pilgrim s Companion

A Pilgrim s Companion A Pilgrim s Companion Edited by Ken and Visakha Kawasaki Readings from Buddhist Texts to Enhance a Pilgrimage to the Holy Sites A personal manuscript Not for commercial distribution Comment on the Texts

More information

*THE MIDDLE PRACTICE* by Sayagyi U Chit Tin

*THE MIDDLE PRACTICE* by Sayagyi U Chit Tin 1 *THE MIDDLE PRACTICE* by Sayagyi U Chit Tin "Kamesu brahmacariyava Metteya" ti Bhagava "vitatanho sada sato Sankhaya nibbuto bhikkhu tassa no santi injita. So ubh' antam abbhinnaya majjhe manta na lippati

More information

Anagata-bhayani Suttas The Discourses on Future Dangers

Anagata-bhayani Suttas The Discourses on Future Dangers Anagata-bhayani Suttas The Discourses on Future Dangers Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. Future Dangers (IV) Anguttara Nikaya AN V.77-80 Monk, Living in close proximity to attendants and

More information

The Story of the two Brothers Tapussa and Bhallika

The Story of the two Brothers Tapussa and Bhallika The Story of the two Brothers Tapussa and Bhallika Introduction: Buddha Prophesied the Two Brothers Tapussa and Bhallika My sons of the Future We have in Myanmar many versions of the story of Tapussa and

More information

SHARING THE GOSPEL WITH BUDDHISTS PART 1. Main Idea: Jesus Christ offers something far greater than Nirvana. John 8:12 Apologetics

SHARING THE GOSPEL WITH BUDDHISTS PART 1. Main Idea: Jesus Christ offers something far greater than Nirvana. John 8:12 Apologetics SHARING THE GOSPEL WITH BUDDHISTS PART 1 Main Idea: Jesus Christ offers something far greater than Nirvana. John 8:12 Apologetics 05.15.13 BUDDHISM 1) ORIGINS OF BUDDHISM Life of Buddha The Birth of the

More information

Story of the Buddha. A Colouring Book. Web site: Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc.

Story of the Buddha. A Colouring Book.   Web site:  Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc. Story of the Buddha A Colouring Book E-mail: bdea@buddhanet.net Web site: www.buddhanet.net Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc. S B A C B Copyright Buddha Dharma Education Association, Sydney Australia

More information

P6 Unit 4. Buddha s Disciples

P6 Unit 4. Buddha s Disciples P6 Unit 4 Buddha s Disciples 2 Buddha s Followers Buddhasavaka Buddhasavaka are male Buddha s followers This is a general word referring to: o Bhikkhu (1) (Monks) - fully ordained male monastics, living

More information

Policy Statement Teaching Requirements at the BSV

Policy Statement Teaching Requirements at the BSV Policy Statement Teaching Requirements at the BSV The purpose of this policy is to outline the minimum requirements for anyone who wishes to teach at the Buddhist Society of Victoria premises at 71 Darling

More information

...between the extremes of sensual indulgence & self-mortification.

...between the extremes of sensual indulgence & self-mortification. Dhammacakkapavattana Sutta, Setting in Motion the Wheel of the Dhamma Saṃyutta Nikāya 56.11, translated from Pāli by Bhikkhu Bodhi. (Bodhi, In the Buddha s Words, pp. 75-78) THUS HAVE I HEARD. On one occasion

More information

P12, P13 Unit 5. Important Buddhist Days

P12, P13 Unit 5. Important Buddhist Days P12, P13 Unit 5 Important Buddhist Days 2 Dhammasavana Day Holy Buddhist days Dhammasava Day or Wan Phra: Falls on the 8 th and 15 th day Of the Waxing Moon and the Waning Moon o (in the lunar calendar)

More information

Turning the wheel of truth[1]

Turning the wheel of truth[1] Reading materials Turning the wheel of truth[1] Dhammacakkapavattana Sutta 1.Thus have I heard; at one time the Buddha was staying at the deer park, in Isipatana (The Sage s Resort)[2] near Varanasi. Two

More information

Junior Stage. 1. When did Ascetic Gotama attain Supreme Enlightenment? A. 594BC B. 623BC C. 588BC D. 543BC

Junior Stage. 1. When did Ascetic Gotama attain Supreme Enlightenment? A. 594BC B. 623BC C. 588BC D. 543BC 1. When did Ascetic Gotama attain Supreme Enlightenment? A. 594BC B. 623BC C. 588BC D. 543BC 2. One who follows the Precepts is said to be practising Sila. A. Varitta B. Viriya C. Caritta D. Panna 3. Sakadagami

