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Epoch Making ceremony of

presentation of Sri Lankan


Buddhist Magazine,
“Mettavalokanaya”
to the Tibetan spiritual
leader His Holiness the
Dalai Lama….
Popular & leading Buddhist Magazine in Sri Lanka,
“Mettavalokanaya” Monthly Buddhist Magazine was recently
presented to the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the
Dalai Lama by the Founder, President & Chief Editor of b;sydifha m%:u j;djg Y%S ,dxflah
Mettavalokanaya, Mr. Buddhika Sanjeewa, at Rajgir - Nalanda fn!oaO i`.rdjla áfngfha
International Convention Centre, Bihar, India on March 20, wdOHd;aóh kdhl
2017. This is the first time that a Sri Lankan Buddhist Magazine
was presented to the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the
Dalai Lama.
w;sW;=ï o,hs ,dud
His Holiness who was very happy and blessed the kdysñmdKka jykafiag mQcd flf¾''''
Mettavalokanaya people for their future success. His Holiness
appreciated the contents and the various dhamma articles in
the Mettavalokanaya, Buddhist Magazine of Sri Lanka. f,dal mQcs; áfngfha wdOHd;aóh kdhl w;sW;=ï o,hs
Mettavalokanaya has now been published in English and ,dud kdysñmdKka jykafia fj; b;sydifha m%:u j;djg
includes 52 pages of articles related to Buddhism. Since its Y%S ,dxflah fn!oaO i`.rdjla miq.shod mQcd lrk ,È' tu
establishment in December 01, 2014, the Buddhist Magazine
W;=ï Nd.Hh ysñ lr.kq ,enQfha" ˜fu;a;djf,dalkh˜ udisl
has been successfully distributed to over 40 countries up to
fn!oaO i`.rdjhs'
date, and also to all districts across Sri Lanka.
Mettavalokanaya Buddhist Magazine will continue to bka§h rcfhka ,o úfYaI wdrdOkdjla u; bkaÈhdj
aim to be the magazine that will take the higher teachings n,d .sh fu;a;djf,dalkfha ks¾ud;D" iNdm;s yd m%Odk
of the Enlightened One to those in Sri Lanka and across the l¾;D nqoaêl ixcSj uy;d úiska bkaÈhdfõ ìyd¾ m%dka;fha
world. The magazine comprises of special articles written by rdca.S¾ - kd,kaod cd;Hka;r iïuka;%K Yd,d mßY%fha §
leading Buddhist Monks in Sri Lanka & overseas as well as lay 2017 ud¾;= ui 20 fjksod meje;s cd;Hka;r fn!oaO iuq`Mj
people. w;r;=f¾ § fu;a;djf,dalkfha msgm;a lsysmhla fuys§
“Mettavalokanaya” Buddhist Magazine’s slogan is “The w;sW;=ï o,hs ,dud kdysñmdKka jykafia fj; ms<s.kajk
Aspiration of Metta (Loving kindness) to Enlighten the Minds”. ,È'
Our mission is to write and publish on pure teachings of ta iïnkaOfhka uy;a fia i;=gg m;a jQ f,dal mQcs;
Buddha and share them via different print media and online áfngfha wdOHd;aóh kdhl w;sW;=ï o,hs ,dud kdysñmdKka
media platforms with the whole world.
jykafia" Y%S ,xldfõ ˜fu;a;djf,dalkh˜ fn!oaO i`.rdj
It is also our sincere aspiration to bring the message
f,dalfha rgj,a 40 lg;a jvd jeä m%udKhlg udislju
of the sublime Dhamma to the youth of today and to lead
them in the correct path to happiness, where they are today hjñka" O¾uh m%pdrh lrùu i`oyd .kq ,nk wjxl
inundated by such digital and social media contents that W;aidyh fnfyúka w.h lr isáhy'
influence them to defile their mind. fu;=jla ld,hlg ;uka jykafia fj; Y%S ,xldfjka
More information about the magazine and all published fn!oaO i`.rdjla fkd ,enqK nj fuys§ m%ldY l< w;sW;=ï
articles can be accessed on the website - www.mettavalokanaya. o,hs ,dud kdysñmdKka jykafia" ˜fu;a;djf,dalkh˜ fn!oaO
com, as well as on socials media- Mettavalokanaya Facebook i`.rdj fuf,i fï wdldrfhka ;ukag ,efnkakg ie,eiaùu
page, Youtube, Google +, Twitter, Blogger, Instagram, Linkedin, iïnkaOfhka ;=;s msßkeuQy' w;sW;=ï o,hs ,dud kdysñmdKka
Yumpu, Flickr, Pinterest, Tumblr and Wikipedia. jykafiaf.a idïm%odhsl wdYs¾jdo m< lsÍfï l%ufõohg
Mettavalokanaya sincerely believes in our Dhamma wkqj ˜fu;a;djf,dalkh˜ i`.rdj ;u k<,a ;,fha ;nd
effort which would be very useful for those on sublime path ˜fu;a;djf,dalkh˜ i`.rdfõ bÈß .uka u`.g wdYs¾jdo m<
as well as those who aspire to be in that path all around
lr lrkakg o Wkajykafia wu;l lf<a ke;'
the world. We also desire to publish more publications as a
f,dal iïu; f:arjdo" uydhdk" jc%hdk yd ;ka;%hdk
Buddhist Centre in the near future. It is our sincere promise
that we shall strive all the time to bring the message of hk fn!oaO iïm%odhkaf.ka iqieÈj —fu;a;djf,dalkh˜ fï
sublime Dhamma to all in this world which is beset with greed jk úg f,dalfha n,j;a rdcHhkays wd.ñl m%OdkSkaf.ka mjd
and hatred and help them to alleviate their minds and lead ksr;=re meiiqï ,nñka isà'
happy lives both here and hereafter.

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deliberate action motivated by volition or will. wrong and is a cowardly way of ending problems. Suicide
According to the law of karma, if we perform a cannot occur if your mind is pure and tranquil.”
The better thinking through wholesome action, sooner or later we will obtain a wholesome The path of insight, the path of investigation, helps us
fruit, or result, and if we perform an unwholesome action, we to examine the nature of experience. What seems to be ‘me
The Dhamma…. will inevitably obtain an unwholesome or unwanted result. In being born, moving around in that world out there, and who
Buddhism, there is a saying, which goes, “particular causes will die one day,’ when it is examined closely it’s recognized
bring those particular effects that are similar in nature to that the world is happening here, in our field of experience.
Most Venerable Dr. Bhiksuni Ming Yu
those causes.” This law is fixed. As the Buddha said: ‘That whereby one is a perceiver of the
The President - Chinese Young Buddhist Association in Taiwan & the Honorary Adviser
In this section I will consider human karma as the central world, and a conceiver of the world, that is called “the world”
of the World Alliance of Buddhists (WAB) and President of the Outstanding Women in
figure of discussion because we all belong to the same realm. in this Dhamma and discipline.
Buddhism Awards 
Human karma is separated into three ways. This is what And what is that whereby one is a perceiver of the world,
the Buddha said. We have body-generating karma, speech- and a conceiver of the world? The eye, the ear, the nose, the
generating karma and mind-generating karma. All intentional tongue, the body, the mind0…. The world is the world of our
actions of body, speech and mind produce karmic results that experience. It’s our mind’s construction of the world. That
We tend to forget our connection with the world but We are kept prisoners in the circle of birth and death will inevitably occur. This is is what is experienced. And
we are like a family, and the death of one of us should bring because of our ignorance, attachment and aversion. We are unchangeable, and even the that is born, takes shape and
tears to the rest of us for the remaining part of our life. If we all alike insofar as we are subject to afflictions, yet there are Buddha cannot change this dissolves, moment by moment.
could see the interdependence of things, it would be easy many differences among living beings with which we are all law. You make it, you face the The sounds of these words, the
for us to see the beauty within everything we contact. The familiar. For instance, some of us are wealthy, while others results. feelings of the body, moods
death of a brother creates an unbalanced family, just as the of us are poor; some are strong and healthy while others are Generally speaking, of irritation, enthusiasm,
killing of a rabbit or cutting down of a mango tree will cause an weak and diseased, and so forth. karma is divided into three alertness, sleepiness, comfort,
unbalanced world. We fail to see things how they are but try All difference arising which separates beings from basic kinds; I have tried to discomfort, these are patterns
to express them to suit our needs. If we could take ourselves actions, needs and behaviors are what we call karma. Karma give a brief description of of consciousness, organic
to be part of the world, how could we end the life of others? also determines what kind of next life into which one should these kinds in the following patterns of change, arising,
The world we live in, due to our greed and ignorance, is be reborn. We might also recall that part of the Buddha’s sections. According to your taking shape, dissolving.
becoming a place that brings restlessness and fear to many experience on the night of his enlightenment consisted of action, you may have a good, That is the world. There
living beings. Man, due to his greed, is creating things that gaining an understanding of how karma determines the bad or neutral result. Good is no other world we can
will destroy even his own life. Our early grandparents lived in rebirth of living beings--how living beings migrate from happy karma is produced by acts that meaningfully speak about. We
the moment, but today’s people try to live in the next coming to unhappy and from unhappy to happy conditions as a are intended to help other can only talk about the world of
hundred years before they even know what will happen in the consequence of their particular karma. So, the real definition living beings; for example, our own experience. Even if we
coming second. Man, due to his greed, can be inconsistent; of karma is action; that is to say, the act of doing this or that. donations of materials to use machines and devices to
destroying his own home while thinking he is creating a good This action however is not mechanical nor is it unconscious those in need. Bad karma is measure them, those patterns
place for his future child. or involuntary. On contrary, karma is intentional, conscious, produced by acts that are will still all appear only within
intended to harm other living the sphere of our perceptions.
beings, like walking on top The world is in the mind,
of ants, killing mosquitoes, the world we experience
murdering, cursing and is woven by our mind; it is
scolding, etc. woven into being – arising,
The Buddha said, passing away – moment by
“Happy is goodwill towards moment. But that which knows
all sentient beings; happy the world, that which is the
is non-attachment; happy Lokavidhu - the knower of the
is he who has heard the world – what is that? Where
Truth and utilizes it; happy is that? It is the most real
is the one who controls his thing there is, this quality of
mind; happy is the one who knowing, yet it has no shape,
lives without sensual and no form.
flirting pleasures.” A single It is not a person, it does
unwholesome thought can not begin or end, it is not
cause immeasurable suffering for oneself as well as for here or there. It is totally real but completely
others. intangible. How mysterious. But when
Dams had dangerous thoughts of the heart is allowed to embody
falling in love with Chris, which resulted that quality of knowing, awakened
in rape and the loss of two lives. Suicide awareness, then that is the realization
is not the solution to frustrations and of the Deathless, the Unborn and
disappointment, as it creates even Undying itself. That which knows the
more problems. The Buddha teaches born and dying is not the born and
that there is a best, most convenient dying. That which knows inspiration
way to end suffering. This way purifies is not inspired. That which knows regret
the mind, and a purified mind cannot a n d pain is not pained. That which knows
have suffering. The Buddhist Teaching (Dharma) says, suffering is not suffering. This is why
“Suicide is morally and spiritually liberation is possible.

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come to market every day to gratify the senses of man. There to think. There are no orders or compulsory commandments
is no end of desire of man with those new inventions. Most in Buddhism. It is said Buddha is only a guide. He does not
recent new invention of modern science is information promise one to take him to heaven. But Buddhism has taught
Buddhism and Modern Science…. technology. It has made the world very small. people the way to happiness and heaven. The doctrine has to
Benefits of science - All activities of man have been be seen by oneself, enlightenment is to be realised by oneself,
made easy by the discoveries of modern science. Everything it has to be realised by individually and the wise. The teaching
has gone to electronic. But when we carefully study of the is revealed for any one for enquiring.
Most Venerable Dr. Galle Udita Nayaka Thero
result of the new invention, we see there are also a lot of Challenge of science - Science may never find the causes
Chief Sangha Nayake Thero of Singapore and Chief Abbot of the Buddha Vihar Society
disadvantages of new products. It is very obvious that people of existence and the way to get rid of suffering. Science does
in Singapore, the Director of the Wijayananda Buddhist Training Institute, the Senior
have been addicted to hand phones and laptops that they research only on material elements. Buddhism goes beyond
Lecture in Institute of Buddhist Philosophy, Buddhist and Pali University in Singapore.
rarely talk to each other rather than communicating through it by investigation on mental factors. Mental energy only has
face book. Each and everybody have so many friends in face coordinating factors. We have learnt that Material elements
book and they communication with others electronically only. are conditioned by four causes according to Abhidhamma,
Teaching of the Buddha - The Lord Buddha founded The electronic machine handles all records of man and that is Karma, Citta, Utu and Ahara. They are the cause and
Buddhism in six hundred BC. He delivered His first sermon at the man is free of maintaining the memory of things. Thereby effect, mind, season and nutrition. Mental energy runs all the
Deer Park in Varanasi. The sermon contains on the Middle path he is no more responsible for the future in case of breaking time in a state of flux. It can even produce material elements.
that constitutes eight noble path namely right understanding, down of the machine. Now we have to question ourselves The nature of mind is arising and perishing giving rise to
right thoughts, right speech, right action, right livelihood, whether this mechanism could help us to get rid of suffering constant changes.
right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. It also and attain the bliss of emancipation. Seventeen thought moments constitute one unit of
consists of four noble truths that one should realize to attain We have some respect to modern inventions of matter at a time. Thoughts processes that direct senses
salvation namely the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause science; especially the inventions of human field of health towards objects for functioning are explained only in
of suffering, the truth of cessation of suffering and the truth have prolonged the life of man, prevented man from various Abhidhamma in Buddhist teaching. The cognizing of object is
of the path leading to the cessation of suffering. One should sicknesses. Science that has discovered cloning may help to decided depending on the number of thought moments. The
give up two extremes namely indulging in sense pleasures and replace damage organs. Cloning of human may not ethical. object is very clear and the function is taken place when only
self-mortification in order to follow the middle path. Industrial inventions also have helped the man to make many mind runs to seventeen thought moments. Once the function
Doctrine - His teaching comprises Sutra, Vinaya and perfect mass products with less labor. At the same time many is done it is also registered twice in the mind. Mind is also the
Abhidhamma. Sutras are the sermons delivered to various have lost their jobs. main source of Karma. The seven impulses constitute Karma.
kinds of people at various occasions to suit their characters Disadvantages of modern science - In spite of peace Contact, feeling, perception and thought are the mental
and understanding. Vinaya is the discipline that comprises and harmony in the world the new discoveries of nuclear constitutes that operate Karma. Actions are outcome of the
of many rules and duties for disciples to practice for their and chemical weapons could have been conducive to many thoughts.
discipline. Abhidhamma contains analysis of mind and matter calamities and destruction of the man. The man lives in Scientists believe that mind is in the brain. According to
and their role in making existence of life. uncertain world. Any time another war can be erupted as Buddhism, mind starts in the heart and it moves away when
In brief, Buddhism is a philosophy of life rather than a long as the desire of man for power has not been appeased. the heart stops. Five external faculties and mental faculty
religion that binds the man to God. It contains many aspects The man plans his own destruction using even his modern coordinate to cognize objects. Mind has it own functions. It
of life, whether holy or secular life. It has revealed the path scientific discoveries. Desire, anger and illusive thoughts have also has its own processes. If the mental object is clear mind
to liberation. The liberation mainly is mainly focused by the been dominated in the mind of man. He simply believes what will cognize the object through its thought processes. Recent
wisdom. According to Buddhism, Knowledge and wisdom has written in books and what has he heard from others and discovery of quantum theory that contains the minimum
are not the same. Knowledge can be gathered through tries to empower his own concepts and thoughts. He is a slave particles involved in physical entity same as energy that has
sense faculties but wisdom can be achieved only through to his own tradition and therefore he abuses human dignity proved the duality of mind and matter in Buddhism. The
the development of mental culture. Scientists have special based on his own thoughts. measurement of the mind depends on the mental properties
knowledge that has been achieved by their thoughtful Although scientists and Buddhist doctrine have inculcated at the time of its functioning according to Buddhism.
experiences based on the knowledge gained through sense eliminated certain superstitions and meaningless traditional Conclusion - Modern science is useful but there are some
faculties. Wisdom is genuine experience rehearsed through practices the man is still not able to get rid of his own disadvantages to unwise man. Now there is no value of time
inward development. It has to be developed through three attachment to wrong views and practices. as the man spends more time to get information of others
kinds of realities namely impermanence, suffering and Buddhist revolution - Buddhism has discarded ancient that is not so important. He may neglect very important works
soullessness. creation of discrimination of man and treated all equally not than that of surfing internet. On the other way information
Buddhism embraces all happenings in the world through by birth but by actions of man. Buddhism talks not only about technology is very useful also to gain knowledge that is
five natural orders namely order of cause and effect, biological the man but all beings. It has taken brave steps to protect all unknown to oneself. People share their knowledge quickly
order, seasonal order, order of mind and the order of norm. beings from selfish killing committed by man. But the man still through this modern technology. Communication among
The theory of relativity has been founded by the Buddha many justifies what he is doing is correct. He eats innocent dump people has become very easy by emails and short message
centuries ago in Abhidhamma and it comprises of 24 causal animals in order to gratify his sensual feelings. He justifies it is services through hand phones and computer.
relations. Buddhism has given a new meaning to all existing not wrong to kill or destroy others in the name of religion or Buddhist teaching leads the man to the path of spiritual
things and all the things in the world are made of causes and God or as a way of his livelihood. development. Ethical learning and practice in Buddhism
conditions. Without external and internal communication Free Thinkers - Some do not want to follow any religion are useful tools to make the life balancing of the man.
among beings through senses there is no world according to and they say that they are free thinkers. It is more dangerous. Accumulation of knowledge without the moral conduct of a
Buddhism. Life exists due to the accumulation of Karma. But one cannot be free thinkers simply by refusing religion. person would be useless. With reference of man’s spiritual and
Modern Science - In this modern world there are many Religions help man to practice good deeds and to avoid evils. material wellbeing, one can say that Buddhism goes beyond
inventions by the science. Many of the things invented by the Founders of religion have introduced certain morals for man to science. Many notions and speculations of man referring
science have been useful to people. But there is no perfect practice for their good behavior and salvation. Man has abused especially transcending experiences through meditation have
conclusion of the research and examination of the facts in the religion and he has turned it for his own selfishness. If an awakened man’s wisdom in Buddhism rather than gaining
science. What have been founded today can be changed individual want to be a free thinker Buddhist teaching is the experiences through five senses.
tomorrow by new research and findings. Many new inventions best for one has to adhere because Buddhism has made man

