CHRISTIANITY and BUDDHISM SINCLAIRE THOMPSON MEMORIAL LECTURE FIFTH SERIES by the VENERABLE BHIKKHU BUDDHADASA INDAPANNO

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

CHRISTIANITY and BUDDHISM SINCLAIRE THOMPSON MEMORIAL LECTURE FIFTH SERIES by the VENERABLE BHIKKHU BUDDHADASA INDAPANNO 1 CHRISTIANITY and BUDDHISM SINCLAIRE THOMPSON MEMORIAL LECTURE FIFTH SERIES By THE VENERABLE BHIKKHU BUDDHADASA INDAPANNO 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION (TO THE SECOND EDITION)..........................................................................4 PREFACE..............................................................................................................................................6 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................7 Publisher’s Note....................................................................................................................................9 THOMPSON MEMORIAL LECTURE Fifth Series CHRISTIANITY AND BUDDHISM BY THE VENERABLE BHIKKHU BUDDHADASA INDAPANNO (First Lecture) MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF EACH OTHER’S RELIGION................................................................12 THOMPSON MEMORIAL LECTURE Fifth Series CHRISTIANITY AND BUDDHISM THE VENERABLE BHIKKHU BUDDHADASA INDAPANNO (Second Lecture) FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT...........................................................................................................................49 1. “GOD” IN ITS GENERAL MEANING............................................................................49 2. GOD IN TERMS OF RELIGIOUS LANGUAGE FROM THE BUDDHIST VIEWPOINT 53 3. “GOD” AS USED IN CONVENTIONAL LANGUAGE..................................................59 4. GOD ALWAYS CONVEYS A HIDDEN DHARMIC SENSE. THE IDEA IS THAT GOD, AS SPOKEN OF IN THE LAYMAN’S LANGUAGE, WHEREEVER FOUND IN THE SCRIPTURES OF ANY RELIGION, COULD BE TURNED USUALLY INTO THE SENSE OF THE DHARMIC GOD...................................................................................................................61 5. GOD THE SON..................................................................................................................70 6. GOD THE SPIRIT OR GOD THE SOUL.........................................................................77 7. GOD THE TRINITY..........................................................................................................78 THOMPSON MEMORIAL LECTURE Fifth Series By THE VENERABLE BHIKKHU BUDDHADASA INDAPANNO Third Lecture REDEMPTION AND CONSUMMATION......80 1. REDEMPTION.......................................................................................................................80 2. CONSUMMATION................................................................................................................85 Summary of the three lectures...........................................................................................................87 3 INTRODUCTION (TO THE SECOND EDITION) In this second edition we have added only one sentence in brackets at page four. Actually this addition is not the translator’s own idea, but the wording of the venerable author himself; it has been given so as to further clarify the point. As for the other pages there are only minor changes, i.e. some repetitions have been avoided. In publishing this second edition our thanks are due to Mr. Poon Kesjamras of Bangkok Technical In statute who kindly designed the cover of the book; the covers of the first and second edition are identical. We are delighted that this book has been welcomed and that many are interested in the subject matter. If this booklet just helps to promote mutual understanding among different minds, the mission feels amply rewarded for the work. We dare not and do not do not wish to use the term “different religions” (there is another work of the venerable author which has just been been printed in English: ‘No Religion’) because the more we speak of “different religions,” the more differentiations and split-mindedness will arise, In spite of all it is good to notice that all differences are only on the surface of the mind: for in fact if we have an enlightened understanding, realizing the essence of the mind, we will find no need for differentiations. As far as the ‘true mind’ is concerned, it is everybody’s inherent essence of mind. The term ‘true mind’ and others such as ‘ultimate reality’ ‘God, the Almighty; ‘Buddha’, or the ‘Kingdom of God’, ‘Nirvana’, ‘redemption’ or ‘emancipation’ – all are the same, call them what you may. All these terms are just conventionally true, i.e. the language of common usage (to clarify this point the reader may refer to another work of the venerable author: ‘Two kinds of Language’ where he gives an interesting explanation of key-words both from the angle of conventional and ultimate truth); we