More information

The Lord sat down on the prepared seat, and Poṭṭhapāda took a low stool and sat down to one side. The Lord said:

The Lord sat down on the prepared seat, and Poṭṭhapāda took a low stool and sat down to one side. The Lord said: 1. Thus have I heard. Once the Lord was staying at Sāvatthi, in Jeta's grove, in Anāthapiṇḍika s park. And at that time the wanderer Poṭṭhapāda was at the debating-hall near the Tinduka tree, in the single-halled

More information

You Control your own Destiny And Change your Future

You Control your own Destiny And Change your Future You Control your own Destiny And Change your Future The Story of the King Ajatasattu The son of King Bimbisara Compiled for the serene joy and emotion of the pious A Gift of Dhamma Page 1 of 10 A Gift

More information

9. Samma Sambodhi in English means A. The Honoured One B. Perfect Enlightenment C. Highest Knowledge D. Omniscient

9. Samma Sambodhi in English means A. The Honoured One B. Perfect Enlightenment C. Highest Knowledge D. Omniscient MBE Junior 2013 1. What did Princess Yasodhara utter to her son, Prince Rahula? A. Navaguna Gatha B. Jayamangala Gatha C. Karaniya Metta Sutta D. Narasiha Gatha 2. Who is known as the Worthy One? A. Sakkadevaraja

More information

5. Very good, sir, said Bhesika, and carried out the errand. The Lord signified his acceptance by silence.

5. Very good, sir, said Bhesika, and carried out the errand. The Lord signified his acceptance by silence. 1. THUS HAVE I HEARD. Once the Lord was touring Kosala with a large company of some five hundred monks, and, coming to Sālavatikā, he stayed there. And at that time the Brahmin Lohicca was living at Sālavatikā,

More information

(The Discourse that Set the Dhamma Wheel Rolling)

(The Discourse that Set the Dhamma Wheel Rolling) (The Discourse that Set the Dhamma Wheel Rolling) (from Vinaya Mahāvagga 1) Translated by Ānandajoti Bhikkhu 1 (The Discourse that Set the Dhamma Wheel Rolling) The Middle Way...then the Gracious One addressed

More information

International Recognition Of the Day of Vesak

International Recognition Of the Day of Vesak International Recognition Of the Day of Vesak By Prof. Dr. Phra Dharmakosajarn Rector, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Bangkok, Thailand 1 We have come here to celebrate the Day of Vesak at the

More information

(INTRODUCTORY SECTION)

(INTRODUCTORY SECTION) (INTRODUCTORY SECTION) 1. Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was living at Sāvatthī in the Eastern Park, in the Palace of Migāra s Mother, together with many very well known elder disciples

More information

The Life of Buddha Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

The Life of Buddha Geshe Kelsang Gyatso The Life of Buddha Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Siddhartha Gautama was born into an aristocratic family in northern India around 563 B.C.E. At a young age he left his privileged surroundings and embarked on a

More information

2. Now on that occasion King Ajātasattu Vedehiputta of Magadha, being suspicious of King Pajjota, was having Rājagaha fortified.

2. Now on that occasion King Ajātasattu Vedehiputta of Magadha, being suspicious of King Pajjota, was having Rājagaha fortified. 1. Thus have I heard. On one occasion the venerable Ānanda was living at Rājagaha in the Bamboo Grove, the Squirrels Sanctuary, not long after the Blessed One had attained to final Nibbāna. 2. Now on that

More information

Bahiya Sutta. "But who, living in this world with its devas, is an arahant or has entered the path to arahantship?"

Bahiya Sutta. But who, living in this world with its devas, is an arahant or has entered the path to arahantship? Bahiya Sutta. I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Savatthi, in Jeta's Grove, Anathapindika's monastery. Now at that time Bahiya of the Bark-cloth was living in Supparaka

More information

Ajivatthamka Sila (The Eight Precepts with Right Livelihood as the Eighth)in the Pali Canon

Ajivatthamka Sila (The Eight Precepts with Right Livelihood as the Eighth)in the Pali Canon Ajivatthamka Sila (The Eight Precepts with Right Livelihood as the Eighth)in the Pali Canon The Ajivatthamaka Sila corresponds to the Sila (morality) group of the Noble Eightfold Path. The first seven

More information

not want to give up such practice. One day, while meditating alone he fainted, exhausted by the ascetic practices.

not want to give up such practice. One day, while meditating alone he fainted, exhausted by the ascetic practices. Story of the Buddha The hero of our story is Prince Siddhartha, the Buddha-to-be, who lived more than 2,500 years ago. His father was the Rajah of the Sakya clan, King Suddhodana, and his mother was Queen

More information

1. Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was living at Sāvatthī in Jeta s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika s Park.

1. Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was living at Sāvatthī in Jeta s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika s Park. 1. Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was living at Sāvatthī in Jeta s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika s Park. 2. Now on that occasion the householder Anāthapiṇḍika was afflicted, suffering, and gravely

More information

Over 2,500 years ago, the devas prophesied, In twelve years a great bodhisattva will

Over 2,500 years ago, the devas prophesied, In twelve years a great bodhisattva will THE TWELVE DEEDS OF SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA Over 2,500 years ago, the devas prophesied, In twelve years a great bodhisattva will be born who will become either a universal ruler or a buddha, and will be known

More information

The Discourse about Mindfulness while Breathing

The Discourse about Mindfulness while Breathing 0 The Discourse about Mindfulness while Breathing (Ānāpānasatisuttaṁ, MN 118) Translated by Ānandajoti Bhikkhu (October, 2008) Table of Contents The Setting...3 The Training of the Monks...4 Mindfulness

More information

Discourse VI WEBU SAYADAW: You have taken the precepts. Now that you have undertaken the practice of the perfection of morality, fulfill it.

Discourse VI WEBU SAYADAW: You have taken the precepts. Now that you have undertaken the practice of the perfection of morality, fulfill it. SELECTED DISCOURSES of WEBU SAYADAW Translated by Roger Bischoff Discourse VI WEBU SAYADAW: You have taken the precepts. Now that you have undertaken the practice of the perfection of morality, fulfill

More information

3. What, bhikkhus, are the imperfections that defile the mind? Covetousness and unrighteous greed is an imperfection that defiles the mind.

3. What, bhikkhus, are the imperfections that defile the mind? Covetousness and unrighteous greed is an imperfection that defiles the mind. 1. Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was living at Sāvatthī in Jeta s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika s Park. There he addressed the bhikkhus thus: Bhikkhus. -- Venerable sir, they replied. The Blessed

More information

Buddhism, the way They Think, the way They Ask

Buddhism, the way They Think, the way They Ask Buddhism, the way They Think, the way They Ask 1. Which year was Buddha born? Buddha was born in 624 B.C.E 2. Which month was Buddha born? Full Moon day of May 3. Which day was Buddha born? Friday 4. What

More information

Syllabus for Grade 4

Syllabus for Grade 4 Syllabus for Grade 4 1 King Suddhodana and Queen Mahāmāyā Able to understand who are King Suddhodana and Queen Mahā māyāand the dream. Focus/Source a) Read and discuss the lesson and answer the Question.

More information

Tipiṭaka. Suttapiṭaka. Khuddakanikāya. Jātaka. Mahākapijātaka. Mahakapi Jataka The Great Monkey King Jat 407

Tipiṭaka. Suttapiṭaka. Khuddakanikāya. Jātaka. Mahākapijātaka. Mahakapi Jataka The Great Monkey King Jat 407 Tipiṭaka. Suttapiṭaka. Khuddakanikāya. Jātaka. Mahākapijātaka. Mahakapi Jataka The Great Monkey King Jat 407 One day in Jetavana Monastery bhikkhus began talking about the good that the Buddha did for

More information

Four Noble Truths. The Buddha observed that no one can escape death and unhappiness in their life- suffering is inevitable

Four Noble Truths. The Buddha observed that no one can escape death and unhappiness in their life- suffering is inevitable Buddhism Four Noble Truths The Buddha observed that no one can escape death and unhappiness in their life- suffering is inevitable He studied the cause of unhappiness and it resulted in the Four Noble

More information

2016 Pilgrimage to Buddhist Holy Sites in India and Nepal

2016 Pilgrimage to Buddhist Holy Sites in India and Nepal 2016 Pilgrimage to Buddhist Holy Sites in India and Nepal Translated from Vietnamese Excerpts from a report by: Tuệ Chiếu Photos by: Tuệ Chiếu (Southern California Practice Community) Introduction This

More information

Disseminating the words of the Buddha, providing sustenance for the seeker's journey, and illuminating the meditator's path.