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the “Technical Aspect between Human and Nature, and the
Practical aspect between People to People, and how would
one seek emancipatory towards freedom and liberation” in
Dhamma Patipada…. realizing the truth.
The study of this “Dhamma Patipada” program is to
demonstrate what are the difference in the real world and
Dhamma world in how the integration can take place while
Dr. Dhammika Jeremy
complimentary management tools will used to be deployed
The Dhamma Teacher in Singapore, President of Utopia Aire International & Buddhist
to enhance the resolution of doubts and messy problems and
Fellowship in Singapore
ease oneself from stress and sleepless night?
My next presentation SDT talk tittle is “Logical and
and unpredictable nature in life. In its worst case, we have Logical is illogical”, “Born Free to be Un free”, “Brain Talk or
individually developed our own greed idealism, hatred and Mind Talk?’ I love to deliver small talk and is easier for lay
The introduction of  “Dhamma Patipada” training technique. In this way, they can immediately practice and see delusion without knowing the outcome, intentionally or person to adsorb and digest. I use Pali terms where necessary
program has thus created as a wonderful and an explicit results and be motivated towards their humanly goals in life. unintentionally. All actions sources are from IDC (Ideology, and applicable, however most of my talk are crafted based
Dhamma learning journey for all of us irrespective of your In today complexity of modern living life style, they often Power and Control) of individual resulting conflicts.  The on the attendees both their level of literacy and level of the
Buddhist Culture and background. I have personally taken 8 got swayed away by our deep rooted defilements. In its worst Buddha also repeatedly affirmed that humans have to rely understanding of the Dhamma. 
long years on this discovery path to re-discover the blissfulness case, we have developed our own greed idealism, hatred only on themselves for their release from suffering. There is Buddha….. It is the desire of all beings wanting to be an
that I have missed. and delusion without knowing the outcome. All forces and no external authority or savior to rely on. Arahant or Bodhisattva. Well it is good to have it consistently
Birth is uncertain and Death is certain. So what is the actions sources are from IDC (Ideology, Power and Control) The “Dhamma Patipada” Program consists of 6 parts in mind always and work towards it. Defilements can only be
objective in life “Liberation” onwards to Nibbana. There are of individual resulting conflicts and unexplained behavior and with 12 sessions, and I have the program covering SDT talk clean up when one have the knowledge to experience, time
many of us getting in and out of Temple, Dhamma classes, differing context of the situation. on  Part 01 - Basic Buddhism and Dhamma study.  Part 02 - line for development, consistence recurring wisdom and "let-
Dhamma Sharing sessions and yet have no idea how to The objective of this program is 01 - To create a Heuristic emphasized on “Are we living or leaving Samsara” (Identifying go" commitments and relationships that don’t relief you from
deplete defilements and eradicate to start freeing oneself effect through Dhamma learning and cultivation to impact on the range of Dukkha involved and classification for analysis, samsara and bad influence. Your daily practice to include and
from “Dukkha”. each individual, to cause realization. 02 - To acquire Dhamma time management allotment, and Spider Metaphor will be consistently developed all the required 4 Sublimes to gain and
Where is the starting point?.... Often many have knowledge as a universal platform for all human worlds to used to illustrate the 3 evil roots).  maintain your focus and purity towards liberation.
prompted on acquired knowledge but unable to disengage reduce conflict within and across boundaries, cross culture, Part 03 - “Is Dhamma your high code in life” (creating a It is about the mental health that we all are trying to
from “Dukkha”. “Dhamma Patipada” course comprises of race, religion for a safer, peaceful nations and harmony. Thus better understanding life style and Dhamma practices) and Part eradicate from and from knowledge to wisdom journey as it
12 sessions and is designed to lead lay person to a better peace can be restoring without uprooting and intruding 04 - “Developing Dhamma Culture” (Understanding liabilities take many “Dhamma Patipada” cycles repeatedly to resolute
understanding through his / her tunnel of lights, as personal cultures, hatred or bloodshed. 03 - To practice Dhamma with in life and harmony to develop peaceful and emancipatory). and to gain higher level of wisdom. Yes for this much, I know I
vision onwards to emancipation and its final destiny. It provides observation seeking truth and realization. 04 - To transform Revealing how this eventual universal culture will provide am not teaching scholars in how to suck egg but because I am
a clear understanding of how to get started by clearing and individual to be a better person and in the light onwards to new possible human worldly peace to reduce conflict within willing to share my research contribution to all my Dhamma
settling of one’s mind with a road map. Liberation. and across boundaries, cross culture, race, religion to rebuild Brothers and Sisters.
The “Dhamma Patipada” program is to show cross In today complexity of modern living life style, we often peaceful nations and harmony. Well in conclusion, my style of interactive SDT is
reference journey from the real world to the Dhamma world got swayed away or carried away by our rooted defilements. Thus peace can be restoring without uprooting and always no more than 30 minutes as this will highly draws
with the intention how Dhamma affect us in carrying us Technology development and rapid enhancement create jobs intruding cultures, hatred or bloodshed. Part 05 - is built on the audience attention with discovery interest. It is based
through our businesses and day to day life harmonizing the and convenience but also created conflicts, problems that lay person teaching on selected Sutta for lay person, such on a highly interactive style of deliberating, and Q & A. Real
Environment through all our humanly activities. These issues change social behavior and norms. The environment has as Sigalovada Sutta (this set directions for the individual case study set up for developing mind synthesis to reflect on
are highly task process oriented system and is always too greatly affected the health of human beings and the way we and cultivation, and also guidelines in how to avoid pitfall in a case by case basis to react on the learnt Dhamma.  It has
narrow too late for all technical solutions. communicate has also greatly changed our life style. life). Part 06 - on the modern management tools and critical been a great pleasure on this journey to share “Dhamma
The main Humanistic views carrying the theme through Materialism becomes a technological race for more thinking to recover from messy problems and situations. All Patipada” Program and is a good platform to develop Buddhist
all the SDT (Small Dhamma Talk) is to improvise and improve wealth thus ignoring all health threats. We now live in mini case studies will be on real time by the participants group community and networking. I hope my sharing can help and
life gradually by Modiflex (Modify Flexibly)  management this modern world Ghettos and life is full of doubts, fear and recording will be provided for future references. set some new directions in achieving out common Buddhist
One of the interesting talk features is to demonstrate goals and objectives individually and hopefully someday the
what is the difference in the real world and Dhamma world will return to be a better place for all earthlings.
world? Most human related problem are confused by these
two dwindled pair in the mind and causing despair, getting
into multi-layer of problems and into delusion. It became
inseparable and messy resulting disruptions, distrust and
relationship break up.
Beside the brief basic Dhamma talk on five precepts,
Paticca Samuppada, Tilakkhana, Four Noble Truth, Eight
Path, Kamma, I share to the scholarly audience in using
management tools to solve critical and messy problems that
relate to Dhamma studies. These tools are based on Critical
Thinking, SSM (Soft System Methodology) complementing
HSM (Hard System Methodology).
The complementary theory will be introduce for
the purpose in educating lay person participants tools for
seeking solutions to their messy problems onwards to a
more Dhamma based humanistic living in this modern world.
The most important part is in how human being recognized

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This is one of the ways in which you learn a lot about
your defilements. It’s not that you have to wait for a totally
The mind training for solid concentration before you can see the defilements
clearly. A lot of learning about the defilements lies in learning
Brighter future…. how to struggle with them as you bring the mind to stillness.
You begin to see: “Oh, this is how greed works, this is how
aversion works, this is how I’ve fallen for this stuff before in
Most Venerable Bhante Prashil Ratna Gautam Thero the past. Well, this time around I’m not going to fall.”
The Secretary General - Sanghakaya Foundation Gujarat, Ahmedabad, India Sometimes it’s like a battle. Other times it’s more a
question of learning how to work together in a way that’s for
your own best interests: how to be a mediator, a negotiator, or
a patient teacher. You’ve got to have lots of ways of relating to
the different elements in your mind. The times when you can
tricks up their sleeves, you as a meditator need to have lots of win the defilements over to your side: That’s when it’s best.
tricks up your sleeve, too. Your desire turns into a desire to practice. Your hatred turns
One really basic trick is for when the mind says, “I’ve got into a hatred of the defilements. You learn how to use the
to do this. I want to do that. I don’t want to meditate.” You’ve energy of these things for your own true benefit.
got to ask, “Well why?” And play kind of dumb, so that the That’s when you can be said to be a discerning mediator.
mind really has to explain itself. It’s like lesson number one in You can’t gain insight simply by following the rules. Somebody
any journalism class: If you really want to get a good interview says, “For insight you need to do one, two, three, four, five,
out of people, you have to play dumb, ask stupid questions, six, and seven. So you do one, two, three, four, five, six, seven
so that they think they have to explain things to you very without any thinking, without any reflection on what you’re
carefully. And oftentimes they reveal all kinds of things they doing, and yet that doesn’t give you any true insights. It gives
wouldn’t have otherwise. you pre‐programmed insights sometimes, but the actual
It’s the same with your own mind. When greed, anger, startling new understandings that can come through the
and delusion come into the mind, they usually barge in with a meditation don’t happen because you’re too busy following
lot of force and expect to push you right over. So one thing you the directions.
have to do is to ask, “Well, why? Why should we follow that? The directions are there for you to apply to the mind and
Why should we want instant gratification?” And there will be then to observe, to look at what happens, to reflect on what
an “of course‐ness” to their answer the first time around. “Of happens, to make adjustments. Make the meditation your
course you want it this way. Of course you want it that way.” own and not just somebody else’s bulldozer running through
“Well why?” If you’re persistent in being block‐headed like your head. After all, the big issue is how you relate to yourself,
this, all the defilements will start revealing themselves. You’ll how you relate to the body, how you relate to feelings,
see how shabby they are. You’ll be able to get around them perceptions, thought‐fabrications, and consciousness. That’s
more easily. the area where you’re causing yourself suffering, so that’s the
It’s like training a little child. Sometimes you have to be area where you’ve got to gain sensitivity and insight. Nobody
strict with the child, other times you have to offer rewards, else can get into your head and straighten these things out for
patiently explain things. Other times you have to make up little you. You use the techniques of meditation to see what they
games. In other words, you have to use your full psychology reveal about the mind. Then you build on those lessons so
with the mind. But this time around you’re not using it for the that the meditation becomes your own.
purpose of deception, which is what the mind ordinarily does When that’s the kind of mind you have, it’s a really good
with itself. You’re using it for the purpose of truth and honesty, mind to live in. We live in physical places only for a certain
for what’s really in your own best interest. amount of time but in our own minds all the time. Try to make
What does the wandering mind do for you? It gives a the mind a good place to live so that, no matter what else
little bit of instant gratification and then that gratification happens outside, at least the mind is on proper terms with
goes, with nothing left to show for itself. If you keep allowing itself, not fighting itself, not doing stupid things that aren’t in
this to happen, where are you going to pick up the skills you’ll its own best interest. Get so that it really does know how to
When we train the mind, it’s not just a question of really need when aging, illness, and death hit with full force? deal with the aggregates as they arise, how to deal with pain
using a meditation technique to bludgeon the mind into the This is why the Buddha stressed the principle of heedfulness so it doesn’t turn it into suffering, how to deal with pleasure so
present moment. If that’s our approach, the mind is going to all the time. We can’t just spend our time sniffing the flowers it doesn’t turn it into suffering. Get so that the mind develops
start rebelling, finding ways of slipping around our defenses, and looking at the sky. There’s work to be done. When the a basic intelligence in sorting itself out, managing itself, so
because there are times when the meditation technique is mind is untrained, it causes us a lot of unhappiness. If the that all your mental powers suddenly become powers you can
right for the situation and times when it isn’t. The times when mind is well trained, if it’s more tractable, it can bring a lot of truly put to good use.
it isn’t: That’s when the mind is going to rebel if you single‐ happiness our way. As we were saying today, there are times when, for your
mindedly use just that one technique and don’t have other In order for that to happen, you have to learn how to own good, you don’t want to be focused on the breath. There
techniques or approaches up your sleeve as well. psyche yourself into the mood to meditate. Once it starts are things you have to think about, things you’ve got to plan
Meditation is not just a question of technique. In training meditating and begins to see the results, it gets more willing for, things you have to ponder, where you take all the powers
the mind, you have to remember there’s a whole committee in and tractable most of the time. Then there are times it starts of the mind you’ve trained in concentration and put them
there. In the past the committee has had its balance of power, rebelling all over again, totally irrationally. So you’ve got to sit to other uses. That way the benefits of the concentration
its likes and dislikes, and the politics among the various voices down with it again, work things through with it again, to see permeate your whole life, everything you do.
in your mind. Each of them has different tricks for pushing its exactly what issue got covered up the last time around and is
agenda on the rest. So just as these defilements have lots of only now getting exposed.

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Most Venerable
Wathogala
Dhammika
Nayaka Thero
Appointed as
Newly Chief High
Priest Judiciary
of Italy….

The Chief Incumbent of Brescia Buddhist Temple


in Italy Royal Pandith, Most Venerable Wathogala
Dhammika Nayaka Thero was appointed as newly Chief
High Priest Judiciary of Italy by Karaka Maha Sanga Sabha
of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Sector in Sri Lanka.
The great ceremony held at the Malwathu Maha
Vihara premises in Kandy, Sri Lanka on August 19, 2017
evening. The Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter of the
Siam Sector in Sri Lanka, Most Venerable Tibbatuwawe
Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thero presented
Sannaspathra and Vijinipatha to the Most Venerable
Wathogala Dhammika Nayaka Thero at the auspicious
moment.
New appointment already included the honorary
title of “Saddharma Keerthi Sri Sobhitha Sugunatissa”
to Most Venerable Wathogala Dhammika Nayaka Thero.
Most Venerable Wathogala Dhammika Nayaka Thero
has been the most impeccable in playing a vital role of
a religious ambassador and began his Dharmadutha
activities and it was extended to the countries like
Thailand, Myanmar, Singapore, India, Nepal, Japan, USA
and Europe Countries. Both at temple and abroad he
has been a versatile speaker sharing his knowledge
through immaculate preaching.
A book titled “Budunwahanse wadala shadrawa”
containing Dhamma sermons delivered by Most
Venerable Wathogala Dhammika Nayaka Thero was
presented to his Mother on this occasion. The Maha
Sangha including the Maha Nayake Theros of
overseas and devotees were participated in
this historically event.
“Suki Deegauko Bawa..!!” -
“Mettavalokanaya” wish to the Most Venerable
Wathogala Dhammika Nayaka Thero all the best of
luck in his future endeavors in his monk life. Wish a long
and a healthy life to continue all the services that he has
been continuing so far. Being an asset to the entire world
our blessings of the Noble Triple Gems be with the Most
Venerable Wathogala Dhammika Nayaka Thero always..!!