use such language just as a means to point at the real nature of things, i.e. ultimate reality. There is no denying the fact that all minds are naturally inclined towards peace. Intrinsically all minds in this world tend to loving-kindness and compassion. If everybody has intuition into this 4 fact and is thereby naturally at peace, genuinely radiating loving-kindness and compassion, peace could be realized in this world. On the contrary, as long as people are not yet serious in their quest for peace, not really concerned with loving-kindness and compassion, there cannot be, for sure, any lasting peace. An urgent question is: what is to be done that everybody in the world has wisdom enough to love peace, genuinely spreading loving-kindness and compassion. We are using the word ‘genuine’, because we wish to emphasize that love for peace and compassion should not be just a shaky idea or a passing emotion without any firm basis. The answer is that each of us should practise mental restraint as earnestly as possible. In doing so we should take an interest in studying on a spiritual level with broadmindedness, not limiting ourselves to a certain system, tradition or method. This should go hand in hand with gradually but constantly reducing our ego so that finally we may be free from all selfishness whatsoever. On this occasion of New Year’s Day we wish from the bottom of the heart happiness and well-being to every human being. May all of you ‘attain God in your own mind’. For God is real, unchanging and permanent, love and compassion of God should, of course, be real, real in the sense that it does not change. May everybody be enlightened and realize the same mind as that of God: a mind that is genuinely full of loving-kindness and compassion; a mind that is unfalteringly full of loving-kindness and compassion; a mind that is permanently full of loving-kindness and compassion Sublime Life Mission 5 PREFACE “This is glutinous rice” – is a description, “Eat it! You will gain strength!” – is a call to commitment. The latter cannot be intelligible without the former and yet the former would be lifeless unless it is given meaning by the latter. Accumulation of descriptions will not give us strength. Commitment, a total and concentrated response to the call, lies in the deeper stratum of religious life. The committed person has his own language to describe the truth to which he is committed. Our understanding of the Thai Pali Buddhism is often paralyzed because of our failure to take the dimension of religious commitment seriously. We congratulate ourselves prematurely with our “thorough understanding of the descriptions” of Buddhism assuming that that is the whole of the Buddhist existence. Innocently we still speak of “comparative religions.” All attempts, however, in the line of comparative religions is unsatisfactory or even distorting (I am speaking from Theravada Thailand!) unless they reach the depth of “comparative religious commitments.” But this enterprise lies next to impossibility since religious commitment is a fire that burns any objective scale by which we propose to pursue our comparison. Yet do we have any other alternative than to try to reach this level of discussion if we want to see and feel the living essence of religion? The year the community of Chiengmai is greatly privileged to hear in person the famed Buddhist scholar and author, Venerable Monk, Buddhadasa (meaning, servant of the Buddha) Indapanno as he delivers the Fifth Series of the Sinclaire Thompson Memorial Lectures. Rev. Thompson was aware of the serious spiritual encounter between the Buddhists and the Christians in Thailand. He was not just toying with the “description” of religions called Buddhism and Christianity. He wanted to explore the quality of life and strength of a man who has eaten either Christian or Buddhist glutinous rice. We are about to listen to a committed Buddhist. Only this kind of occasion can truly help us to grasp the unfrozen living Buddhism in Thailand today. Kosuke Koyama Thailand Theological Seminary Jan. 1967 6 INTRODUCTION I am pleased to deliver the SINCLAIRE THOMPSON MEMORIAL LECTURES, FIFTH SERIES, for it will help create an atmosphere of mutual understanding among the followers of both Christianity and Buddhism, and also make people understand their respective religions at the same time, for the audience here is both Buddhist and Christian. Every human being, on matter to what country he belongs, or what language he speaks, or what religion he professes, has but one universal problem, namely, overcoming evil or mental impurity or defilements. That which is called evil or mental impurity is to be found in each individual. It does not belong to or is not the problem of one particular religion only; each individual professing any religion has the problem of overcoming evil. As such the way to solve this problem must be one which can be used by every human being.