Disseminating the words of the Buddha, providing sustenance for the seeker's journey, and illuminating the meditator's path. Disseminating the words of the Buddha, providing sustenance for the seeker's journey, and illuminating the meditator's path. July 15, 2011 A Special Edition Newsletter T h e B u d d h a ' s F i r s t D

More information

Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Khantipalo. For free distribution only

Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Khantipalo. For free distribution only Visakhuposatha Sutta The Diisscoursse tto Viissakha on tthe Upossattha ((The Patth tto Heavenlly Blliissss)) Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Khantipalo. For free distribution only Coomppi ileedd foorr

More information

Pilgrimage to India. Sanghamitta January 2015

Pilgrimage to India. Sanghamitta January 2015 Sanghamitta http://canmoretheravadabuddhism.ca/ 1 Purpose of a Pilgrimage The purpose of a pilgrimage is to be able to Recollect the Buddha. This is one of the 40 meditation topics suggested by the Buddha.

More information

Sangha as Heroes. Wendy Ridley

Sangha as Heroes. Wendy Ridley Sangha as Heroes Clear Vision Buddhism Conference 23 November 2007 Wendy Ridley Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds Learning Objectives Students will: understand the history of Buddhist Sangha know about the

More information

PREFACE. This booklet Buddhism for Beginners was written by Bhikkhu Narada, a Sri lankan monk.

PREFACE. This booklet Buddhism for Beginners was written by Bhikkhu Narada, a Sri lankan monk. PREFACE This booklet Buddhism for Beginners was written by Bhikkhu Narada, a Sri lankan monk. This book is written by collecting particular answers to respond various good questions, which they are often,

More information

DAKKHINAVIBHANGA SUTTA

DAKKHINAVIBHANGA SUTTA DAKKHINAVIBHANGA SUTTA Discourse on the Kinds of Offerings and its Benefits The Editorial Committee Myanmar Pitaka Association, 1990 Introduction Knowing the benefits that we could accrue, we have a choice

More information

THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA

THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA RADHIKA ABEYSEKERA THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA This book is for free distribution only. Cover: Just as this small lamp helps to dispel the darkness, may this book dispel the darkness

More information

Kathina Robes Offering. Vesak program in Vietnamese Temple. Community Outreach. Kids Creations. Major Events. Photos of MBV Activities

Kathina Robes Offering. Vesak program in Vietnamese Temple. Community Outreach. Kids Creations. Major Events. Photos of MBV Activities Minnesota Buddhist Vihara 3401 North 4th Street Minneapolis, MN 55412 Tel: 612-522-1811 mnbvusa@yahoo.com www.mnbv.org Volume 5, Issue 2 Fall (Wap) 2009 Kathina Robes Offering By Sayadaw U Silananda Kathina

More information

15 Anamataggasaṃyutta

15 Anamataggasaṃyutta 15 Anamataggasaṃyutta Connected Discourses on Without Discoverable Beginning 1 (1) Grass and Wood Bhikkhus, this saṃsāra is without discoverable beginning. 254 A first point is not discerned of beings

More information

Lesson 16 - Learning About World Religions: Buddhism Section 1 - Introduction

Lesson 16 - Learning About World Religions: Buddhism Section 1 - Introduction Lesson 16 - Learning About World Religions: Buddhism Section 1 - Introduction These young Buddhist monks stand in the large window of a Buddhist monastery in the nation of Myanmar, in Southeast Asia. Hinduism,

More information

PEACE BEYOND SUFFERING

PEACE BEYOND SUFFERING PEACE BEYOND SUFFERING ALL AUDIO FILES quick reference INDEX A note regarding numbering the first number on the left is the order of this list, the last number on the right [the number in brackets] is

More information

Making Merits (Puñña) in Modern Myanmar Society - Will It Stand The Test Of Time?