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virtue, teachers need to instill a sense of open-mindedness in

Importance of Human Behavior their students in order that they are able to live easily side by
side with others that may not share their own views, values
and outlook on life.
and Making Choices…. The student must understand that nobody in this world
is perfect and that it is not better to be richer or poorer, an
agnostic or a believer and so on, but that what is important
Most Venerable Phrarajbhavanajahn (Luang Por Dattajeevo Bhikkhu) and makes a good human being is measured by the thoughts,
Vice Abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Vice President of the Dhammakaya Foundation, words and actions of that individual. Not all human beings
Most Popular and Respected Dhamma Teacher & Author in Thailand. will be good, nor will they all be bad; the student must be
encouraged to understand and practise reasoned tolerance to
integrate successfully within society.
It is also important that the student recognizes and
activities. Such is the power of kilesa without the counter overcomes discrimination towards others, be it due to age,
power of an educated mind to recognize the devastating gender, handicap, race, religion, status or appearance. No
effects that kilesa has upon not only this lifetime, but also one can live alone in this world; each individual is directly
those in the future. or indirectly linked to others through environmental, social,
A life without education renders one at a great economic and political factors from which we cannot escape.
disadvantage to resist kilesa and the hidden sufferings that As human beings we all share these influences that affect our
it brings. We must be educated to recognize and know that lives. Only by people working together under the common
kilesa is the master of disguise, offering only suffering hidden definition of ‘human beings’ are we able to overcome or
beneath a false cloak of fleeting pleasure, fulfillment and manage the problems that these influences have; this may
satisfaction. Important causes of suffering from living together only be achieved by overcoming discrimination and bias.
include selfishness and bias as follows: Good Behavior
Selfishness - leads to suffering when each person Correctly and morally taught from an early age to pay
thinks mainly about his or her own benefit rather than giving respect to and understand the true nature of what it is to be a
support, encouragement and material things to others. When human being, especially with regard to the cause and effects
problems occur in the family, group or community, if there is of thoughts, words and deeds in daily life and the human
lack of cooperation and people behave selfishly then suffering suffering encountered, will undoubtedly create the most
and conflict will transpire. favorable conditions for the pupil to achieve full potential in
Bias - manifests itself in four categories: love, anger, this lifetime.
wrong view and fear. Families, groups and communities that The good habits and conduct that the pupil acquires will
Definition of Behavior suffer from selfishness and bias cannot be peaceful as each alleviate or eliminate the three sufferings of living one’s life,
Our behaviour is the result of our thoughts and actions; individual acts only in self-interest to the detriment of others, living together and repelling kilesa. This is the ultimate goal of
it is the way we respond to external situations and conditions causing conflict and disharmony. Without education this lack education in the realm of Buddhism, to educate the individual
as a result of our inherent nature and kammic influences. of consideration for others will be impossible to overcome as well as society at large. Immediately, after the birth of a
Our thoughts and responses may be developed and swayed as personal selfishness and bias are very powerful causes of new human being, the parents must have sufficient education
by both positive and negative, direct and indirect educational suffering, both to the individual and to the others around and knowledge to sustain the refueling of the baby’s four
factors and social interactions. them. elements and provide protection, education and guidance.
For the educator good behaviour should be second To solve the problems and sufferings that arise due If the parents do not have sufficient knowledge to do
nature if adhering to right thought and practice. We judge to selfishness and bias, structured education that develops this, the baby will not thrive but become physically weak, be
others and others judge us by behaviour; as educators we must virtue and morality will lead each individual to recognize of poor health, and fail to grow and develop good habits. As a
learn to judge and monitor our own behaviour to ensure that the sufferings caused by their own selfishness and bias. child, teenager and adult he or she will not have the acquired
kilesa does not create delusions inappropriate to successful With educated guidance individuals will be encouraged to knowledge and understanding to be able to accumulate good
self-assessment. By seeking constantly to invoke boon in our understand the benefits of making boon in their own lives for kamma by reasoned thought and actions. Inevitably, kilesa
daily lives, delusions are evaporated by truth. the good of others. There are three ways an individual may will generate bad kamma and resultant sufferings will follow.
Bad Behaviour do this, which are by giving, by keeping the precepts and by As previously explained, kilesa is transferred through our
Without education, it is easy to fall into bad practices, meditation. kamma from lifetime to lifetime; even a baby will be subject
behaviour and habits. We may fail to notice the With these three practices individuals will develop to these sufferings. For example, when hungry, and if not
harmful and detrimental effects of our empathy with others and the ability to create fed at the appropriate times, a baby will suffer the emotion
thoughts, speech and actions. Lack of harmony and happiness between themselves of anger, clutching and kicking out aggressively towards its
education may allow us to fall prey and others. Their sufferings from mother because of the defilements already implanted in
to addictions such as alcohol, selfishness and bias will be eliminated the mind. Moreover, a good education system is essential in
drugs, gambling, physical and conflict will turn to consideration, assisting the parent to continue to build the knowledge of the
gratification and socially cooperation and support. To cultivate individual along the right path to further strengthen the fabric
degrading behaviour, even the nature of living together in of human society in a way that is of benefit and diminishes
to criminal and inhumane society and creating human sufferings.
Good community education leads to vibrant mental
and physical health, good personal and social habits plus an
enhanced ability to source and absorb knowledge. With the
right education the pupil will develop the ability to create
boon and resist kilesa from an early age.

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Buddhist Forum, Award Ceremony, Alms Offering &
Maha Sanga Dana to more than 150 International Monks
& Nuns, Pindapata Programme, Dhammacakkappavattana
Sutta all night chanting, Candle light peace procession to
pay homage to Triple Gems programmes held together
above summit.
The delegates discussed 03 days on July 22 - 24, 2017
the most valuable events & current issues of the Buddhist
World & shared their ideas with others on the occasion.
The summit provided a platform to discuss various
areas of the current context of the Buddhist world. The
delegates identified the challenges faced by the Buddhist
"The 2nd Global communities from around the world and internal factors
and external factors such as political, economic and other
Buddhist religious concerns.

Congregation" Buddhika Sanjeewa


After the visit in Malaysia
Held in Malaysia…. Sponsored by
Malaysia Airlines

The 2nd Global Buddhist Congregation, The World


Buddhist Sangha Summit & The World Buddhist Sangha Youth
Summit"  held at the Dharma Buddhist University, Pahang,
Malaysia on July 21 - 25, 2017 under the leadership of the
President of World Alliance of Buddhists (WAB) Dr. Pornchai
Pinyapong.
This Summit hosted by Dharma Buddhist University in Thero, the Deputy Sangharaja of Bangladesh, Most Venerable
Malaysia under the patronage by Most Venerable Master Hui Sathyapriya Maha Thero & The Chief High Priest Judiciary of
Hai Thero, Rector of Dharma Buddhist University, Pahang, Malaysia and Chief Monk of Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Sentul,
Malaysia. This time theme was “Global Alliance of Buddhist Malaysia, Most Venerable Bhutawatte Sri Saranankara Nayaka
Awakening”. Maha Thera and more than 150 other Buddhist Monks are
The Maha Sangha presided by the Chief Prelate of among those participated for this grand summit at the Dharma
the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sector in Sri Lanka, Most Buddhist University premises. 250 delegates participated from
Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake 55 countries.

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The Life Targets….
Most Venerable Muwagama Muditha Thero
The Incumbent of Pundarica Buddhist Temple, Daegu, South Korea.

a subject on its own and should be studied separately but in


conjunction with the theory presented in this book. Suffice to
say at this point that meditation enables one to see one’s own
mind through connecting with the ‘Inner Light.’
Willpower, Inspiration and Sustainability - Meditation
is the catalyst for developing willpower, deriving inspiration
and sustaining a life based on the truths of this world. Even
with good intentions and commitment, without training the
mind through meditation the focus and progress with regard
to learning and teaching will not be as successful or complete.
Without a method to understand and look into one’s
own mind, it is not possible to become aware of the negative
influences that cause suffering. With regular meditation comes
the power of sustainability of direction and intent, thought
and action, progress and refinement. Meditation alerts us
to our failings and distractions and cultivates consistency of
behavior while increasing our potential in this lifetime and the
Life goals have three levels: the goal on Earth, the goal next.
in the celestial realm, and the goal beyond (Nirvana). The goal Economic, political and social problems arise as a result
on Earth is to live happily, enjoy good health, be blessed with of incomplete education. Mismanagement and imbalance
a good family and be accepted in society. Everyone wishes for between academic and ethical education leads to a systemic
this, whether they believe in any religious faith or not. breakdown within the immediate society and between
Those who have faith in a religion have a second level different societies in other places. A world inhabited by moral
of life goal, because they believe in life after death. This is beings would be a peaceful world. Only with moral education
the goal in the celestial realm. Why do people with religious can human beings eliminate conflicts, selfish and greedy
faith believe in heaven and hell? Many major religions have tendencies and practices so that man may truly coexist with
backgrounds that include meditation in their doctrines and mindful and peaceful consideration for each other. This state
practices so they already know about ‘Inner Light.’ of peaceful coexistence will only be achieved if all parties work
Buddhism strives to provide a means to brighten this together to solve the moral failings caused by incomplete or
light continuously by looking within, in contrast to other flawed education.
practices that may seek to brighten the ‘Inner Light’ by calling
on outside acknowledgement or help from their gods or
deities. Buddhism is not mentioned in many other religions or
faiths. The highest level of life goal is the goal beyond heaven,
that which we call Nirvana. Only the Buddha taught about this
as his ‘Inner Light’, manifested through meditation, which was
bright enough to reveal the truth of all things and release him
from human sufferings into Nirvana.
Meditation - The practice of meditation in daily life leads
to understanding the value of the right view. Those who do
not easily have an understanding of the right view. With the
right view comes the ability to know yourself and the obstacles
that need to be overcome to achieve excellence in the field of
teaching and all other aspects of living one’s life.
Meditation creates the right foundation from which
to acquire and disseminate knowledge correctly and
efficiently. There are many different schools of thought and
methods applied regarding practising, learning and teaching
meditation. However, the subject of meditation technique is

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after death. The second and the fourth are worthy to praise the following manner:- 01 - provide assistance to agricultural
and emulation. and livestock farmers with necessary infrastructure, seeds,
Solution for the Social problems through Cakkavatti sīhanāda Suttaand Kūṭadanta Sutta water, manure etc The commentary elaborating on the
The Teaching of Buddhism.… clearly explain that poverty leads to ethical and spiritual passage, says that when the grants given by the state are not
degeneration. An open policy with a well thought out plan sufficient, the state may release more supplies. 02 - provide
should be activated to eliminate social ills. Equal opportunities necessary capital for trading activities 03 - reasonable wages
should be afforded to every citizen without prejudice to race, to the state employed
Venerable Dr. Ittademaliye Indasara Thero, religion, cast or social standings in order to uplift the welfare Whether the ownership is by the state or private
B.A. (Hons.) / M.A. / Ph.D. Senior Professor in Department of Buddhist Philosophy, of all citizens in a country. (Sabbe janassa anavata). individuals, everything done should be based on an ethically
Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, Chief Incumbent - Sri Sambuddhaloka Maha In Vyagghapajja Sutta the Buddha has shown how acceptable foundation. Poverty, unemployment, extreme
Viharaya, Colombo, Sri Lanka. to root out poverty and make worldly progress. According competitiveness, issue of the youth, social unrighteousness
to the Sutta there are four rules which directly influence to and economic instability could be overcome thereby. The
develop worldly ordinary life as 01 - Achievement in Alertness society of course, the country will become prosperous.
(utthānasampadā) 02 - Achievement in Conservation Well-earned wealth brings happiness and contentment
(ārakkhasampadā) 03 - Good Company (kalyāṇamittatā) 04 - to the laymen. The Buddha once addressed the wealthy
Even life (samajīvikatā) Anāthapiṇdika and said, stability of one’s possessions is a cause
These things were lucidly explained to Dīghajānu. In for contentment (Atthisukha); consumption of such wealth
the first condition, the Buddha says that unswerving effort with friends and relatives is a pleasure (Bhogasukha); freedom
and concentration in whatever occupation one indulgence from indebtedness is cause for contentment (Ananasukha);
in, agriculture, industry, trade, public service or any other acquisition of wealth through just and fair means is a pleasure
vocation. Ensure the protection and safety of wealth, well- (Anavajjasukha).
earned in justice and by fair means. One should associate with Further it is exhorted that wealth should not be spent
men of virtue, honesty and sincerity. In the fourth the Buddha solely on sensual pleasures and that the main objective of
exhorted the principle of a balance life style according to one’s earning wealth is to help one’s friends and to perform social
means. and religious duties and obligations. Sigalovada Sutta explains
Expenditure should not exceed income. One should that acquisition of wealth should be done in the manner
Here at the outset, we have to identify what are the It does not in any way imply that one should be content with
abstain from immoral conduct, alcoholism, gambling and the bee collects honey from flowers and in the manner that
social issues. It can be categorized under the few headings whatever is available or that one should not work for his well-
association with questionable characters. Should one adhere white ants build the mighty ant-hill. Out of such earnings, one
as, 01 - Social issues caused by poverty, 02 - Social issues being.
to these four principles intelligently with devotion, attainment fourth should be set apart for personal expenses; two fourth
caused by extreme competitiveness, 03 - Issues of youths, 04 Buddha in a discourse in Anguttara Nikaya has extolled
of worldly progress will be the inevitable result. This is how to for investment and the balance kept for meeting contingency
- Issues pertaining to social division / stratification, 05 - Issues the virtues of a person who strives hard to improve his lot for
alleviate poverty. situations.
pertaining to environment, 06 - Issues pertaining to modern a contented life. He categorized four types of persons thus:
science, technical knowledge. 01 - A person in darkness and bound for darkness (Tamo tama
The main factor that has a direct impact on the alleviation
Poverty and wealth are interrelated. A poor helpless parāyano) 02 - A person in darkness but bound for light (Tamo
of poverty both at individual and social level is, according
person leads a miserable life because he is unable to acquire joti parāyano) 03 - A person in light but bound for darkness
to Sigālovāda Sutta the worker. The process of production
even the basic needs of life such as food, clothing, shelter and (Joti tama parāyano) 04 - A person in light and bound for light
depends on his healthy make up of body and mind. Evaluation
medicine in time of illness. According to Buddhist teachings, (Joti joti parāyano)
of his work quantitatively is done on his performance during
food is of paramount importance to sustain a life of any living The first category is described as those born into
a given period.
being. It is the foremost basic need (Sabbe sattā āhātṭṭhikā). lowly, miserably poor and unfortunate families in squalid
Buddhism does not condone irrational exploitation of
Food sustains life. Food nurtures and protects the body and environments who are unable even to earn their daily
labour for the personal benefit of an individual or a group.
help its growth (ayaṃkāyo āhāraṭṭhiko, āhāra paṭicca tiṭṭhati, sustenance. They are generally far below the average
According to Karl Marx, capitalism breeds on exploitation
anāhārena tiṭṭhati). Buddhism teaches that hunger is the in intelligence, appearance, build, not pleasing to look,
of labour leading to unemployment, poverty, crime
worst form of ailment (jigacchā paramā rogā1). Body needs sometimes deformed and prone to miserable diseases. In fact
and degeneration of sound values. According to Mahā
alleviate hunger. There is no fire worse than hunger (Natthi they are not aware that there is a brighter side of existence
Dhammasamādāna Sutta of Majjhima Nikaya, if a person is
khudā samā aggi). around them. Such person in his unclean, unsatisfactory body
engaged in theft and stealing, speaks falsehood, engages in
It is well known that among many nations in Asia and and mind nurtures his mental defilement and engage in all
immoral conduct and other crimes in order to lead a happy life
among certain African countries such as Somalia and Ethiopia unsatisfactory actions which invariably lead him to far more
of sensual pleasure he will inevitably be reborn with various
the common incidence of hunger has arrested the attention unsatisfactory state after death.
mental afflictions and subjected to painful physical disabilities
of the whole world. The modern world continues to reach The second person even though he is born to a lowly
and torture2. Exploitation of labour is synonymous with
new heights in development at great speed due to science poor family strives to keep his mind wholesome, speak good
robbery. Such attitudes stand condemned in Buddhism.
and technology. But paradoxically, two third of the world’s words and does wholesome things without being a nuisance
Buddhism does not advocate maximum production at
population continue to suffer the consequences of malnutrition to others. Such a person leads a happy life and end up in a
the cost of man’s wellbeing. Instead Buddhism advocates an
due to insufficient intake of food both quantitatively and wholesome state after death.
ethically clean, efficient and planned economy for the benefit
qualitatively. This is solely due to the distribution of wealth The third person though born into a traditionally good,
of the work force and the society in general. The only objective
and resources in an unequal manner among the nations and wealthy and renowned family and lives a comfortable life,
of a private enterprise is to earn maximum profit. During the
peoples. Inability to acquire the minimum basic needs of life does not have a pure mind, engages himself in unwholesome
period around 600 B.C. no large scale industries or business
results in malnutrition, beriberi, chronic skin diseases, plague actions and speak unwholesome words and finally after death
enterprises existed.
and host of other diseases. ends up in a sorrowful state.
The Buddhist view on the economy and trade at that
Where there is poverty there is hunger. According The fourth person born into a respectable family
time can be seen in Aggañña Sutta, Cakkavattisīhanāda
to Buddhism poverty is a sorrow (Dāḷiddiyaṃ pi dukkhaṃ engages in all good activities with thoughts pure and clear.
Sutta, Kūṭadanta Sutta and Mahā Sudassana Sutta of Digha
lokasmi. One has to sweat and toil hard in order to eke out his He speaks endearingly to all concerned and lives a life full of
Nikāya among others. Whenever there sprang up economic
daily bread. That is suffering (idāni āhāra gaveṭṭhi dukkhaṃ). happiness. Such a person is reborn in a very satisfactory state
problems, the state intervened for the benefit of the people in