Recommended publications
  • Chronology of the Pali Canon Bimala Churn Law, Ph.D., M.A., B.L
    Chronology of the Pali Canon Bimala Churn Law, Ph.D., M.A., B.L. Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Researchnstitute, Poona, pp.171-201 Rhys Davids in his Buddhist India (p. 188) has given a chronological table of Buddhist literature from the time of the Buddha to the time of Asoka which is as follows:-- 1. The simple statements of Buddhist doctrine now found, in identical words, in paragraphs or verses recurring in all the books. 2. Episodes found, in identical words, in two or more of the existing books. 3. The Silas, the Parayana, the Octades, the Patimokkha. 4. The Digha, Majjhima, Anguttara, and Samyutta Nikayas. 5. The Sutta-Nipata, the Thera-and Theri-Gathas, the Udanas, and the Khuddaka Patha. 6. The Sutta Vibhanga, and Khandhkas. 7. The Jatakas and the Dhammapadas. 8. The Niddesa, the Itivuttakas and the Patisambbhida. 9. The Peta and Vimana-Vatthus, the Apadana, the Cariya-Pitaka, and the Buddha-Vamsa. 10. The Abhidhamma books; the last of which is the Katha-Vatthu, and the earliest probably the Puggala-Pannatti. This chronological table of early Buddhist; literature is too catechetical, too cut and dried, and too general to be accepted in spite of its suggestiveness as a sure guide to determination of the chronology of the Pali canonical texts. The Octades and the Patimokkha are mentioned by Rhys Davids as literary compilations representing the third stage in the order of chronology. The Pali title corresponding to his Octades is Atthakavagga, the Book of Eights. The Book of Eights, as we have it in the Mahaniddesa or in the fourth book of the Suttanipata, is composed of sixteen poetical discourses, only four of which, namely, (1.) Guhatthaka, (2) Dutthatthaka.
    [Show full text]
  • What Buddhists Believe Expanded 4Th Edition
    WhatWhat BuddhistBuddhist BelieveBelieve Expanded 4th Edition Dr. K. Sri Dhammanada HAN DD ET U 'S B B O RY eOK LIBRA E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.buddhanet.net Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc. Published by BUDDHIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY MALAYSIA 123, Jalan Berhala, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, 1st Edition 1964 Malaysia 2nd Edition 1973 Tel: (603) 2274 1889 / 1886 3rd Edition 1982 Fax: (603) 2273 3835 This Expanded Edition 2002 Email: [email protected] © 2002 K Sri Dhammananda All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any in- formation storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Cover design and layout Sukhi Hotu ISBN 983-40071-2-7 What Buddhists Believe Expanded 4th Edition K Sri Dhammananda BUDDHIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY MALAYSIA This 4th edition of What Buddhists Believe is specially published in conjunction with Venerable Dr K Sri Dhammananda’s 50 Years of Dhammaduta Service in Malaysia and Singapore 1952-2002 (BE 2495-2545) Photo taken three months after his arrival in Malaysia from Sri Lanka, 1952. Contents Forewordxi Preface xiii 1 LIFE AND MESSAGE OF THE BUDDHA CHAPTER 1 Life and Nature of the Buddha Gautama, The Buddha 8 His Renunciation 24 Nature of the Buddha27 Was Buddha an Incarnation of God?32 The Buddha’s Service35 Historical Evidences of the Buddha38 Salvation Through Arahantahood41 Who is a Bodhisatva?43 Attainment of Buddhahood47 Trikaya — The Three Bodies of the Buddha49
    [Show full text]
  • The Study of Bio-Ethical Precepts in Buddhism: an Analysis
    PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION (2021) 58(5), ISSN 1553 - 6939 Article Received: 22th November, 2020; Article Revised: 26th March, 2021; Article Accepted: 26th April, 2021 The study of Bio-ethical Precepts in Buddhism: An Analysis. Sailen Kalita 1S.B.M.S. College, Assam, India. [email protected] ABSTRACT With the emergence of Lord Buddha, Buddhism became one of the greatest religions of the world. The most salient feature of this religion lies, perhaps, in its ethical aspect. Ethics is the key word in Buddhism. Buddha-vacana laid highest priority to ethics. This expression „ethics‟ bears manifold connotations in different background. But as far it is concerned with a sense of communication and a habitual mode of thought, ethics forms the epitome of moral principles and moral conduct in Buddhism. As commonly known, the word „bio‟ signifies life or matters relating to living things. But it may not be precise to summarized that bio-ethics refers to ethics of life only. Ethics in Buddhism, in particular, has a much wider connotation. Its sole purpose is to do away with Dukkha or suffering. It may be relevant here to add that a number of ethicists harbour abstract ideas of ethics. Buddhism is rather opposed to such abstract ideas and it endeavors to pinpoint the practical use of ethics which is surely a unique contribution to bio- ethics. Buddhism, a part from gifting mankind with profound Philosophy of life, offers the solution of man‟s pain and suffering through rigid action which has a permanent value. In Buddhism, priority is assigned to self discipline and this self discipline is to be exercised in both individual and collective form.