Making Merits (Puñña) in Modern Myanmar Society - Will It Stand The Test Of Time? 1 Making Merits (Puñña) in Modern Myanmar Society - Will It Stand The Test Of Time? Thomas Bruhn Freelance Summery About 90% of the population in Myanmar follows the Theravāda Buddhist religion. Earning

More information

PREPARATION FOR AS RELIGIOUS STUDIES AT LONG ROAD

PREPARATION FOR AS RELIGIOUS STUDIES AT LONG ROAD Name: PREPARATION FOR AS RELIGIOUS STUDIES AT LONG ROAD Introduction to Buddhism and Ethics You will need to complete this for 7 th September. You will hand it in for feedback in your first Religious Studies

More information

Buddhism. Section One Introduction

Buddhism. Section One Introduction Buddhism Section One Introduction Hinduism, which developed in ancient India, is the oldest of the world s major religions. In this chapter, you will learn about Buddhism, another religion with roots in

More information

Entering the Stream of Ariya

Entering the Stream of Ariya Entering the Stream of Ariya Sotapannapuggala Compiled By M.Paw To a Buddhist, Sotapanna has a ringing sound and is a very encouraging word, that indicates once one enters the stream of Ariya, he(she)

More information

Mahā Kassapa. Father of the Sangha

Mahā Kassapa. Father of the Sangha Mahā Kassapa Father of the Sangha by Hellmuth Hecker Revised and enlarged translation from the German by Nyanaponika Thera Buddhist Publication Society Kandy Sri Lanka The Wheel Publication No. 345 Translated

More information

Disseminating the words of the Buddha, providing sustenance for the seeker's journey, and illuminating the meditator's path.

Disseminating the words of the Buddha, providing sustenance for the seeker's journey, and illuminating the meditator's path. Disseminating the words of the Buddha, providing sustenance for the seeker's journey, and illuminating the meditator's path. November 15, 2010 Fall Fundraising Campaign Update! Pariyatti's Fall Fundraising

More information

86 Angulimala Sutta On Angulimala

86 Angulimala Sutta On Angulimala 86 Angulimala Sutta On Angulimala 1. THUS HAVE I HEARD. On one occasion the Blessed One was living at Savatthl in Jeta's Grove, Anathapindika's Park. 2. Now on that occasion there was a bandit in the realm

More information

Exploring the Tipiṭaka.

Exploring the Tipiṭaka. Exploring the Tipiṭaka http://bit.ly/tipitaka-slides 1. Traditional Teaching and Preservation of the Tipiṭaka SOURCES: Tipiṭaka Sinhala Mahā Aṭṭhakathā The Great Commentary Dīpavaṁsa, the Island Lineage

More information

Chapter 16 Learning About World Religions: Buddhism. What are the main beliefs and teachings of Buddhism?

Chapter 16 Learning About World Religions: Buddhism. What are the main beliefs and teachings of Buddhism? Chapter 16 Learning About World Religions: Buddhism What are the main beliefs and teachings of Buddhism? 16.1. Introduction Keith Levit Photography //Worldofstock.com These young Buddhist monks stand in

More information

The Foremost Elder Nuns

The Foremost Elder Nuns the stories about The Foremost Elder Nuns translated by Ānandajoti Bhikkhu (March 2015) 2 Table of Contents Acknowledgements Introduction Introduction 1. The Story about the Elder Nun Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī

More information

BUDDHIST TOUR 7 DAYS. Day 01 : Mumbai Varanasi

BUDDHIST TOUR 7 DAYS. Day 01 : Mumbai Varanasi Info@gayatobodhgaya.com BUDDHIST TOUR 7 DAYS Day 01 : Mumbai Varanasi Flight On arrival at Varanasi Airport you will be met and assisted by our company executive and transferred to your hotel for check

More information

Evangelism: Defending the Faith

Evangelism: Defending the Faith Symbol of Buddhism Origin Remember the Buddhist and Shramana Period (ca. 600 B.C.E.-300 C.E.) discussed in the formation of Hinduism o We began to see some reactions against the priestly religion of the

More information

SECTION 1. MBE Senior D. elephant meat

SECTION 1. MBE Senior D. elephant meat SECTION 1 1. The Buddha is also known as Amattassa Data which means. A. He is the giver of Happiness B. He is the giver of Compassion C. He is the giver of Deathlessness D. He is the giver of Health 2.

More information

Junior Stage. 9. What does Evam me sutam mean? A. Thus have I heard B. Thus said the Tathagata C. Thus He told me D. Thus I know

Junior Stage. 9. What does Evam me sutam mean? A. Thus have I heard B. Thus said the Tathagata C. Thus He told me D. Thus I know 1. I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from using high & luxurious seats in Pali is.. veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami A. Vikala bhojana B. Uccasayana mahasayana C. Abrahma cariya D. Kamesu micchacara

More information

Nowadays the world is active with the global project of sustainable. Virtue Training: Buddhist Response to Sustainable Development and Social Change

Nowadays the world is active with the global project of sustainable. Virtue Training: Buddhist Response to Sustainable Development and Social Change 11 Virtue Training: Buddhist Response to Sustainable Development and Social Change Natpiya Saradum Nowadays the world is active with the global project of sustainable development. Most countries have several

More information

In Asoka s Footsteps. Dhamma in India, October Introduction.