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these accumulate to create a very stressful condition. If the thought is of benefit to both others, and ourselves

Americans Find Guidance However stress is caused, it has been proven that
meditation helps to reduce it. The Stress Reduction Clinic at
we must develop it. If it is harmful to others, or ourselves we
must eliminate the thought. An example of this can be shown

in Buddhism…. the University of Massachusetts Medical Center states that


meditation is the only way to reduce stress.
by the life story of the famous mathematician, John Nash,
Ph. D. who was a victim of schizophrenia. Even though we
A group of distinguished medical researchers including can climb to the top of our professional ladder, if we cannot
Thomas H. Winters, M.D. Director, Medsite Occupational discipline our mind, we will be faced with many problems, as
Most Venerable Aggamaha Pandita Dr. Walpola Piyananda Thero Health Center in Quincy, Massachusetts and James Dalen, was John Nash.
Chief Sangha Nayake Thero of America and President of USA & Canada Sanga Council, M.D., M.P.H. Dean at the College of Medicine, University of He had hallucinations of unrealistic phenomena. He
Chief Abbot & President of Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara, Los Angeles, California, USA. Arizona Health Sciences Center both positively believe that spent time in mental institutions, receiving shock treatments
meditation is the way to eradicate stress. Furthermore, Dr. that could not rid him of his delusions. The medication
Winters finds that meditation is a self-regulating modality that prescribed for him caused him to lose mental clarity. When
helps people improve their coping skills in their life. That it is a he stopped the medications, the hallucinations reappeared.
In recent years Americans have begun to read more necessary pressure relief valve in this era. Then with the realization that the hallucinations were in fact
about the Buddhist doctrine. Buddhism can be explained as The popular psychologist, Ken Welber in his book his own thoughts, he determined to overcome them.
a religion, a philosophy, a way of life or an explanation to the “Transformation of Consciousness” states that Buddhist With the help of his wife, he began to sort out his
cycle of life. Einstein states, “The religion of the future will meditation is the only way to reduce stress. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn thoughts: what was reality and what was imagination. His
be a cosmic religion. It should transcend a personal God and in his book, “Full Catastrophe Living” firmly states that the determination and will power enabled him to recognize the
avoid dogmas and theology. “Satipatthana Sutta” explains the meditation techniques to real world. He worked as a professor at Princeton University
Covering both the natural and the spiritual, it should be practice in order to protect one’s immune system. and won the Nobel Peace Prize in Economics.
based on a religious sense arising from the experience of all Two other well-known American scholars, Mark Epstein, But most importantly he proved that the human mind
things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity. Buddhism M.D. (“Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart” and “Thoughts is capable of overcoming any circumstance. The movie “A
answers this description. ... If ever there is any religion Without a Thinker”) and Daniel Goleman (“Body, Mind, Beautiful Mind” which won the Academy Award for Best
that would cope with modern scientific needs it would be and Medicine” and “Emotional Intelligence”) support this Picture for 2001 was based on his life story.
Buddhism.” statement. The human mind has the ability to overcome and face
In 1994, the ABC Nightly News with Peter Jennings A famous Australian physician, Ian Gawler M.D. any eventuality with the use of his or her willpower and
reported in a major feature on Buddhism that it had grown developed bone cancer. It was declared terminal by his wisdom.
to about 6 million followers, making Buddhism in America a physicians, however, under the guidance of his psychiatrist “Mind is the forerunner of all actions. All deeds are led
religious movement significantly larger than many Protestant the late Ainslie Meares, M.D. he started to practice meditation by mind, created by mind. If one speaks or acts with a corrupt
denominations. Today, almost 10 years later, I may not be and to the surprise of all doctors, he was found free of cancer. mind, suffering follows, as the wheel follows the hoof of an
wrong to state that there are over 15 million followers of This led Dr. Gawler to write two books titled, “You Can Conquer ox pulling a cart. If one speaks or acts with a serene mind,
Buddhism. This increase proves that the Western world is Cancer” and “Peace of Mind.” happiness follows, as surely as one’s shadow. ”Dhammapada
turning towards the Eastern religion of Buddhism to guide Some people will definitely doubt whether a sickness
them in their daily lives as well as on their spiritual path. like cancer can be cured by meditation alone. Dr. Gawler
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a living icon dedicating states that the chemical unbalance causing cancer can be
his life to promote peace in the world. There are many controlled by a pure, steady mind. The defilements explained
others such as Richard Gere, Steven Segal, Goldie Hawn, in Buddhism as anger, ill will, hatred, jealousy, and etc. pollute
Tina Turner and Uma Thurman who are practicing Buddhism. the mind.
Coach Phil Jackson used the principles of Buddhism in his A polluted mind causes stress. This damages the
professional career when he led the Chicago Bulls to their immune system and sometimes even destroys it. As a result
many championship titles. He is continuing to be successful the chemical balance in the body is lost. This opens the
as evidenced by the Los Angeles Lakers and their third door to various sicknesses. Through the practice of Buddhist
championship title. meditation the mind and body, both relax. A calm mind can
In this stressful world of uncertainty people do need reinstate a normal chemical balance.
guidance to carry on their daily life. Buddhism provides the In its natural state of balance the body has a tremendous
seeker with mental calm and development. When the mind is potential and ability to maintain and repair itself. Although
developed, the body functions well. When the mind is weak, by meditation alone many illnesses can be cured, it must be
the body is also weak. Physicians agree that a pure mind stated that a physician’s advice is also indispensable. When
cleanses the blood, and as a result the body strengthens its one practices meditation these defilements can be removed.
immune system. Once the defilements are removed there is no stress, and the
Stress is recognized as a major cause of causing immune system functions normally.
the body’s natural, internal chemical function to become As practitioners of meditation, we should learn to control
imbalanced leaving it open to disease. As human beings we our senses. We should have a strong discipline to control
have to face numerous problems that eventually make our our visual desires, along with our emotional upheavals. Our
existence stressful. Nowadays there is no job security fear of temptations must be controlled. Our intelligence should guide
losing a job is stressful. our senses.
Everything depends on one’s earnings. There is the fear In the Majhima Nikaya, Dvedhavitakka Sutra, Buddha
of losing one’s home due to the inability to pay the mortgage explains that there are two types of thoughts that arise in our
that creates a strain. Then follows the family problems. Rich or mind. There are wholesome and unwholesome thoughts. The
poor, there can be problems with addiction to any number of wholesome thoughts are non-ill will, non-hatred, and non-
things: drugs, gambling, compulsive buying, eating disorders, cruelty. The unwholesome thoughts are ill will, hatred and
and other sense stimuli that cause havoc with one’s life. All cruelty. When a thought arises, we must examine it.

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The Noble Truth….
Most Venerable Kakanadure Hemalankara Nayaka Thero
The Chief Sangha Nayaka of Canada, the Founder and Chief Abbot of Ottawa Theravada
Buddhist Vihara and Cultural Centre in Ottawa, Canada.

monks, a monk engenders wishes, makes effort, arouses


energy, exerts the mind, and strives for the non-arising of evil,
unwholesome states that have not arisen; engenders wishes,
makes effort, arouses energy, exerts the mind, and strives for
the abandoning of evil, unwholesome states that have arisen;
engenders wishes, makes effort, arouses energy, exerts the
mind, and strives for the arising of wholesome states that have
not arisen; engenders wishes, makes effort, arouses energy,
exerts the mind, and strives for the stabilizing, for the collation,
for the increase, for the maturity, for the development, for the
perfection through cultivation of wholesome states that have
arisen. This is, monks, is called Right Effort.
07 - Right Mindfulness: And what, monks, is Right
Mindfulness? Here, monks, in regard to the body a monk
abides contemplating the body, diligent, clearly knowing, and
mindful, free from desires and discontent in regard to the
world. In regard to feelings, he abides contemplating feelings,
diligent, clearly knowing, and mindful, free from desires and
discontent in regard to the world. In regard to the mind, he
abides contemplating the mind, diligent, clearly knowing,
and mindful, free from desires and discontent in regard to
the world. In regard to dhammas, he abides contemplating
dhammas, diligent, clearly knowing, and mindfull, free from
The Noble Truth of the Path Leading to Cessation of desires and discontent in regard to the world. This, monks, is
Suffering and what, monks, is the Nobel Truth of the Path called Right Mindfulness.
leading to the Cessation of Suffering? It is simply the Nobel 08 - Right Concentration: And what, monks, is light
Eightfold Path; namely. Right View, Right Thought, Right Concentration?
Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Here, monks The Noble Truth of the Cause of Suffering
Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. and what, monks, is the Noble Truth of the Cause of Suffering?
01 - Right View: And what, monks, is Right View? It is that craving which gives rise to further rebirth and,
Understanding of suffering, understanding of the cause associated with pleasure and just, finds ever fresh delight,
of suffering, understanding of cessation of suffering, now here, now there to wit, the sensual craving, the craving
understanding the Path leading to the cessation of suffering. for existence, and the craving for non-existence. Where,
This, monks, is called Right View. monks, does this craving, when arising, arise, and, when
02 - Right Thought: And what, monks, is Right Thought? settling, settle? Whatever in the world is a delightful thing,
Thought of renunciation, thought of non-hatred, thought of a pleasurable thing, therein this craving, when arising, arises
non-cruelty. This is, monks, called Right Thought and, when settling, settles.
03 - Right Speech: And what, monks. Is Right Speech? Culmination - "In this way, he abides contemplating
Abstaining from false speech, abstaining from slanderous dhammas in dhammas internally, or he abides contemplating
speech, abstaining from harsh speech, abstaining from dhammas externally, or he abides contemplating dhammas
frivolous speech. This Is, monks, called Right Speech. both internally and externally. He abides contemplating the
04 - Right Action: And what, monks. Is Right Action? arising nature in dhammas, or he abides contemplating the
Abstaining from killing, abstaining from stealing, abstaining disappearing nature in dhammas, or he abides contemplating
from sexual misconduct. This Is, monks, called Right Action. the nature of both arising and disappearing nature in dhammas.
05 - Right Livelihood: And what, monks. Is Right Mindfulness that "there are dhammas" is established in him
Livelihood? Here, monks, a noble disciple having abandoned to the extent necessary for bare knowledge and continuous
wrong livelihood, makes a living by means of Right Livelihood. mindfulness. And he abides independent, not dinging to
This Is, monks, called Right Livelihood. anything in the world. That is how he abides contemplating
06 - Right Effort: And what, monks. Is Right Effort? Here, dhammas in dhammas in terms of the Four Noble Truths."

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"Buddhism in the 21st
Century" International
Buddhist Conference
Bihar, India….
Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of Culture and Tourism,
Governor Ram Nath Kovind, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar,
Mr. M.L. Srivastava, Vice Chancellor of Nava Nalanda
Mahavira University also participated in this International
Buddhist Conference.
Buddhika Sanjeewa
After visit in Bihar, India….

The three-day Special International Buddhist


conference held at Rajgir - Nalanda International
Convention Centre, Bihar, India from March 17 - 20,
2017. The conference organized grand level by the
Ministry of culture, Government of India and Nava
Nalanda Mahavihara (Deemed University).
The President of India, His Excellency Pranab
Mukherjee and Tibetan Spiritual Leader His Holiness Therefore, we need compassion, love and friendship
the Dalai Lama was the Chief Guests of the Buddhist to foster feelings of mutual trust and belonging,” His
conference. Holiness said.
Speaking on the occasion, the President of India,
His Excellency Pranab Mukherjee said that no part of
the world today is free from the scourge of violence. 
This crisis is all pervasive.  The basic question being
raised today is how to stop this wanton destruction
and come back to sanity.  He said that the philosophy
of Buddhism is as relevant today as ever - especially as
the world grapples with complex problems that seem
intractable. Buddhism has had a deep influence on
human civilization.  The President said as they return
to their respective areas of activity and influence, he
requested them all to redouble their efforts to promote
the simple Truths and the Path of the Buddha that show
we can be better citizens and contribute to making our
land a better place to live in.
Over 400 spiritual leaders, erudite scholars and
students from 35 different countries including Sri Lanka,
Burma, Taiwan, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Uganda
representing both the Sanskrit and Pali traditions are
participating in the conference.
The three-day conference, aimed at renewing
contacts and discussing Buddhism’s perspectives and
responses to global issues. Delegates discussed panel
discussion on resolving conflict and peace building on
the Conference. In his keynote address, His Holiness
the Dalai Lama spoke about the oneness of the entire
7 billion human beings and their universal desire for
happiness. “All seven billion human beings desire
happiness. Happiness cannot come from fear and anger.

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Varanasi is a major Religious Hub City and the holiest
of seven sacred cities (Saptha Puri) in Hinduism and Jainism.
Saranath where Enlightened One Buddha gave his first
discourse, The Wheel of Dhamma to five ascetics is close
by. The city is on the banks of River Ganges where there are
87+ Ghats. The city was also known as Benares. It is said that
there are about 23,000 temples in Varanasi. Some of the
famed temples are, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan
Hanuman Temple, and the Durga Temple.

Air India Saranath is 10 KM from Varanasi and it is where the


Enlightened One Buddha gave the first Dhamma discourse
to Five Ascetics Kondanja, Baddiya, Vappa, Mahanama and
introduced Assaji. In this discourse (Wheel of Dhamma Sutta – Dahmma
Chakka Pavaththana Sutta) Buddha focused on why one must
newly special not go to the two extremes and instead take the middle path.
Enlightened One probably used this principle as the five ascetics

flight to were already in one extreme end of Aththakilamathanu Yoga


or subjecting self to extreme hardship.
At the end of the expounding of Dhamma by the
Varanasi for Enlightened One, the ascetic Kondanja having realized the
great principle of arising and ceasing of things (Dharma)
Sri Lankan became the first Stream-Enterer of Buddha Sasana. The
pilgrims can visit Issipathana, Migadaya, Sammuka Stupa,

Pilgrims…. Dhamekha Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar are all located in


Saranath.
Air India occupies a special place in the global and Indian
aviation scenario. The airline pioneered the civil aviation in
India. The airline’s network covers 34 international and 52
domestic destinations, including far-flung areas of the North-
East, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Air India, today, flies one of the youngest, state-of-the-
art, fleet of aircraft comprising a mix of the wide-body Boeing
B777s, B747s, its latest acquisition- the B787 Dreamliner and
the narrow body Airbus A321s, A320s and A319 aircraft. 

“Air India”, the national career of India, launched their Buddhika Sanjeewa
latest flight operation Varanasi/Colombo/Varanasi effective After visit in India
from August 04, 2017, with twice weekly flights on every Sponsored by Air India
Friday and Sunday.
The inaugural flight landed at Bandaranaike International
Airport, Colombo, Sri Lanka on August 04, 2017 and was
welcomed with a ceremonial water salute. The occasion was
attended by many dignitaries from Indian High Commission,
Air India, Airport Authority Sri Lanka, Civil Aviation Sri Lanka,
General Sales Agent of Air India in Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan
Airlines.
On the occasion of 14th UN Vesak day festival held in Sri
Lanka, the Indian Prime Minister Honorable Narendra Modi
informed those gathered that soon Air India will operate a
direct flight Varanasi/Colombo/Varanasi for the Buddhist and
Hindu Pilgrims to travel to Varanasi for worshiping holy places
for Buddhists and Hindus in India. The occasion was ample
testimony to the strong diplomatic relations and the cordial
relations between the people of the two countries.

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The path to freedom….
Most Venerable Yalagamuwe Dhammissara Anunayake Thero
The Anunayake of Udarata Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Chief Incumbent of Sakamuni International
Buddhist Centre in Tokyo, Chief Incumbent of Viharagoda Dimbulana Pirivena Temple, Director of
Dhammananda Viddiyatana Pirivena, Honorable President of Japan Sri Lanka International cultural
& social development foundation (JSICSF) & Chief Sanganayake Thero in Japan.

teachings lead to suffering or happiness, to harm or benefit.