    [Show full text]
  • A. Vinaya Piṭaka—The Collection of Disciplinary Rules
    An Analysis of the Pāli Canon Edited by Russell Webb Buddhist Publication Society Kandy •Sri Lanka The Wheel Publication No. 217 First BPS edition 1975 Second BPS edition 1991 Third BPS edition 2008 Copyright © 1991 by Russell Webb ISBN 955–24–0048–1 BPS Online Edition © (2008) Digital Transcription Source: BPS Transcription Project For free distribution. This work may be republished, reformatted, reprinted and redistributed in any medium. However, any such republication and redistribution is to be made available to the public on a free and unrestricted basis, and translations and other derivative works are to be clearly marked as such. Contents Preface.........................................................................................................................................3 I. Textual Analysis..................................................................................................................................4 A. Vinaya Piṭaka—the Collection of Disciplinary Rules.......................................................4 1. Sutta Vibhaṅga..........................................................................................................4 2. Khandhaka, subdivided into Mahāvagga and Cūḷavagga.................................4 3. Parivāra......................................................................................................................5 B. Sutta Piṭaka— the Collection of the Buddha’s Discourses...............................................5 1. Dīgha Nikāya.............................................................................................................5
    [Show full text]
  • Selection of Suttas
    TIPIṬAKA The Three Baskets Vinaya Piṭaka Sutta Piṭaka Abhidhamma Piṭaka The Discipline The Teachings The Philosophy (5 books) (5 collections) (7 books) Sutta Vibhanga Khandhaka Parivāra Dhammasaṅgaṇī Vibhaṅga Book of Expositions Division Chapter Summaries Compendium of States Book of Analysis Dhātukathā Puggalapaññati Māhavagga Cullavagga Discourse on Elements Human Types The Great Rules The Lesser Rules (10 chapters) (12 chapters) Kathāvatthu Yamaka Points of Controversy Book of Pairs Paṭṭhāna Conditional Relations Dīgha Nikāya Majjhima Nikāya Saṃyutta Nikāya Aṅguttara Nikāya Khuddaka Nikāya Long Discourses Middle-length Discourses Kindred Sayings Gradual Sayings Shorter Discourses (34 suttas in three vaggas) (152 suttas in 15 vaggas) (2,889 suttas in five vaggas)* (9,557 suttas in 11 nipatas) (15 books) Mūlapariyāya Vagga Sagāthā Vagga Ekaka Nipāta Khuddakapātha Dhammapada Sīlakkhanda Vagga The Root Discourse The section of Verses Book of the Ones The Short Passages Path of Dhamma The Perfect Net (423 verses arranged in 26 vaggas) Sīhanāda Vagga Duka Nipāta Udāna Itivuttaka The Lion’s Roar Nidāna Vagga Book of the Twos Mahā Vagga The section of Causation Verses of Uplift As it Was Said Opamma Vagga (8 vaggas, of 80 udānas of the Buddha) (112 short suttas in four nipātas) The Large Division Tika Nipāta Chapter of Similes Khandha Vagga Book of the Threes Suttanipāta Vimānavatthu Mūlapaṇṇāsa Mahāyamaka Vagga The Section on the Sutta Collection Celestial Mansions Pāṭika Vagga Catukka Nipāta Great Pairs Aggregates (5 vaggas containing 71
    [Show full text]
  • World Lover, World Leaver the Book of Ecclesiastes and Thai Buddhism
    WORLD LOVER, WORLD LEAVER THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES AND THAI BUDDHISM by Seree Lorgunpai A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Divinity, New College, University of Edinburg for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. January 1995 WORLD LOVER, WORLD LEAVER THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES AND THAI BUDDHISM by Seree Lorgunpai A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Divinity, New College, University of Edinburgh, for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. January 1995 Ill DEDICATED to My parents, wife, son, brothers and sisters who entourage me to live on ABSTRACT The Book of Ecclesiastes is unique. This suggests that Qohelet's thought is not, as some scholars have maintained, dependent on other thinkers; of j his time. Qohelet interacts with and challenges wisdom tradition and other contemporary beliefs. His theology is not limited to Israelite religion. His concern is universal and not confined to the people of Israel. Although Qohelet does not interact directly with the teachings of the Buddha, this thesis argues that the theological content of Ecclesiastes can be profitably studied in comparison with Buddhism. Though the Buddha and Qohelet are separated from each other by time, geography and culture, they share a common focus on human suffering-dukkha in Pali, hebel in Hebrew. Thfe Buddha maintains that desire is the primary cause of human suffering; Qohelet Sees it as deriving from various causes, including human limitations, and the unpredictability of life. I The Buddha looks for a way to end human suffering, recognising thatj if human beings continue to be reborn in the world, they will continue to suffer.