In Asoka s Footsteps. Dhamma in India, October Introduction. 1 In Asoka s Footsteps Dhamma in India, October 1999 Introduction. We read in the Dialogues of the Buddha (Dígha Nikåya II, 16, Mahå- Parinibbåna sutta, Ch V, 140) that the Buddha, in the night of his

More information

Sutta Retreat at Jhana Grove, January 2011 with Ajahn Brahmāli

Sutta Retreat at Jhana Grove, January 2011 with Ajahn Brahmāli Sutta Retreat at Jhana Grove, 21-23 January 2011 with Ajahn Brahmāli Day 1 (21 January) : Why Study the Suttas? Texts 1 and 2. Days 2 (22 January) : The Noble Truth of Suffering. Texts 3-7. Days 3 (23

More information

DN 11 Kevaddha Sutta: About Kevaddha; What Brahma Didn t Know Saturday, 09 January :34

DN 11 Kevaddha Sutta: About Kevaddha; What Brahma Didn t Know Saturday, 09 January :34 1. THUS I HAVE HEARD. Once the Lord was staying at Naḷāndā, in Pāvārika s mango grove. And the householder Kevaddha came to the Lord, prostrated himself before him, and sat down to one side. He then said:

More information

History of Sakya-Muni Buddha

History of Sakya-Muni Buddha History of Sakya-Muni Buddha Prince Siddhartha Statue in Nepal: The statue is on the way to Lumbini from the India-Nepal border (Photo taken in December 2001). The Sakya-Muni Buddha was the founder of

More information

Bhikkhunis in Thai Monastic Education

Bhikkhunis in Thai Monastic Education Bhikkhunis in Thai Monastic Education Bhante Sujato 18/6/2008 In the debate about bhikkhuni ordination, information plays a key role. We have made substantial strides in our understanding of Buddhism in

More information

cetovimutti - Christina Garbe 1

cetovimutti - Christina Garbe 1 cetovimutti - Christina Garbe 1 Theravāda Buddhism Christina Garbe Theravāda means the school of the elders. It is the original Buddhism, which is based on the teachings of Buddha Gotama, who lived in

More information

Buddhism CHAPTER 6 EROW PPL#6 PAGE 232 SECTION 1

Buddhism CHAPTER 6 EROW PPL#6 PAGE 232 SECTION 1 Buddhism CHAPTER 6 EROW PPL#6 PAGE 232 SECTION 1 A Human-Centered Religion HIPHUGHES 10 min. video on Buddhism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eykdeneqfqq Buddhism from the word Budhi meaning To wake up!

More information

A DISCOURSE ON LOKADHAMMA

A DISCOURSE ON LOKADHAMMA A DISCOURSE ON LOKADHAMMA Lokadhan Taya Beings living in this world are all subject to the natural law lokadhamma, or lawgadan taya.in Burmese. There are altogether eight natural laws that follow a being,

More information

Introduction to Buddhism (Spring 09) Lecture 1 Prof. Mario Poceski

Introduction to Buddhism (Spring 09) Lecture 1 Prof. Mario Poceski Introduction to Buddhism (Spring 09) Lecture 1 Prof. Mario Poceski India s oldest known civilization Existence of complex urban culture with carefully planned towns Use of copper and bronze Invention

More information

1. Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was living at Sāvatthī in Jeta s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika s Park.

1. Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was living at Sāvatthī in Jeta s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika s Park. 1. Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was living at Sāvatthī in Jeta s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika s Park. 2. Now on that occasion a certain householder s dear and beloved only son had died. After

More information

VIPASSANA MEDITATION RETREAT Vipassana-bhavana by Sayadaw Venerable Ashin Pandavacara M.A

VIPASSANA MEDITATION RETREAT Vipassana-bhavana by Sayadaw Venerable Ashin Pandavacara M.A VIPASSANA MEDITATION RETREAT Vipassana-bhavana by Sayadaw Venerable Ashin Pandavacara M.A Introduction The meaning of Vipassana is an Introspection (a look into one s own mind, feelings, observation and