Those that lead to harm should be abandoned and those that
are beneficial should be engaged in.
This doesn’t require exhaustive analysis; it necessitates
paying attention to the consequences of our mental, verbal,
and physical activities so we can know for ourselves what
brings suffering and what brings happiness. It also involves
using our reasoning and imagination to understand what is
likely to bring us harm or benefit. Then based on this, if it
brings suffering, avoid it; if it brings happiness, engage in it.
The Buddha focused on what is pragmatically true
instead of what is abstractly true. He emphasized what can be
known for oneself instead of what can be known only as belief.
But what can be known for oneself depends on what one does
pragmatic truths are discovered through experience, not by
wishful thinking.
Since the Kalamas had said they were perplexed, the
Buddha concluded by describing practices that would provide
some degree of assurance. He did this by talking about some
of the results that can come from the practices of loving-
kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity.
Perhaps it was because the people of Kalama were not his
students that he discussed these four “divine abodes”—they
were practices widely known at the time. If the Kalamas had
asked about liberation, the Buddha would have responded
differently—most likely by describing the practices that lead
to liberation.
One assurance is that with proficiency in loving-kindness
and the other three abodes one will experience happiness in
this lifetime; one can know for oneself that these practices are
beneficial. A second assurance is that, if there is rebirth, one
can be assured of having a good rebirth. Still another is that if
malicious intentions bring suffering, one can be assured that
one is not causing oneself further suffering.
While the first assurance is experientially testable, the
second and third are a form of Pascal’s Wager: without having
The Buddha suggested using our experience of suffering to decide on the truth of rebirth and the negative karma of
and happiness as our guide. The assumption is that people malice, one can be at ease knowing that proficiency in loving-
don’t require scripture, teachers, or reason to know whether kindness is in one’s best interest if these are true. For people
they are happy or not. The path to freedom from suffering who aren’t going to try out the path of liberation, perhaps this
begins and ends with our basic ability to recognize when we is as good an assurance as one can get.
are suffering and when we are not. However, this does not It might seem a little strange to end a teaching about
mean we should discard scripture, teachers, or reason; they relying on what one can know for oneself with a discussion
can have an important role in pointing us to areas of suffering of what is reassuring. Maybe this is because the English word
and happiness that we may be blind to. ‘assurance’ doesn’t quite capture the meaning of assasa.
With the human experience of suffering and happiness The Indian word literally means ‘breathing’ and figuratively
as the basis, practitioners then consider both by themselves means to breathe easily or freely, as well as to be ‘assured’
and with the help of wise people (so as not to fool or under- or ‘comforted.’ One way or another loving- kindness practice
challenge themselves), which mental qualities, states, and helps people to breathe easily.

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here and now as well as those dormant which would have
reciting the precepts but not versed in the substance in the
been assimilated in previous lives. Thus the worldly are said
precepts, and not being steeped in Dhamma the youth are
to have an illustrated-consciousness akin to a forest. In our
Virtue – Sila…. daily life, we are in this huge forest of nama-rupa illustrations.
02 - To the base of a Tree – On introspection one will
not able to see how the partners mind works even a miniscule
of it and the resultant tragedy of getting divorced from the
partner. Yet in the old days, even though the people were
understand that this is akin to the meditator focusing on a
not possessed of higher and university education and various
single object and in this case the breath. On the outside the
Degrees, they had enough wisdom to understand that the
Yogi is at the base of a tree, but from inside is focused on one
Sugath Rajapakse married life is not just a bed of roses but with many pitfalls
single object only, of breath.
Formerly Senior Commercial Manager at Sri Lankan Airlines and presently Consultant to and the need for understanding and equanimity.
03 - To an empty hut – Externally the Yogi is dwelling
Air India GSA in Sri Lanka. In the present day the guarding of the six sense-doors
in meditation in a hut all by self. Yet as clearly explained in
of one who is striving on the path to purification has many
Dhamma (Dwayathanupassana Sutta), with craving, this
obstacles. Technological advances which has given the humans
companion one wonders for a long, long time as this and as
many gadgets such as smart phones, intelligent TV, powerful
Virtue (SILA) is foremost to all is not given, indulgence in illicit and immoral that and will never end this samsara. Thus even in an empty
computers while enabling a person to get things done faster
human beings as it is the precursor actions, telling lies and taking intoxicants etc. hut one is not alone. Aagara or the abode is not the hut but
or hear or read as to what goes on in this world is also a great
to the all or the ultimate liberation. In the Anuggahitha this somatic self. Consciousness the maker made this with
hindrance to leading a pious life. The digital media, social
In the Eightfold Noble Path, virtue is Sutra there are five important nama-rupa and the second person, craving is always there.
media and the electronic media are causing much agony to
given the prime position followed principles that the Yogi must As stated by enlightened One after enlightenment at the
people at large, in particular those who are not having the
by Concentration (Samadhi) and observe in walking on the path to base of the Ficus religiosa tree, once the craving is no more,
control of the sense-doors.
wisdom (panna). But there is purification. The five are, 01 - Virtue no volitional formations. However, the Bodily formations of
As a result, we have given premium position to
something very important that must o r Sila Anuggahitha. 02 - Listening to breath in & out, verbal formations of intent & investigation
adorning this somatic body of 31 impurities (Contemplation
be noted. The virtue, concentration Dhamma or Sutha Anuggahitha. 03 - and mental formations of feeling & perception are there.
of Impurities in Meditation) and does everything to adorn it,
and wisdom does not follow a linear Dhamma Discussion or Saakachcha Thus at the very beginning Buddha gives those who are wise
cleanses it and decorate it. But while indulging in this futile
movement from one to the other, Anuggahitha. 04 - Mindfulness enough to take the path an understanding of what can be
exercise of adorning this body which is all the time decaying
but more so cyclic. One will not Meditation or Samatha Anuggahitha. reached at the end of the whole journey of purification.
and may exist not for more than 60 to 70 years does not
think even one moment of being 05 - Vipassana Meditation or One must understand many have attained nirvana
give even an iota of importance to cleansing our defiled
virtuous unless the person has at Vipassana Anuggahitha. without in any of these somatic situations. Examples are
consciousness. Thus devoid of virtue and not having restraint
least an iota of wisdom. Wisdom The first of the five here Bahiya Daruchiriya the ascetic, Minister Santhathi of the King
in the six sense-faculties or the touch-agencies to know what
also has its diffused impact on right is the assistance of virtue. Here Kosala Cabinet. Both were well engrossed in the first stage but
one’s limits are, like a domino many people move from one
concentration and the building up the virtue is not just the restraint reached the second and third stages in a jiffy.
depressing experience to another. This is not unique to only
of the faculty of concentration. from ill actions of body and verbal In The Seven Stages of Purification Sutta (Saptha
Sri Lanka but to the whole world.
However, the optical visibility is one but of a deeper meaning. In the Vissudi Sutta or Ratha Vinitha Sutta) The foremost nature
Also the absence of the sense-faculties restraint can
of linear progression. Foundations of Mindfulness Sutta, of virtue is clearly explained. Purification of Virtue consists
vividly be seen from the number of deaths in a year while
Indeed, there is a strong the Enlightened One says that the of in understanding and maintaining four types of restraints
trying to take Selfie photographs. The Selfie syndrome is
interdependence of sila and panna. bhikkhu abiding in contemplation namely, Observing the precepts one has taken and observing
mainly due to the very high self-conceit (Asmi Mana) that is
In the Sonadanda Sutta Enlightened of the body as a body goes to a same like protecting one’s own life, Guarding the six sense-
prevalent in human beings. Mindfulness Meditation is the
One asked Sonadanda as to what are forest or to a base of a tree or to doors without allowing any defilements to arise, maintaining
greatest friend for such people. Mindfulness Meditation
the key criteria required to be a good an empty hut and then proceed a Righteous Livelihood all through one’s life and with wise
enables humans to develop restraint of the six sense-faculties
Brahmin. Sonadanda said five criteria onwards with the meditation. reflection making use of one’s requisites of life and in a most
and empower them to live in the paternal territory or under
are important, of good lineage from Viewed from outside one sees abstinent way and never transgressing the limits. The word
the power of Enlightened One. Those who do not have the
maternal & paternal sides, Full a Bhikkhu gone to a forest, to the Bhikkhu has two parts, Bhi or fear and Kkhu or eradication.
sense-faculties restraint are under the influence of Mara.
understanding of Tri-Veda, of good base of a tree or to an empty hut Thus any person whether one who is ordained or a lay
Mindfulness powers humans to enhance the level of virtue
looks, sila and panna. When asked and then seated will commence person having seen this danger of samsara takes this path to
and to ultimately become stream-enterers (Sothapaththi).
if he could take out one of these on concentrating on the breath purification is a Bhikkhu.
Virtue thus empowers a person to overcome all the
three occasions Sonadanda initially (one can read further on this in A person totally ingrained in virtue has the ability
negative external stimuli, which are extremely prevalent
took out good looks, then good Foundation of Mindfulness Sutta). to see how one’s mind behaves (Sachiththa Pariyaya) and
today due to the emerging technology. What would the next
lineage and then full understanding But the Enlightened One in regard empowered will see how other’s mind behaves (Parachiththa
level of ascendency of technology is to be seen, yet steeped
of Tri-Veda. When pressed further to Dhamma stated that the wise Pariyaya, Dhukka Sutta – Samyuththa Nikaya). Thus a lay
in virtue human beings can overcome any negative influence
as to any of the other two sila and will ever so get closer to the truth person who is married, with children and parents and close
that can be created by any such technology. However, if we
panna can be taken out, Sonadanda gradually and realize the truth from relative and friends can understand how the other’s mind
continue to falter in our virtue, then one may not be able to
replied, that in no way is it possible. this very five-aggregates. So a wise behaves as well. Husband can see how the wife’s mind works
think of the dangers that such people will have to face as we
If there is no sila then no panna and person should introspect into these and vice versa. In such an atmosphere there is no room for any
move on with our lives.
if no panna then no sila. three stages not from outside but family disputes and quarrels. Sadly, though today not only in
Therefore, step by step the wise should endeavor
The traditional understanding within self. this country Sri Lanka but in the other countries too, absence
to empower them with virtue, the sure footed route to
today of virtue by laypeople 01 - Gone to a Forrest – Forrest of virtue is leading to all the friction within families, among
purification. “Anupubbena medhavi thokathokam khane
are the five precepts, the eight- is an eco-system that is having relatives and friends and the society at large. An article titled
khane, kammaro rajatasseva niddhame malam attano” -
livelihood precepts, the eight millions of trees, annuals, biennials “Before death do us part” in Daily News newspaper of 01
Gradually, little by little, moment by moment, wise should
precepts observed on poya days etc. and perennials’. Integration of these March 2016 (Rohana Aryaratne) it is stated that according to
remove their impurities just as a goldsmith removes the dross
These precepts are mainly about plants and the many animals inside Director Social Services, Western Provincial Council most of
of silver. (Dhammapada; 18-239)
restraining one from doing any is the forest. Our consciousness the divorces occur within one year of marriage and very high
May all beings be peaceful and happy.
of those ill actions such as killing too is like a forest, illustrated with percentage of divorce.
living beings, stealing that which Trillions of nama-rupa assimilated Devoid of virtue which often today is limited to merely

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Q & A in Buddhism….

Andrew. J. Williams
Senior Dharma Teacher in Melbourne, Australia.

and share one aspect for each of the two parts of your
question. I hope and wish that the young people of the world
realise that we are all inter-related, all part of one big family.
No matter where or how we live, no matter the language we
speak or our age. Therefore, we should be kind to each other
and encourage others to do likewise. 
Furthermore, I hope and wish that the young people
of the world realise that we all have the potential and
opportunity to be wise and compassionate, and realise our
true enlightened nature.  In addition, you should know that
there is no such thing as a so-called 'generation gap'. This is
just one of the many man-made concepts that are not helpful
and serve only to divide people. 
The similarities far outweigh the differences between
different generations. Primarily, we all need air to breath,
water to drink, food to eat, and clothes and shelter to protect
us from the elements. Everything else is secondary. Also it is
important to note that we wouldn't have the conveniences
and luxuries that we have today if it wasn't for the foresight
and efforts of the previous generations. So let us all help,
appreciate and respect one another.
Question No - 02 - What is the Buddhist attitude towards
astrology i.e. horoscopes and star signs? Is it something that
we should take with a grain of salt, or can we take it somewhat
seriously?....
Answer - I would lean towards, as you say, taking it with
a grain of salt, rather than too seriously. I think if you pay too
much attention to things like horoscopes, you would never be
sure if it's true or not, which may result in you developing a
mind of more and more uncertainty, more and more doubt.
But I'm no expert in this area.
I think it's more helpful to pay attention to our lives in
the present, rather than dwelling on the past and the future.
The past has gone and the future has not yet arrived. So let us
maintain a realistic and positive outlook and attitude, as well
as, only engaging in helpful and beneficial actions. 
Maybe it will be helpful to reflect on the Buddha's words
recorded in the Kalama Sutra, after he was asked what his
doctrine was by the people of the Kalama kingdom. "Do not
Question No - 01 -.... What is one hope or aspiration you believe in anything (simply) because you have heard it. Do not
have for the young people of the world?.... What is one piece believe in traditions because they have been handed down for
of knowledge or wisdom you would like to impart to the world many generations.
before you depart from this life?.... Do not believe in anything because it is spoken and
Answer - Answer: Firstly, I rejoice in your very important rumored by many. Do not believe in anything (simply) because
question. Although I should mention that I have many wishes it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe
and aspirations for the younger people of the world. As well in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and
as many aspects of knowledge and wisdom that I would like elders. But after observation and analysis, when you find that
to share.  anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and
But for the sake of easy reading, I will do as you request benefit of one and all then accept it and live up to it."

36 I Mettavalokanaya I August I 2017 www.meththawalokanaya.com www.meththawalokanaya.com Mettavalokanaya I August I 2017 I 37


Lumbini has a number of temples, including the Mayadevi The Chaukramama or the Jewel Walk is yet another place of Mahanirvana Temple, where a six meters long Buddha
Temple  and several others which are still under repairing. interest in Bodhgaya; it is said that this was the spot where statue in reclining position is kept; Mathakuar Temple, where
Amazing Lord Many monuments, monasteries and a museum, the Lumbini
International Research Institute, are also within the holy site.
Buddha used to come for a stroll.
Sarnath - The site of the first sermon
a black stone image of the Buddha and inscriptions dating back
to 10th-11th century are kept; Watt Thai Temple; Japanese
Gautama Buddha’s Also there is the Puskarini, or Holy Pond, where the Buddha's
mother took the ritual dip prior to his birth and where he had
Sarnath is situated about 11kms from the holy town
of Varanasi. It is a place where Budhha after attaining
Temple, where ‘Eight Metals’ statue of Lord Buddha is kept
and the Chinese Temple, which is predominantly constructed
Sacred Places in his first bath. At other sites near Lumbini, earlier Buddhas
were, according to tradition, born, then achieved ultimate
enlightenment proceeded to deliver his first sermon on
wisdom. Today, Sarnath is one of the most important Buddhist
in a Chinese architectural style are the other places to see in
Kushinagar.
India (Dambadiva)…. Enlightenment and finally relinquished their earthly forms.
In the Buddha's time, Lumbini was situated in east
places of worship in India. The main attraction here is the
stupa that was erected by Emperor Ashoka in 3rd century BC.
Other Buddhist holy sites are Patna,  Bihar  - Formerly
known as  Pataliputra, it was the seat of the  Mauryan
of  Kapilavastu  and southwest  Devadaha  of  Shakya  kingdom Other major attractions in Sarnath are Chaukhandi Empire  and a significant Buddhist centre. Rajgir,  Bihar  -
of Nepal. It was there, that the Buddha was born. A pillar Stupa, which is believed to have been constructed during Formerly known as Rajagaha, it was the capital of Magadha,
discovered in 1896 (and erected thereafter at Rummindei) is Emperor Ashoka’s reign; it is in fact the first monument ruled by King Bimbisara, one of the most prominent monarchs
Buddha, meaning 'one who is awake' in the sense of believed to mark the spot of Ashoka's visit to Lumbini. The site encountered after entering Sarnath. Another important place and supporters during the lifetime of the Buddha.
having 'woken up to reality' was the title first given to Lord was not known as Lumbini before the pillar was discovered. to see in Sarnath is the Dhamek Stupa, which is a conical Nalanda, Bihar - Site of an ancient Buddhist university,
Buddha. It was about 2500 years ago when Prince Siddhartha According to an inscription on the pillar, it was placed there structure that signifies the place where Buddha delivered destroyed by  Bakhtiyar Khalji  during Islamic attacks.
Gautam left all the worldly pleasures to attain the reality of by the people then in charge of the park to commemorate his first teachings of the Four Noble Truths. Mulagandha Kuti Sravasti,  Uttar Pradesh - Formerly known as  Savatthi, it was
life, and became the Buddha - the enlightened one. It was a Ashoka's visit and gifts. The park was previously known as Vihar and Sarnath Museum are yet other major attractions for the capital of Kosala, ruled by King Pasenadi, one of the most
state in which the Buddha gained an insight into the deepest Rummindei, 2 mi (2 mi (3.2 km)) north of Bhagavanpura. the tourists in Sarnath. prominent monarchs and supporters during the lifetime of
workings of life and therefore into the cause of human Bodh Gaya - The site of the Enlightenment of Gautama Kushinagar - The site of the Buddha's paranibbana the Buddha. Vaishali,  Bihar - Seat of a republican state of
suffering, the problem that had set Him on his spiritual quest Buddha Kushinagar is located about 53 km from Gorakhpur the Lichchavis, prominent supporters of the Buddha. Site of
in the first place.  It is here in Gaya, that Lord Buddha attained and is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha attained the Second Buddhist Council.
Buddhism  offers four major sites of pilgrimage: the enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. Gaya is situated about ‘Maharparinivana’- the highest stage of salvation. After the The name of Bihar is derived from  vihara, meaning
Buddha's birthplace at  Lumbini, the site where he attained 100kms from Patna, the capital of Bihar. It is the second largest excavation in 1861 many stupas related to Buddha resurfaced monastery, such was the association of the area with
Enlightenment Bodh Gaya, where he first preached at Benaras, city and is the most popular tourist destination in Bihar. The in Kushinagar and today they are amongst the major tourist Buddhism. In addition to these sites which were visited by the
and where he achieved  Parinirvana  at  Kusinagara. Some city is established on the bank of River Phalgu and is named attractions here. The Ramabhar Stupa is one of the major Buddha, other sites in India have become notable:
Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India are listed below: after the demon called Gayasur. attractions; this stupa is about 50 feet tall and situated where Sanchi,  Madhya Pradesh - Site of a large stupa
Lumbini - The Buddha's Birthplace Today, Bodhgaya is an important place of Buddhist Lord Buddha was cremated. built by Ashoka, it also stored the  relics of Sariputra and
Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in pilgrimage in India and has a number of monasteries, which Mahamoggallana, the two chief disciples of the Buddha;
the  Rupandehi District  of  Nepal. It is the place where, were constructed by devout Buddhists of Japan, Thailand, reputedly the place from which  Mahinda  set out to
according to  Buddhist  tradition,  Queen Mayadevi  gave Myanmar and Sri Lanka. The major attraction in Gaya is the proselytise Sri Lanka.
birth to Siddhartha Gautama in 563  BCE.  Gautama, who Maha Bodhi Temple or the Vishal Buddha Mandir that has a Ajanta and Ellora, Maharashtra - the site of intricate cave
achieved Enlightenment sometime around 528 BCE, became mammoth statue of Buddha in a deep meditation. paintings depicting Buddhism. Nagarjunakonda, Bavikonda,
the  Gautama Buddha  and founded  Buddhism.  Lumbini is Then there is the Bodhi tree that is situated on a huge Thotlakonda, Salihundam, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh,
one of many magnets for pilgrimage that sprang up in places platform; it is believed that this tree is the offspring of the Ratnagiri, Odisha, Lalitgiri, Odishaand Udayagiri, Odisha -
pivotal to the life of Gautama Buddha. actual tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. former sites of Buddhist education.