    [Show full text]
  • Dhammapadadhammapada AA Ttranslationranslation Ven
    DhammapadaDhammapada AA TTranslationranslation Ven. Thanissaro, Bhikkhu HAN DD ET U 'S B B O RY eOK LIBRA E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.buddhanet.net Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc. DDhhaammmmaappaaddaa TABLE OF CONTENTS.......................................................................................2 PREFACE: ANOTHER TRANSLATION OF THE DHAMMAPADA ....................................10 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................12 I : PAIRS.........................................................................................................24 1–2*................................................................................................................24 3–6..................................................................................................................25 7–8*................................................................................................................26 9–10................................................................................................................26 11–12*............................................................................................................26 13–14..............................................................................................................27 15–18*............................................................................................................28 19–20..............................................................................................................28
    [Show full text]
  • History of Buddhism and Jainism Upto 1000 A.D
    Syllabus M.A. Part - II Paper - VII : (Option B) History of Buddhism and Jainism upto 1000 A.D. 1. Sources (Buddhism) a) Canonical and Non-Canonical Pali Literature b) Art and Architecture. 2. The Buddha Life of Buddha (from Birth till the Mahaparinirvana). 3. Teachings of Buddha a) Four Noble Truths. Eight fold path b) Law of Dependent Origination. (Paticcaccsamuccapada) c) Origin and Development of Sangha and Vinaya. 4. Buddhism and its Expansion a) Three Buddhist Councils b) Dhamma messengers sent by Asoka (Ashoka) after 3rd Buddhist Council, c) Buddhist Sects. 5. Impact of Buddhism on Society. a) Epistemological and Logical Aspects of Buddhism. 6. Sources (Jainism) Agamas - Literature of Jaina. Art and Architecture. 7. The Mahavira. Life of Mahavira. 8. Teachings of Mahavira a) Ethics b) NineTattvas c) Anekaravada • d) Six Dravyas 9. Spread of Jainism. a) Three Jaina councils b) King Samprati‘s contribution. c) Major Jain Sects 10. Impact of Jainism on Society 1 SOURCES OF BUDDHISM : (LITERARY SOURCES) Unit Structure : 1.0 Objectives 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Importance of Various Sources 1.3 Literary Sources Canonical Pali Literature 1.4 Non-Canonical Pali Literature 1.5 How Authentic is Pali -Literature ? 1.6 Summary 1.7 Suggested Readings 1.8 Unit End Questions 1.0 OBJECTIVES (A) By reading this material student will understand which sources should be utilized for getting the information about Ancient Indian History and Culture & History of Buddhism itself. (B) Student will understand importance of the original literary sources known as ‗BUDDHA VACANA‘(Words of the Buddha) and its allied literature as a chief source for deriving information pertaining to history and culture.
    [Show full text]
  • THE BROKEN BUDDHA Critical Reflections on Theravada and a Plea for a New Buddhism
    THE BROKEN BUDDHA Critical Reflections on Theravada and a Plea for a New Buddhism by S. Dhammika Preface Most of this book was written in 2001 although I was still tinkering with it three years later. After its completion I hesitated for a long time about publishing it, thinking that it might do more harm than good. Eventually, an a unauthorized draft appeared on the internet without either my permission or knowledge forcing me to publish the finished work. I had hoped that, if and when the book came out, to circulate it only within the Buddhist community. That is no longer possible. As it is, enough people, including a dozen or so Western monks and former Western monks, have convinced me that many of the things I have said need saying. I am fully aware that I am risking my reputation, the friendship of some people and perhaps a lot more by writing what I have and I expect to become the target of some very angry comments. My only hope is that The Broken Buddha will provoke wide-ranging, thoughtful and realistic discussion amongst Western Buddhists about the future of the Triple Gem in the West. Introduction There is no law in history which guarantees that Buddhism will grow roots in the West or advance beyond its present infantile stage. But one would expect that it will grow more conscious of its own difficulties and Buddhists will awaken to the problems which Buddhism itself thrusts upon man as an essential part of its treasure. One would also hope that doubt should appear as the sign of a deeper conviction.