More information

The Coming Buddha Ariya Metteyya

The Coming Buddha Ariya Metteyya The Coming Buddha Ariya Metteyya By Saya U Chit Tin, PhD. Assisted by William Pruitt, PhD. Buddhist Publication Society Kandy Sri Lanka The Wheel Publication No. 381/383 2 nd revised edition Copyright

More information

Culakammavibhanga Sutta

Culakammavibhanga Sutta Majjhima Nikaya 135 Culakammavibhanga Sutta The Minor Exposition of Kamma Introduction - A Gift of Dhamma As Buddhist we believed in the action of Kamma: what we sowed in our past we reaped in the present

More information

A GUIDE TO THE UDĀNA. 1. The Bodhi Tree (Bodhivagga)

A GUIDE TO THE UDĀNA. 1. The Bodhi Tree (Bodhivagga) A GUIDE TO THE UDĀNA BY ERNESTO FERNANDEZ The synopses provided in this guide are based on John Ireland s The Udāna and the Itivuttaka (1997) as published by the Buddhist Publication Society and assume

More information

CHAPTER I. The Buddhist canon has three main divisions- (baskets or TipiÔaka in PÈÄi) 1. The Sutta PiÔaka or the sermon basket

CHAPTER I. The Buddhist canon has three main divisions- (baskets or TipiÔaka in PÈÄi) 1. The Sutta PiÔaka or the sermon basket 1 CHAPTER I 1.1. Introduction Over 2550 years ago, an important occurrence that would go down in history turned out India. This was appearing of a person who claimed himself as Buddha proclaiming a new

More information

The Life Story KONDANNA MAHATHERA. by Mingun Sayadaw. Delivering the Dhamasekkya Sutta To The Five Ascetics - Panca-vaggi

The Life Story KONDANNA MAHATHERA. by Mingun Sayadaw. Delivering the Dhamasekkya Sutta To The Five Ascetics - Panca-vaggi The Life Story KONDANNA MAHATHERA by Mingun Sayadaw Delivering the Dhamasekkya Sutta To The Five Ascetics - Panca-vaggi Introduction: At the request of my very good Dhamma friend, who said: - I would very

More information

FIRST EDITION, APRIL 1999 SECOND EDITION, MAY 2005 THIRD EDITION, JANUARY 2010 For non-muslims & for Free Distribution Only

FIRST EDITION, APRIL 1999 SECOND EDITION, MAY 2005 THIRD EDITION, JANUARY 2010 For non-muslims & for Free Distribution Only LIBERATION RELEVANCE OF SUTTA-VINAYA VEN. DHAMMAVUDDHO THERO THIS ARTICLE APPEARED IN THERAVADA (MARCH 1999), THE JOURNAL OF THERAVADA SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA, AND WAS TRANSLATED INTO GERMAN AND PUBLISHED

More information

BSRV 31.2 (2014) Buddhist Studies Review ISSN (print) doi: /bsrv.v31i2.313 Buddhist Studies Review ISSN (online)

BSRV 31.2 (2014) Buddhist Studies Review ISSN (print) doi: /bsrv.v31i2.313 Buddhist Studies Review ISSN (online) BSRV 31.2 (2014) 313 317 Buddhist Studies Review ISSN (print) 0256-2897 doi: 10.1558/bsrv.v31i2.313 Buddhist Studies Review ISSN (online) 1747-9681 Book Reviews The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha:

More information

آناندا आनन द.

آناندا आनन द. אננדה أناندا آناندا आनन द http://shabdkosh.raftaar.in/meaning-of-ananda-in-hindi د آ نن आनन द http://uh.learnpunjabi.org/default.aspx आनन द ਆਨਨਦ http://h2p.learnpunjabi.org/default.aspx فرشتہ آنند ਆਨਨਦ

More information

Lecture 156: Between Twin Sala Trees - Edited Version

Lecture 156: Between Twin Sala Trees - Edited Version Lecture 156: Between Twin Sala Trees - Edited Version There are many Buddhist scriptures: in Pali, in Sanskrit, in Tibetan, in Chinese, and so on. There are also many Buddhist traditions: Theravada, Sarvastivada,

More information

A presentation by: Mr. Tsolomitis

A presentation by: Mr. Tsolomitis A presentation by: Mr. Tsolomitis What is Buddhism/ the Buddha? Simply put Buddhism is a religion of ancient India, created by Siddhartha Gautama The Buddha is the title given to Siddhartha Gautama and