Wijaya Wagaarachchi
After visit in India
Sponsored by Air India

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Further he was honored to be the Head Priest of Mahabodhi wkqj j¾I 1976 § ye`ä.,af,a kdysñmdKka jykafia iu`.ska fhdojd kùk ;dCIKsl myiqlï j,ska iukaú; msßmqka
Aggra Srawaka Maha Vihara,where the holly relics of Sariputta m%:u jrg cmdkhg jevu l< Wm;siai kdysñhka" cmka ni .ïudkhla njg m;a lsÍuhs'
and Moggallana Maha Thera's (The Chief disciples of Buddha) bf.k .ksñka cmka cd;slhka iu`. jvd;a l`Mm. jkakg ish,a, imsß —ndk.,˜ mqrjrfhka wo ìysjkafka
kept. jQy' ffjoHjrekah" bxðfkarejrekah" Wiia ks¾udKlrejkah"
“Mettavalokanaya” offer best wishes to the Most
Èk i;s j,g;a" i;s udi j,g;a" udi wjqreÿ j,g;a úNd. j,ska by< u ,l=Kq ,nd .kakd ¥ mq;=kah' ;uka Wmka
Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thero for the every success in
fmr<S ld,h l%ul%ufhka .;úKs' fï Wodjkafka ;uka foaYfhka ie;mqï ish oyia .Kkla wE;l msysá cmdkh jeks
his noble task. “Suki Deegauko Bava..!!”
jykafiaf.a;a" iuia; YS% ,dxflah is`.s;s ¥ mq;=kf.a fukau f,dalfha ÈhqKq;u rgl wo jev jdih l<;a" wfma ndk.,
Buddhika Sanjeewa irKla wjeis oyia .Kklf.a brKfï ienE u ld,mßfþoh kdysñmdKka jykafia ljrodlj;a uõìuj;a" .uj;a wu;l
nj tod wfma ndk., iajdñmdohdKka jykafiag mjd fkd lf<a ke;' yels iEu wjia:djl § u Wmßufhka Woõ lsÍug
±fkkakg we;' tkï" cmdkfha fgdalsfhda kqjr iqm%lg bÈßm;a jQfha wka whg o wdo¾Yj;a jk whqßks'
f,dal mQð; wdOHd;añl yd ck —;lsflda fhdIsvd˜ ue;sKsh yuqùuhs' tod Y%Su;a wk.dßl O¾umd,;=uka keje;ajQ ;ek isg
kdhlhskaf.a f.!rjdorh ksn`oju Èkd.;a b;d jeo.;a mjq,lska meje; tk fhdIsvd ue;sKsh" isxy, fn!oaO m%fndaOhla" mqkreohla we;s lsÍu fjkqfjka
w;sf.!rjd¾y ndk., Wm;siai wfma ndk., kdysñmdKka jykafiag fndfyda fihska cmdkfha wem lemj l%shd lrk wfma ndk., kdhl iajdókaøhdKka
kdysñmdKka jykafia § Woõ Wmldr lrkakg jQjdh' t;=ñhf.a tla orefjl=
l=vd ld,fha § u ñhe§ isá ksidfjka weh miqjQfha uy;a
jykafia" uydfndaê iud.u yryd úi,a mqk¾Ôj jevfldgila
bgq lrñka isá;s'
lïmdjlsks' th w;sYhska u ixfõ§ l:dmqj;ls' w;sf.!rjd¾y ndk., Wm;siai kdhl iajdókaøhdKka
fujr —fu;a;djf,dalkh˜ Tiafia È.yefrkafka" jfrl ndk., kdysñhka jykafia yd fhdIsvd ue;sKsh jykafiaf.a meúÈ Èúfha ±lsh yels ;j;a iqúfYaIS .=Kdx.
cmdkfha m%Odk ix>kdhl" Y%S ,xld uydfndaê ix.ufha l:dnyl ks;r fjñka isáh§ fhdackd jQfha ,xldfõ <ore hls' tkï" fï —ndk., Wm;siai˜ hk Y%S kduh jgd ne`§
iNdm;s" bkaÈhdfõ idxÑ fÉ;sh.sß úydrdêm;s" fld<U - mdi,la wdrïN lsÍugh' ta jk úg;a cmdkh mqrd <ore we;s" tla frdla ù we;s f,dal mQð; wdOHd;añl yd ck
ud<s`.dlkao uydfndaê w.%Y%djl uyd úydrdêm;s" fhdIsvd mdi,a ixl,amh b;du;a l%uj;aj yd úêu;aj jHdma;j kdhlhskaf.a f.!rjdorh hs' th tf,i ta wdldrfhka u
fIdlkað cd;Hka;r mdi,a iuQyfha yd wOHdmk iudc fiajd meje;sfhah' tu wdNdIh ta wdldrfhka u ,xldfõ;a ia:dms; ,nkakg ;rï fjk;a lsis`ÿ ysñkula mskalr ke;=jd jeksh'
mokfï iNdm;s yd ks¾ud;D w;sf.!rjd¾y ndk., Wm;siai lrkakg fuh lÈu wjia:djla úKs' bkaÈhdfõ j;auka w.%dud;H kf¾kaø fudaÈf.a mgka uE;
kdhl iajdókaøhdKka jykafiaf.a Wodr;r jQ Ydiksl" ta wkqj imq.ialkao wfífialrdrdu úydria:dk ld,fha ìys jQ iEu ck kdhlfhl=u ndk., kdysñmdKka
wd.ñl yd iudÔh fufyjrhs' mßY%fha § wfma ndk., kdhl iajdókaøhdKka jykafia úiska jykafiag olajkafka wm%udK Nla;shls' cmdk" tx.,ka;"
iqkaor fYdaNudk jQ ol=Kq ,l ud;r Èia;%slalfha <ore mdi,la b;du;a iq`Mfjka mgka .;a w;r" Bg mQ¾K fkda¾fõ" wefußldkq fukau ;j;a fndfyda rdcH kdhlhka
ndk., kï whialdka; .ï mshfia § cdiska ,shkf.a fodka wkq.%yl;ajh fhdIsvd ue;sKsh úiska msßkeuqjdh' mjd ndk., kdysñmdKka jykafiag b;d by<ska .re lr;s'
fykaøsla chfiak mshdKkag yd wïmdf.dv ,shkf.a fm%auj;S
Fulfilled the loving kindness Sri Lankan j¾I 1979 § <uqka 14 fofkl=f.ka werô fï uyd idr ta ú;rlau fkdfõ" w;sW;=ï mdma jykafia" o,hs,dud
Golden Buddhist Bhikkhu, uEKshkag odj j¾I 1950 ckjdß ui 05 fjksod fuf,dj jHdmD;sh fyg Èk f,dj Èkkd mqxÑ ÿjd orejkaf.a ienE u ;=uka" brdkfha wdOHd;añl kdhlhdKka" yskaÿ ix>dpd¾h;=uka
Most Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thero t<sh ÿgq fï mskaj;a mq;a l=ure"—cdiska ,shkf.a Wm;siai˜ hk jQ wOHdmk ;lai,dj njg m;a úh' iuia; rgg u fï —<ore jeks Wiia u wd.ñl kdhlhka mjd w;sf.!rjd¾y ndk.,
kñka tod ye`ÈkaúKs' mdi,a ixl,amh˜ w¨;a w;a±lSula njg m;a úh' wo jk úg Wm;siai kdhl iajdókaøhdKka jykafia iu`. ióm weiqrla
fï mqxÑ Wm;siai mq;Kqjka" ndk., rcfha mdif,ka yd
Today we are presented you about the Chief Sangha tu N+ñNd.h wlalr 20 la olajd úisr me;sr f.disks' mqxÑ mj;ajkq ,nkafka" wfma kdhl iajdókaøhdKka jykafiaf.a
Nayake of Japan, President of Maha Bodhi Society of Sri w,m,dfoKsh uyd úoHd,fhka fukau bkaÈhdfõ uydfndaê ÿjd orejka 1500 la muK wo fuys§ isma i;r yodr;s' Ôjk pß;fhka yukd wjHdc jQ ks¾u, ysff;ISNdjh;a"
Lanka, Founder & Chairman of “Yoshida” Foundation, Chief úoHd,fhka o isma i;r yeoErE w;r" lvd l, mgka .fï fuf,i l%ul%ufhka Èjhsfka iEu m<d;l u mdfya wjxllu uqiqjQ l=`Mm. ñ;%;a;jh;a ksidfjks'
Incumbent of Aggrasrawaka Maha Viharaya, Chief Incumbent mkai,;a iu`. ióm in`olï meje;ajQfha wd.ñl j;ams<sfj;a jHdma; jkakg fhÿk fï <ore mdi,a ixl,amh w;sYhska fï id úi,a w;a±lSï iuqodhlska msßmqka wfma
of Sanchi Center in India, Most Venerable Banagala Upatissa flfrys ne`È uy;a wdYdjlsks' id¾:l;ajhg m;a jQ w;r" rch úiska m%;sm;a;s mjd yok w;sf.!rjd¾y ndk., Wm;siai kdhl iajdókaøhdKka
Thero…. Èkla" ndk., iS,r;k yd bkaÈhdfõ nrKei idrdkd;a ;;a;ajhg m;aúKs' imq.ialkafoa msysá fhdIsvd <ore mdi,a jykafiaf.a fm%!V meúÈ Èúh iïnkaOfhka Y%s ,dxlslhka
He was born on the January 05th 1950 in a remote úydrdêm;s ueáj, ix>r;k kdhl iajdókaøhdKka .=rejre mqyqKq lrjk wdh;kfhka <ore mdi,a .=rejreka jk wmg ieneúka u i;=gg m;aúh yelsh' tfukau ksy`v
village called Banagala in the southern Province of Sri Lanka. jykafia,df.ka fï mq;Kqjkag b,a,Sula ,eìKs' tys i`oyka tla jirl § 150 - 200 ;a w;r m%udKhla mqyqKq lrjhs' wdvïnrhla o ±fka'
At the age of 17 he was ordained as a Pupil Buddhist Monk jQfha" bkaÈhdfõ oUÈj nqÿka Wmka foaYfha O¾u m%pdrl
[Samanera] under the Most Venerable Hedigalle Pannatissa tfukau" ämaf,daud o msßkuhs' yeg y;a jirla jk ;uka jykafiaf.a Èúfhka mqrd
lghq;= fjkqfjka meúÈ jkafka kï uekeú f,ihs' wo jk úg Y%S ,xldj by< idCIr;djhlska fyì rgls' wvish jila u W;=ï jQ Y%s iïnqoaO Ydikh fjkqfjka lem
Maha Nayaka Thera,The then Chief Sangha Nayaka for India. tu wdrdOkdj uy;a i;=glska ms<s.;a fï mskaj;a
He had his primary education in Sri Lanka and entered tfia jkakg ;sôßf.h ieliqfka <ore mdif,ks' fhdIsvd lr" ;u mrudo¾YS meúÈ Èú u`. ;=< fuf;la isÿ lr.;a;d
mq;arejk" foudmsh mQ¾K wdYs¾jdohka uOHfha j¾I <ore mdi,a ixl,amh w;sf.!rjd¾y ndk., Wm;siai kdhl jQ W;=ï mqKH l¾uhkaf.a n, uysufhka nqoaOd§ ;%súO
the Buddhist Missionary Service and training under The
1967 Tlaf;dan¾ ui 19 fjksod ye`ä.,af,a m[a[d;siai
Mahabodhi Society from 1961. Had his secondary education iajdókaøhdKka jykafia úiska ,la wUf¾ jHdma; l<dhska miq r;akfha msysg ,nd" W;=ï o<od jykafiaf.a yd úch Y%S ch Y%S
at Mahabodhi Inter College, Varanasi, India. He was also kdysñmdKka jykafiaf.a wkqYdikd uOHfha uydfndaê úydr cmdkhg jevu lrjk iEu iajdókajykafia kula u ;u uyd fnda iñ`ÿkaf.a wkqyiska" Y%S mdo r;akfha" wguia:dkfha"
awarded Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees for his mßY%fha § —ndk., Wm;siai˜ hk kñka meúÈ ìug md ;enQy' ;ukaf.a úydria:dk j, <ore mdi,a we;s lrkakg mgka fidf<diauia:dkfha msysfgka" oUÈj nqoaO foaYfha iïnqÿ md
higher studies from Indian Universities. bkaÈhdfõ idxÑ Wiia wOHdmk wdh;kfhka meúÈ .;af;a ndk., kdysñmdKka jykafiaj wdo¾Yhg .ksñks' myi ,o isoaOia:dkhkays msysg;a ,eîfuka" ish¨ iuHla
Energetic young monk received his higher Ordination wOHdmkh ,o ndk., Wm;siai ysñhka" bx.%Sis yd yskaÈ wfma ndk., kdysñhka jykafia" fï olajd rgmqrd oDIaál foú foaj;djqka jykafia,df.a /ljrKska" ksÿla
in 1970. He mastered the Japanese Language in Japan NdIdjka ukdj m%.=K l< w;r" j¾I 1970 § fldaÜfÜ ÿmam;a mjq,a fj; ksjdi bÈlr § we;s m%udKh oyia .Kkls' kSfrda.Sj" ;j;a Ñrd;a ld,hla Y%S iïnqoaO Ydikh taldf,dal
during 1976, obtained a Diploma having followed a course Y%S l,HdK iud.%S O¾u uyd ix> iNd iSudud,lfha § frdaay,a fj; .s,ka r: msßkeóï fukau jdÜgq ixlS¾K o lsÍug wjYH ldhsl yd udkisl Yla;sh" w;sf.!rjd¾y
in child education and specialized in the same subject. His Wmiïmodjg m;a jQy' bÈlr § we;' rKúre mjq,a j, iqnidOkuh lghq;= o isÿ ndk., Wm;siai wfma kdhl iajdókaøhdKka jykafiag
dedication for child education opened the way to establish wOHdmkfha we;s yrh ukdj wjfndaO lr.;a wfma
14 Kindergartens in Sri Lanka with the assistance of imminent lr § we;' mdi,a fj; f.dvke`.s,s fukau nia r: o msßkud ,efíjd''æ hs fu;a;djf,dalkh mdodNsjkaokfhka hqla;j
kdysñhka jykafia bka fkd kej;S f.damd,a úYajúoHd,hg we;' fu;a is;a fmr±ßj m%d¾:kd lr isà'
personalities and Venerable Priests in Japan. we;=<;aj f.!rj Ydia;%fõÈ yd Ydia;%m;s hk Wmdêhka mjd
He established Lanka-Ji and The Government of Japan, ;uka jykafia Wmka .ï m<d; tod w;sYhska ÿIalrj
ysñ lr .kakg ;rï W;aidyj;a jQy' meje;s kuq;a wo ish¨ wx.hkaf.ka iukaú; wdo¾Yj;a nqoaêl ixÔj
legally recognized it by vesting the status of Shukyo Hojin.
Ydiksl yd iudÔh jYfhka Wiia cd;Hka;r O¾u ¥;
Being the head of the Lanka-Ji he established the Japan .ïudkhla njg m;a lr § we;' ndk., .ïudkhg rcfhka
Sri Lanka Buddhist and Cultural Centre. His noble services fiajdjla isÿ lsÍfï uy;a wdYdjla wfma ndk., Wm;siai tod l=vïudf.a ie,ls<s ,efnk úg th ord.; fkd yels jQ
elevated him to be the Chief Head Priest for Sri Lanka in Japan. kdysñhkaf.a is; ;=< cks; jQfha fï ld,jljdkqfõ § h' ta ndk., kdysñhka jykafia isÿ lf<a ;u fm!oa.,sl Okh

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wk.dßl O¾umd, ;=uka Wm; ,nkafka 1864 j¾Ifha t;=ukag iq¿ cd;Ska ms<snoj ffjrhla fyda ;ryla fkd ùh'
The 150th birth anniversary of iema;eïn¾ 17 jeks ud;r ys;a;eáh .%dufha § h' fodka
lfrda,sia fyajdú;drK yd u,a,sld fyajdú;drK fom,g
m%Yakh jQfha Tjqka m%Odk ixialD;shg .re fkd lsßu yd fkd
ms<s.ekSu h' t;=uka tod ÿgq ta i;Hh wo jk úg h:d¾:hla
Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala…. WmÈk m<uq orejd" —fodka fâúâ fyajdú;drK˜ kï úh'
fn!oaO hkak jrola j ;snqKq hq.hl fndfyda wh rcfha
ù yudrh'
wo Tjqka ,xldj fnod fjk u rdcH b,a,k ;ekg
;k;=re kïnqkdu fjkqfjka ls;= oyu je<|.;a w;r" bx.%Sis meñK we;' l=, fNaoh jkdyS isxy,hdf.a msÍySfï m%Odk
Most Venerable Parawahera Chandarathana Nayaka Thero Ndú;hg o yq/ úh' ,laIKhla nj O¾umd, ;=ud ÿgq ksid u th t;=uka m%isoaêfha
Chief Sangha Nayake Thero of France - Europe, Chief Abbot of the La Bourget International wo fuka fn!oaO mdi,a fyda rcfha mdi,a fkd ;snqK úfõpkh lf<ah' úúO whqßka j¾. lrf.k fNao Nskak ùu
Buddhist Centre in Paris, France and Head of SECSA Foundation. fï ld,fha§ fâúâ fyajdú;drK orejd fougf.dv isxy,hdf.a reêr.; wikSmhls' t;=ud thg myr .ikakg
nemaáiaÜ mdi," fldgfyafka Ydka; fnkälaÜ úoHd,h yd mgka .;af;a tksidh' NslaIqkajykafia,d w;r mjd ;snQ ksldh
fldaÜfÜ l%sia;= úoHd,h hk mdi,a j,ska bx.%SiS wOHdmkh yd ta weiqre fldg meje;s l=, fNaoh ÿgq O¾umd, ;=u th
,enQ w;r" fld<U úfoHdaoh mßfjkdêm;s yslalvqfõ Y%S Rcqj m%ldY lf,ah'
iqux., ysñmdKkaf.ka isxy," md,s yd nqÿ oyu bf.kSugo —uf.arg" uf.a cd;sh" uf.a wd.u" uf.a NdIdj lshd
Tyq fm<Uq‚' fyd| wOHdmkhla ,enq fâúâ ;reKhd ,enQ jákd r;ak y;rla ug ;sfhkjd' ta r;ak y;r wdrlaId lr
f,da iiqka fl; iq/ls m<uq /lshdj ,smsl/ /lshdjls' tfy;a wêrdcHjd§ka .ekSu uf.a hq;=luhs'˜ mqoa.,sl wruqKq mrud¾: lsisjla fkd

uyd hq. mq/IhdfKda'''' hgf;a /lshdjla lrkakg wlue;s jQ fâúâ th w;ayer oud
uõmshkg o okajd ish ku —O¾umd,˜ hkqfjka fjkia lr
ùh' yqiau hk f;la rg cd;sh wd.u fjkqfjka fufyjr
lsÍu t;=uka f.a wruqK úh' t;=ukaf.a igka jHdmdr w;r
.;af;ah' wuoHm jHdmdrh m%Odk ;ekla .kS' —isxy,hkag úi u;ameka
t;=uka fouõmshkag hjk ,shqu ;=< iï uia kyr fndkakg § isxy,hka ke;s l< iqoaod wfma mrïmrd y;=rl=
j,g neÿKq isxy, fn!oaOlu b;d fyd¢ka fmfka' —tfyhska f,i uu i,lñ'˜
f,dalfha ljru rgl jqjo m%Odk NdIdjla ;sìh hq;=h' f,daldNsjDoaêhg ys;e;sj jev lsÍug fuu iud.ug ne£ u;ameka fndkakjqka fukau yrla uia lk who t;=uka
m%Odk ixialD;shla ;sìh hq;=h' tu rgg we;=¿ jk tys mÈxÑ jev lsÍug wjirh fok f,i uu b;d hgy;aj whEÈñ' ie,l=fõ ji,hka f,ih' t;=uka ish r:fha f,dl= wl=ßka
jk ljfrl=g jqjo ;ukaf.a wkkH;djh mj;ajd .; yelsh' f.!;u nqÿmshdKka jykafia nqoaO {kfhka fmkajd § i|yka lf<a" —.j uia fkd lkq˜ hkakhs' isxy, ck;djg
tfy;a" m%Odk ixialD;shg ydkshla fkd jk mßÈh' Tyq fyda ;sfnk W;=ï ud¾.fha hñka nqoaO m%;sm;a;s mQrKh lsÍug isÿjQ widOdrKhka wlghq;=lï yd mSvdjka ms<sn|j l;d
weh tu m%Odk ixialD;shg .re l< hq;=u h' tfia fkd .sys Ôú;h wjysrhla‌neúka" uu n%yaupdÍj Ôj;aùug ys;g lrkakg 1886 § —i|/i˜ kï mqj;a m;la o" 1906 § fn!oaO
jqkfyd;a isÿjkafka úYd, .egquls' ;udf.a foh /l.ksñka .;sñ' ta wkqj n%yaupdÍj Ôj;afjñka ;;a iñ;sfha ÈhqKqjg uyck u;h m%p,s; lsÍug O¾umd,;=ud —isxy, fn!oaOhd˜
wfkldf.a bvug mekSu wo f,dalfha l,djla ù ;sfí' jev lsÍug bv fok fuka fodfyd;auqÿka § uu whEo isáñ˜' m;%h wdrïN l< w;r" t;eka mgka 1931 olajdu t;=ud
f,dalfha úúO rgj, m%Odk nyq;rhg wu;rj ta yd 1880 § ,xldjg meñ‚ fykaß iaà,a ´,alÜ ;=udf.a cd;sl wd.ñl lghq;=j,g lem ù jev lf<ah'
iudku jQ ck;djla Ôj;a jk wjia:d we;' tfy;a nqoaêu;a weiqr O¾umd, ;=ukag fyd¢ka ,eì‚' t;=uka ,xldj mqrd 1890 § bkaÈhdjg md ;enQ t;=uka nqoaO.hdj we;=¿
jQ lsisu rgla rdcH NdId folla fyda cd;sl .S folla fyda l< .ufkys t;=uka f.a bx.%Sis l;d isxy, mßj¾;kh lf<a fn!oaO isoaOia:dk j,g w;aj ;snq brKu oel uy;a
cd;sl fldä folla jYfhka wkqu; lrkafka ke;' m%Odk O¾umd, ;=uka h' 1894 § bkaÈhdfõ meje;s mru ú{d¾: fõokdjg m;a úh' —isxy,hsks ke.sáõ æ nqoaO.hdj fírd
ixialD;sh fyda wd.u oyu hgf;a wka cd;s wd.ï j,g iud.fï ixj;aißl W;aijhg o fyajdú;drK iyNd‍.s .ksõ˜ hkak t;=uka f.a m%isoaO m%ldYhls' 1891 § t;=uka
This year on September complete India’s Mahabodhi lghq;= l< yelsh' tfy;a Tjqka tfia isÿ lrk .uka ,xldfõ úh' wdmiq meñ‚ Tyq fâúâ’ hk ;u bx.%SiS ku w;yer ta uydfndaê iud.u mgka .kafka bkamiqjh' tfiau bkaÈhdfõ
temple organization founder’s Srimath Anagarika meje;aug w; fmdj;s' Tjqkaf.a úi÷ï kï cd;sl .S folla fjkqjg —O¾umd,˜ hk ku Ndú;hg .;a miqj wk.dßl l,algd uydfndaê iud.u yd f,dalfha ;j;a rgj,a j,;a
Dharmapala’s 150th birth anniversary. m%Odk wd.fï fyda ixialD;sfha m%Odk;ajh wfydais lsÍu jeks O¾umd, f,iska t;=uka ye¢kajq‚' újdy fkdù wk.dßlj uydfndaê iud.ï msysgqjkakg lghq;= lf<ah' nqoaO.hdj
The Maha Bodhi Society of India was founded by l%shd ud¾.j,g ,xldfõ rch fmd,Uj;s' fuh j¾;udkfha Ôj;aùu ksid O¾umd, ;=ukaf.a úfYaI jQfha —wk.dßl fírd .ekSu t;=ukaf.a m%Odk wruqKla úh' fn!oaO b;sydih
Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala in 1891, for the resuscitation muKla fkdj w;S;fha o meje;s fmdÿ wñysß i;Hhls' Tjqka O¾umd,˜ hk kñks' yd whs;sh ms<sn|j f,dalhd oekqj;a lsÍu i|yd —nqäiaܘ kï
of Buddhism in India. olaI lÓlfhl= jQ O¾umd, ;=uka rfÜ úúO ia:dkj, iÕrdj o wdrïN lf<ah'
hï;dla ÿrg fyda ch.%yKh l<d kï ta isxy, ck;djf.a
Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala was one of the isxy,hdf.a wjfndaOh yd ke.S isàu fjkqfjka foaYk bkaÈhdfõ isá ld,h ;=< t;=uka úydrdrdu bÈ
w,i nj fukau w¥ro¾YS nj ksid u h'
founding contributors of  non-violent  Sinhalese Buddhist meje;aùh' —uycd;sh msßfykafka ta cd;sfha u ;shk lrkakg lghq;= l< w;r idrdkd;a fn!oaO úydrh ta w;r
nationalism and Buddhism. He was also a pioneer in the revival wk.dßl O¾umd, ;=uka tod igka lf<a fuu
whqla;shg tfrysjh' mD;=.Sis" ,kafoais yd bx.%Sis cd;ska úúO ÿ¾j,lu ksid' cd;shla fNao Nskak jqfkd;a taflka m%fhdack m%Odk ;ekla .kS' 1931 § O¾umd, ;=uka bkaÈhdj n,d .uka
of Buddhism in India after it had been virtually extinct there
wjia:dj, rg hg;a lr .;ay' ish iïm%odhka isxy, ck;dj .kafka wfkla iq¿ cd;Ska' t;fldg iq¿ cd;Ska ;j;a Yla;su;a lrkafka kej; ,xldjg fkd tkakg nj i|yka fõ' ;uka
for several centuries, and he was the first Buddhist in modern
u; nf,ka mgjkakg W;aiy l<y' wm%udKj f,a yeÆy' fjkjd' Yla;su;a fjkj ú;rla fkfjhs" uy cd;sfha T¨‍jg úiska u wdrïN lrk ,o uQ,.kaOl=á úydrfha § meúÈ ìug
times to preach the Dharma in three continents: Asia, North
America, and Europe. wjidkfha Tjqka ish wNsu;d¾:hka ch.ksñka 1815 § ,xldj w;fydaokak;a tkjd' wfma isxy,hg fj,d ;sfhkafkla tal' m;a jk t;=ud 1932 § Wmiïmodj ,nd .;af;ah'
Along with Henry Steel Olcott and Helena Blavatsky, the ish hg;a úð;hla njg m;a lr .;ay' wkd.dßl O¾umd, WU,d jxfY ln,a .dm,a,d' w? f.dhs.u' w? ÿrdfõ' w? 1933 wfma%,a jeks Èk oeä f,i frda.d;=r jQ fï uyd
creators of the Theosophical Society, he was a major reformer ;=ud bmfokafka o hg;a úð;hla jQ Y%S ,xldjlh' Tjqyq lrdfõ lsh lshd y;r me;a;g fnÈ,d" Wvrg my;rg lsh,d hq. mq/IhdKka ioygu fofk;a mshd .;af;ah' f,dalhg
and revivalist of Ceylonese Buddhism and an important figure ld,dka;rhla ;siafia isxy,hdf.a fomd mK ke;s lrñka fome;a;g fnÈ,d foaYmd,hka nodf.k mlaI j,g fnÈ,d" nqÿ oyu m%pdrh lsÍu i|yd ;j 25 j;djla j;a kej;
in its western transmission. isáhy' WU,f. yduqÿref.d,af,d;a lrkafka Th ál uhs' ksldh Wm§jdhs t;=ud m%d¾:kd l< nj i|yka fõ' j¾;udkh jk
He also inspired a mass movement of South Indian —isxy,hd˜ hkq wysxil cd;shls' ksoyfia f.dú;eka j,g fnÈ,d' nK tl tldf.a N=la;shg ,shdf.k' Wv/áfhd úg ,xldfõ isxy, lu yd fn!oaO lu hï;dla ÿrg fya /
Dalits including Tamils to embrace Buddhism, half a century my;rgg §.;=,d fokafka kE Wka my;fhd lsh,d' f.dhs. lS ;sfnkafka tod O¾umd, ;=uka f.k .sh cd;sl igfka
n;la lrf.k mdvqfõ Ôj;a jkakg leu;s fidnd oyu yd
before  B. R. Ambedkar.  At the latter stages of his life, he ufhd ÿrdjkag §.;=,d fokafka kE jxfY wvqfjhs lsh,d m%;sM,hla jYfhks'
noaO jQ msßils' fndfyda cd;Ska lvd jeÿfKa fuu wysxil
entered the order of Buddhist monks as Venerable Sri j,õj nodf.k' tl u cd;sfh ñksiaiq w;m,af,ka jegqK mqoa.,sl hhs lsis`ÿ wruqKla fkd jqkq" rg cd;sh wd.u
Devamitta Dharmapala. ck;dj u;af;ys h' Tjqkg Èú ysñfhka rlskakg fohla
;sì‚' tkï nqÿ oyuhs' nqÿ oyug yd NslaIqka jykafia,d .dkg" b÷,a n;a weg .dKg .Kka wrf.k ysgm,a,d' WU,g fjkqfjka u Èú lem l< fujka ñksiqka ieneúka u ÿ¾,Nh'
Dharmapala is an excellent example of an Asian
g isxy, fn!oaO ñksiqka ie,l+ wkaou fuu cd;Ska g úYd, jrÈkl,a WU,u okafka kE˜' t;=ukaf.a lsishï W;=ï me;=ula ù kï th id¾:l fjñka
Buddhist modernist, and perhaps the paradigmatic example
ysirohla jQ nj ryila fkdfõ' tksid u Tjqka .yg fmd;a;;a fï m%ldYkhla lshjk úg t;=uka ;=ka l,a ÿgq ñksfila mkaoyia l,a ,la iiqk iq/flajd hkak wm iefjdu m%d¾:kd
of Protestant Buddhism. He was particularly concerned with
presenting Buddhism as consistent with science, especially fmd;a;g .y;a fia noaOj ;snqKq .sys meúÈ fNaoh ì¢kakg nj fmfkhs' ,xldfõ tod isg fï olajd u ;sfnk ;on, lruq'
the theory of evolution. W;aiy l<y' ÿn,;d yd bka isÿjk t;=uka b;d fyd¢ka meyeÈ,s lrhs'