More information

BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES A SELECTION TRANSLATED FROM THE PALI WITH INTRODUCTION BY E. J. THOMAS

BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES A SELECTION TRANSLATED FROM THE PALI WITH INTRODUCTION BY E. J. THOMAS BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES A SELECTION TRANSLATED FROM THE PALI WITH INTRODUCTION BY E. J. THOMAS 1913 Buddhist Scriptures By E. J. Thomas. This edition was created and published by Global Grey GlobalGrey 2017

More information

Mark Scheme (Results) Summer GCSE Religious Studies (5RS15) Buddhism

Mark Scheme (Results) Summer GCSE Religious Studies (5RS15) Buddhism Scheme (Results) Summer 2012 GCSE Religious Studies (5RS15) Buddhism Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications Edexcel and BTEC qualifications come from Pearson, the world s leading learning company. We provide

More information

Table of Contents. Going for Refuge...3. The Ten Training Rules...4. The Thirty Two Fold Nature...5. The Questions to the Boy...6

Table of Contents. Going for Refuge...3. The Ten Training Rules...4. The Thirty Two Fold Nature...5. The Questions to the Boy...6 Table of Contents Going for Refuge...3 The Ten Training Rules...4 The Thirty Two Fold Nature...5 The Questions to the Boy...6 The Discourse on the Blessings...7 The Discourse on the Treasures...9 The Beyond

More information

Buddhism 101. Distribution: predominant faith in Burma, Ceylon, Thailand and Indo-China. It also has followers in China, Korea, Mongolia and Japan.

Buddhism 101. Distribution: predominant faith in Burma, Ceylon, Thailand and Indo-China. It also has followers in China, Korea, Mongolia and Japan. Buddhism 101 Founded: 6 th century BCE Founder: Siddhartha Gautama, otherwise known as the Buddha Enlightened One Place of Origin: India Sacred Books: oldest and most important scriptures are the Tripitaka,

More information

A Question of Balance

A Question of Balance Contents i A Question of Balance Understanding the Middle Way by Bhikkhu Pesala A Question of Balance Understanding the Middle Way by Bhikkhu Pesala First Published May 2018 Bhikkhu Pesala Association

More information

EL29 Mindfulness Meditation. What did the Buddha teach?

EL29 Mindfulness Meditation. What did the Buddha teach? EL29 Mindfulness Meditation Lecture 2.2: Theravada Buddhism What did the Buddha teach? The Four Noble Truths: Right now.! To live is to suffer From our last lecture, what are the four noble truths of Buddhism?!

More information

XIII TE BASES OF MERITORIOUS ACTIO

XIII TE BASES OF MERITORIOUS ACTIO 195 XIII TE BASES OF MERITORIOUS ACTIO PART TWO: THE SILA GROUP CO TE TS 1. Definition of Morality (Sila) 2. Characteristic, Function, Manifestation & Proximate Cause of Morality 3. Morality for the Lay

More information

Buddhist Pilgrimage to India ON CALL OF BUDDHA

Buddhist Pilgrimage to India ON CALL OF BUDDHA Buddhist Pilgrimage to India ON CALL OF BUDDHA AGENDA Buddhist Pilgrimage Recalling Lord Buddha s Teachings Tracing Buddha s footprints Buddhist Pilgrimage Destinations Attractions Infrastructure Buddhist

More information

Maha Sivali Thera. (Shin Thi Wa Li Thera)

Maha Sivali Thera. (Shin Thi Wa Li Thera) Maha Sivali Thera (Shin Thi Wa Li Thera) Introduction Maha Sivali (Shin Ti Wa Li Thera) to many households in Myanmar is pretty popular because he was the foremost in receiving the most requisites among

More information

Recollecting and Envisioning: Buddha in Theravada and Mahayana Practice

Recollecting and Envisioning: Buddha in Theravada and Mahayana Practice Recollecting and Envisioning: Buddha in Theravada and Mahayana Practice 181 Recollecting and Envisioning: Buddha in Theravada and Mahayana Practice Angela Sumegi Angela Sumegi The popular devotional chant

More information

Buddhism and Society - Aspects of the Four Noble Truths and Spiritual Friendship

Buddhism and Society - Aspects of the Four Noble Truths and Spiritual Friendship Buddhism and Society - Aspects of the Four Noble Truths and Spiritual Friendship Venerable Zhen Yuan 1* 1 Lecturer, Faculty of Religious Studies, International Buddhist College, Thailand * Corresponding

More information