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recognize that there is nothing "sinful" or shameful in sex. At
the same time he or she should be aware that extreme sexual
Buddhist Perspective for the desire.
Kamasukallika (self-indulgence), one of extremism should
Life Planning…. be avoided by the Buddhist adults. Above and beyond sexual
compatibility, a happy marriage calls for mutual understanding
and adjustments, for sacrifices and selflessness, for tolerance
Dr. Hnin Si Oo and patience. Married life becomes truly a blessing rather
The Vice President of the World Alliance of Buddhists (WAB) & The Lecturer of Dhamma than a curse. The harmonious parent-ship leads to the happy
in Yangon, Myanmar family life.(Sutttanipata pali of Kuddakanikaya)
The most important thing to solve some problem in
life is Mindfulness Technique. Mindfulness of breathing
(anapanasati) is an excellent subject of meditation particularly
useful to the busy layperson, as it can be practiced safely by
anyone, anywhere, at any time.
Without regardless social status, country, age, it is a
universal formula to remove the stress and strain, Modern life
is full of stress and strain. Generally, modern person is driven
by craving, by intense desire.(Mahasatti patthana sutta pali of
Dighanikaya)
Buddhism: The art of living and dying:
Death is the only absolutely certain thing in life, however
how many of us prepare us adequately in advance to face it
calmly? All human beings must die. The body disintegrates,
breaks apart, and turns to ashes and dust. The only thing we
own that remains with us beyond death is our kamma, our
The central problem of a Buddhists is to combine a (Solution of Problem), and the way leading to cessation of intentional deeds.
successful lay life with Buddhist moral and spiritual principles. suffering (Eightfold Path to solution). Our deeds continue, bringing into being a new form of
This problem can be solved by organizing one's life as a lay These are eternal truths, truths that do not change and life until all craving is extinguished. We are born and evolve
Buddhist within the framework of the Noble Eightfold Path cannot change with time and place. When the one faces the according to the quality of our kamma. Good deeds will
which can be compared to a road map. Life’s Problem, Always start to use “Satusacca Formula” such produce a good rebirth, bad deeds a bad rebirth.
The lifespan of every individual is of tenfold. They are as 01 - What is problem, 02 - the cause of Problem, 03 - What To sum up the Buddhist moral and spiritual teaching for
as 01 - Childhood (manda, 01 - 10) Adolescence (kidda, 10 - is the solution, 04 - How to go to solution. (Dhammacakka life planning is not based on dogma or blind faith. It therefore
20) 02 - Adulthood (vaṉṉa, 20 - 30) 03 - The period of the pavattana sutta and in many places of pali nikaya) offers a reasonable way of life which should be attractive to
establishment of mundane life (bala, 30 - 40) 04 - The period Benefits of Right Understanding  any thinking person.
of wisdom (pañña, 40 - 50) 05 - The period of physical decay Right understanding is the foundation for developing Moreover, the Dhamma is completely compatible with
(hayana, 50 - 60) 06 - The period of distortion of physical body a proper sense of values, which is sorely lacking in our age. the advances of modern science. There are a great number
(pabbara, 60 - 70) 07 - The period of having crooked body Without right vision and the way is lost; all our efforts will of Buddhist concepts to cope with modern people for life
(vaṇka, 70 - 80) 08 - The period of mental distortion (momuha, be misguided and misdirected, all our plans for individual planning.
80 - 90) 09 - The period of occurring death (sayana, 90 - 100) and social development would be failed. (Sammaditthi sutta,
The Right View or Motivation: mulapannasa pali of mijjimanikaya,p. 57. Chattasagayana
To be happy, successful, and secure, we must first learn version)
to see ourselves and the world as they truly are (Ijjatta and Abhayadana (Peace Maker or Donation the Peace): (in The four sublime attitudes  (brahmavihara) are loving-
Bahiddha Loka) and should then shape our everyday activities the commentary of anguttaranika) kindness, compassion, altruistic joy, and equanimity. These
in keeping with this. We must also look for solutions to our Teaching the Keeping the Five Precepts conscientiously. are enlightened emotions that reduce the stress and strain of
problems in terms of the relationship of cause and effect, for The feeling of guilt increases stress. By observing the precepts, daily life, improve interpersonal relationships at home and in
the universal law of causality operates in the field of human a person leads a blameless life and thereby enjoys freedom the workplace, promote racial accord and amity, help in the
behavior as much as it does in the physical world. from the nagging sense of guilt that harasses one who violates development of an even mind, and increase calm and inner
Teaching Kamma Theory: the basic rules of morality. peace (ajjatta santi).
The foundation for a fruitful life is an understanding Sila is nothing but peace builder. By undertaking moral Mangala sutta: Looking after Parents, sons and daughters
of the moral law of kamma. Kamma is a volitional action; precepts one pledges to regulate one's conduct in accordance is the auspicious blessing (Matapitu Upatthanam Puttadarassa
an action that expresses morally determinate intentions or with these three virtuous qualities. sangaho)
volitions. Compassion and Loving-kindness (brahmavihara) is In Buddhism, Romantic love for the adult it is natural
As a person sows, so shall he reap? Good begets good, the real religion for all. The first teaching for teen is the to love one person of the opposite sex. The lay Buddhist will
and evil begets evil. Kamma is also cumulative. Not only compassion once the teenager group of boys plays the snake;
do our deeds generate pleasant and painful result, but in the Buddha admonished them like their own lives (attanam
their cumulative force they also determine our character. upamam kattva).
(Samyattanikaya, Samuddaka sutta, p.229) This is the teaching of compassion of the Buddha. The
Solution of Life Problems: Satusacca Formula: Buddha planted the seed of compassion in the beginning of
The Buddha's teachings can thus be abbreviated into teen life. The Buddha condemned the violence not only on
these four verifiable truths, called the Four Noble Truths: human but also on the animal. Cultivating the four sublime
suffering (problem), its cause (Cause of Problem), its cessation attitudes.

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The Significance of the
Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony in Thailand….
Kaṭhina means “hard”, “stiff”, “difficult”, etc. The word
Kaṭhina denotes a cloth offered to the monks annually after
the end of the rains-retreat (vassāvāsa). It also refers to a
wooden frame used by the monks in sewing their robes. ta W;=ï Nd.Hh ,lajdiSkag Wod
However, the word mostly denotes the robe,  cīvara  in pali, lr fokakg fujr;a iqñ;a m<syjvk
known as Kaṭhina cīvara. The character of the material used ue;s;=uka m%Odk —Ydka;s nqoaO N+ñ
symbolizes the  cīvara, which is one of the four requisites of jkaokd˜ ie§ meye§ isà' È.= ld,hla
a monk. The Kaṭhina robe is offered to the monastic Saṅgha mqrd oyia ixLHd; ,lajeis fndÿkqjka
by lay followers. Apart from the lay followers, monks, jvd;a iqrCIs;j" iqjmyiqj oUÈj
nuns and novices also can offer to the Buddhist Saṅgha. W;=ï mska fl; fukau ;dhs,ka;h"
úhÜkduh" ldïfndacshdj" ñhekaudrh"
The historical background of the Kaṭhina robe offering is
,d´ih jeks rgj,a jkaokd lrjQ —
mentioned in the  Vinaya Pitaka. While the Buddha was
Ydka;s nqoaO N+ñ jkaokd˜" fujr;a
dwelling at Jetavana Vihar in Shravasti, a group of thirty
monks visited the Buddha after the three-month rains-retreat. iqkaor ;dhs,ka;fha lÀk Öjr mQcdj
The Buddha asked them about their retreat and noticed their w;sW;al¾Ij;a whqßka mj;ajkakg
worn out robes. It is said that at the time, monks used to wear t<fUk Tlaf;dan¾ ui 28 iy 29
sewn  pieces of cloth collected from different places such as foÈfka oS ish,a, iQodkï lr ;sfí'
cemeteries, streets, rubbish-heaps, etc. fï uy`.= mskalug iyNd.Sjkakg
The “Shanthi Buddha Bhumi Wandana” from Sri Lanka leue;af;ka miqjk fndÿ ne;su;=kg"
arrange vast programmes for celebrate the Kathina Robe —Ydka;s jkaokd $ Ydka;s g%ej,aia˜ -
Offering Ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand on October 28 & fkd'763" we;=,a fldaÜfÜ" fldaÜfÜ
29, 2017. Mr. Sumith Palihawadana, the Chairman of Shanthi - 0112-885900 $ 0777-770112 $ 0766-
Travels hope to worship of Sri Lankans on the occasion of 269993 Tiafia wu;d Bg iyNd.S úh
Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand.
yelsh' fujr —Ydka;s nqoaO N+ñ jkaokd˜
;dhs,ka; lÀk uyd mQfcda;aijfha
ks, i`.rduh odhl;ajh olajkafka" —
fu;a;djf,dalkh˜ hs'

;dhs,ka;h hkq" f,dj iqmsßisÿ f:arjdo nqÿ oyfuka


iqieÈ fn!oaO rdcHhka w;ßka tlls' ishï foaYh hkqfjka
kï orK fï W;=ï mqKHN+ñfhka ,la forK ,o iqúfYaIS
odhdohka /ils' jfrl Y%S ,xldoaùmfhka wysñj .shd jQ
Wmiïmod úkh l¾uh h<s;a fï rgg odhdo lrk ,oafoa
;dhs,ka;h úisks'
tjka ft;sydisl jgdmsgdjl fï W;=ï foaYfha fn!oaO
iïm%odhka" kgUqka fukau fjfyr úydrhka o ±l n,d je`o
mqod .ekSug ,efnkafka kï th o W;=ï mska lghq;a;ls'
tfukau" ta W;=ï foaYfha lÀk uyd mQfcda;aijhlg
iyNd.Sjkakg ,efnkafka kï th o uydksixi f.k fok
mska l=i,hls'

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established Inter Religious Council for Peace in Tanzania from Pali language are essential for members of the Maha Sangha
year 1998. It is very successful and therefore currently I am in countrywide to protect the teachings of the Buddha.
the Buddhist Leader among nine Leaders in the country of this Although, Pali is not a spoken language today, the knowledge
100 years Buddhism in Africa…. important organization. of this language is essential for the continuance of Buddhism.
Apart from that in Africa we have an organization named Paying homage to the Buddha, observing Pansil, venerating
interfaith action for peace in Africa. That IFAPA combined the Noble Triple Gem and the chanting of Pirith are all done in
with 25 Religious leaders from 54 African countries. I am the Pali. Our culture that has spread from ancient days is based on
Most Venerable Dr Ilukpitiye Pannasekara Thero Buddhist Commissioner among them. the valuable influence of Buddhist teaching.
Chief Sangha Nayake Thero of African Continent and Chief Abbot of Buddhist Temple & Always need to attend different kind of Buddhist, The learning of the Dhamma with devotion and wisdom
Meditation Centre in Tanzania - South Africa. religious and social activities in different countries. Always we is necessary for a proper understanding of the reality of life.
so busy with them. Further this occasion offers on opportunity to the peoples
Reason is that we do not have enough sources for their to deepen understanding and foster harmony. I strongly feel

Buddhism came to Africa in 19th Century through


Tanzania situated in East Africa. It was year 1920. It happened
by after came a visiting monk named Venerable Loka Natha
Thero from Sri Lanka. He came with a lay person names Mr. H.
G. Gunapala. He is the first person got work in Tanzania and
bought a piece of Land from Government, Brought a Bodhi
Saplin and established Buddhist Association Tanzania.
It grew up gradually and then built Association hall year
1927, Shrine room and Pagoda 1956, Multipurpose hall 1999
and monk’s resident 2016. Now from this place do many
services to different Buddhist groups including Tanzanian local
followers.
Most of the people come to temple to learn meditation.
After that they start to apply Buddhist philosophy for their life.
Also here we can find many people having attacked by
ghosts and other bad spiritual powers. They have no enough demand. Specially, man power. All 54 countries about 10 – 15 that the building of a spiritual environment is a prerequisite to
knowledge to recognize that and do not have enough solutions monks are working who came from different countries and build a partnership based on lasting peace and quality.
to eliminate them from victims. different traditions. The Buddha said:
Therefore, most of them suffering with these attacks I am the only one Resident Sri Lankan monk who is “Pamojjabahulo Bhikku - Pasanno Buddhasasane -
always. Then if anybody get a chance to meet us (Buddhist remaining in Africa. Therefore it is extremely difficult to fulfil Adhigacche Padam Santam - Sankharupasamam Sukham”
Monks) that is the end of their suffering. We have cured many their demand. That is why Buddhism has not developed in (Bhikku Vaggo - Dhammapadaya) - The Bhikkhu who is full
people who came to meet us. We are just using only Buddhist Africa yet. Our communities are doing not think on this matter of delight and is pleased in the Dhamma will realize that
Chanting (Pirith). After that they cured wonderfully. That is deeply. If everyone thinks to help this continent we can see blissful State - the happiness that is born of the cessation of
one of grate improvement of Buddhism in Africa. shining it soon with right understanding. conditioned things.
Also here they need practical Buddhism. They are not Currently we have temples in Tanzania, Botswana, South As a Buddhist Monk, proud of its purest form of
ready to hear long deep Dhamma Talk. They are ready to get Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda and Congo only among 54 Theravada Buddhism, which was sustained for more than 100
from us practically. Not from word. If we do not help they are countries. African monks can see only Congo, South Africa, years mainly due to the commitment and tireless efforts of
very far from us. Uganda and Tanzania only. the Sangha, I am very happy that this.
We must give them without any hope of receive from Then you can see how far still we need to go. If whole On this commemorative moment, let us all make our
them. That is their basic access to any religious faith. Therefore Buddhist world come together we can establish a Buddhist efforts to spread and practice the principles of kindness,
we also need to do so. Therefore I have applied a practical Centre in each country and make a monk to carry on this grate compassion, altruistic joy and equanimity in order to create
project which respect by all people in Tanzania without any philosophy. This is good continent to apply Practical Buddhism a better world free from greed and violence that consistently
religious labour. to active. I cannot see any other place more than this. Many leads us to enormous crisis.
It is “Kind Heart Africa Orphanage Project” it started in people need this teaching and they are waiting to accept it.
2004. We are collecting children from the road and teaching Learning and knowledge provide the path to good May the Noble Triple Gem bless you..!!!
them till they stand their own. That is one of grate achievement relationships in the modern world. From ancient times, some
to our goal. countries had a well-developed system of education centered
Apart from that we already have initiate to build on the temple. The beneficial expansion of this system was
an Elderly Home & Occasional Training Centre & Charity seen with the establishment academics desirous of learning
Dispensary for public. After these all done many respect Buddhism.
will come to Buddhists and slowly can see many people I believe that proper knowledge of the Dhamma and the
continuously practice Buddhist philosophy.
That is the way can establish Buddhist teaching on Africa.
Not any other way to do so. Also we need to understand their
current situation properly before we do anything for them.
Otherwise it will not work. We can do without fix any religious
label on it. That way it will go.
Also they are really appreciating Buddha’s guide lines to
make peace and sustainable development. Therefore we have

48 I Mettavalokanaya I August I 2017 www.meththawalokanaya.com www.meththawalokanaya.com Mettavalokanaya I August I 2017 I 49


PIYA VAGGA - THE AFFECTION m%sh j.a.h

“Seeladassana Sampannam - dhammattham saccavedinam


Attano kammakubbanam - tam jano kurute piyam”
He, who is virtuous and intelligent, just and truthful, strives after
perfection, him the world will hold dear.

—iS,oiaik iïmkakx - OïuÜGx iÉpfjÈkx 04


w;a;fkd lïu l=índkx - ;x cfkd l=ref; mshx˜
YS,fhka yd iuH.a oDIaáfhka hqla;j O¾ufha msysgd we;a; u lshñka ;%súO
YsCId mqrk ;eke;a;dg yefudau m%sh;djhla olaj;s'

“Tanhaya Jayati soko - tanhaya jayati bhayam


Tanhaya vippamuttassa - natti soko kuto bhayam”
From greed is born sorrow; from greed is born fear. He who is
free from greed is free from sorrow. Whence fear?....
05 —;Kaydh cdh;S fidfld - ;Kaydh cdh;S Nhx
;Kaydh úmamuq;a;iai - k;aÓ fidfld l=f;d Nhx˜
wdYdj ksid fYdalh yg .kS' wdYdj ksid ìh o yg .kS' wdYdfjka fjka jQ
wfhl=g ljrlf,lj;a fYdalhla ke;af;ah' tksidfjka u ìhla o we;s fkdfõ'

“Pemato jayati soko - pemato jayati bhayam


Pemato vippamuttassa - natthi soko kuto bhayam”
Affection leads to sorrow, affection leads to fright. One who is
free from affection is free from sorrow. Whence fear?....
—fmuf;d cdh;S fidfld - fmuf;d cdh;S Nhx 06
fmuf;d úmamuq;a;iai - k;aÓ fidfld l=f;d Nhx˜
fm%auh ksid fYdalh yg .kS' fm%auh ksid ìh o yg .kS' fm%aufhka fjka jQ whg
lsisodl ÿlla ke;' ìhla o we;s fkdfõ'

50 I Mettavalokanaya I August I 2017 www.meththawalokanaya.com www.meththawalokanaya.com Mettavalokanaya I August I 2017 I 51


Buddhika Sanjeewa, as the Founder, President & Chief Editor of Mettavalokana Buddhist Publications Centre, I printed and published this “Mettavalokanaya” Buddhist Magazine as a
publication of Mettavalokana Buddhist Publications Centre on August 29, 2017 at M. D. Gunasena & Co (Pvt) Ltd, No.20, San Sebastian Hill, Colombo 12.
52 I Mettavalokanaya I August I 2017 Registered at Department of Post in Sri Lanka - QD/181/News/2016 www.meththawalokanaya.com

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