    [Show full text]
  • A METTA-BUDDHIST INTEGRATED METHOD for CONFLICT MANAGEMENT in the MODERN SOCIETIES Venerable Okkansa Siddhi a Dissertation Submi
    A METTA-BUDDHIST INTEGRATED METHOD FOR CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN THE MODERN SOCIETIES Venerable Okkansa Siddhi A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of The Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Buddhist Studies) Graduate School Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University C.E. 2017 A Metta-Buddhist Integrated Method for Conflict Management in The Modern Societies Venerable Okkansa Siddhi A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of The Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Buddhist Studies) Graduate School Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University C.E. 2017 (Copyright by Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University) Dissertation Title : A Metta-Buddhist Integrated Method for Conflict Management in The Modern Societies Researcher : Venerable Okkansa Siddhi Degree : Doctor of Philosophy (Buddhist Studies) Dissertation Supervisory Committee : Asst. Prof. Dr. Sanu Mahatthanadull, B.A. (Advertising), M.A. (Buddhist Studies), Ph.D. (Buddhist Studies) : Phramaha Somboon Vuḍḍhikaro, Dr., Pāli VII, B.A. (English), M.A. (Buddhist Studies), Ph.D. (Buddhist Studies) Date of Graduation : February 16, 2018 Abstract This qualitative research has three main objectives are: 1) to study the current conditions of conflict in the Modern Society, 2) to study the Metta Methods for conflict management based on Buddhism, 3) to propose a Metta Buddhist integrated Method for Conflict management in the Modern Society. The study which described the first objective is based on the concept of Metta conditions of conflict in Modern Society also in some of other terms in Theravāda Suttas of the Pāli Canon’s, Sutta-Nipāta and Khuddaka-patha and practices of loving-kindness meditation as Brahma-Vihāra, Metta Karunā, Muditā and Uppekkhā. In this universe there can be mentioned a Metta more than other necessities it the most powerful and can absend any battles and conflicts in this modern society.
    [Show full text]
  • Dhammapada a Translation
    2 Dhammapada A Translation by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Geoffrey DeGraff) 3 Copyright © Thanissaro Bhikkhu 1998 This book may be copied or reprinted for free distribution without permission from the publisher. Otherwise all rights reserved. Revised edition, 2011. 4 Contents Preface Introduction I : Pairs II : Heedfulness III : The Mind IV : Blossoms V : Fools VI : The Wise VII : Arahants VIII : Thousands IX : Evil X : The Rod XI : Aging XII : Self XIII : Worlds XIV : Awakened XV : Happy XVI : Dear Ones XVII : Anger XVIII : Impurities XIX : The Judge XX : The Path 5 XXI : Miscellany XXII : Hell XXIII : Elephants XXIV : Craving XXV : Monks XXVI : Brahmans Historical Notes End Notes Glossary Abbreviations Bibliography 6 Preface Another translation of the Dhammapada. Many other English translations are already available—the fingers of at least five people would be needed to count them—so I suppose that a new translation has to be justified, to prove that it’s not “just” another one. In doing so, though, I’d rather not criticize the efforts of earlier translators, for I owe them a great deal. Instead, I’ll ask you to read the Introduction and Historical Notes, to gain an idea of what is distinctive about the approach I have taken, and the translation itself, which I hope will stand on its own merits. The original impulse for making the translation came from my conviction that the text deserved to be offered freely as a gift of Dhamma. As I knew of no existing translations available as gifts, I made my own. The explanatory material is designed to meet with the needs of two sorts of readers: those who want to read the text as a text, in the context of the religious history of Buddhism —viewed from the outside—and those who want to read the text as a guide to the personal conduct of their lives.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Download
    ISSN: 2322 - 0902 (P) ISSN: 2322 - 0910 (O) International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research Review Article BUDDHIST COUNCILS (SANGITI) AND ITS LITERATURE: A REVIEW Potbhare Balaji M*, Wakode Vanmala *Research Officer (Ayu.), Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Mother and Child Health, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. Received on: 06/03/2019 Revised on: 17/03/2019 Accepted on: 31/03/2019 ABSTRACT There are two main philosophical sciences in India; atheistic (Charavka, Jain and Bauddha) and theist (Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaishehika, Purva mimansa and Uttar mimansa). In India, abundant literatures of philosophical sciences are available except Buddhist literature and the reasons are unknown. Buddhist literatures were in Pali language which was a dialect of ancient India and to preserve the invaluable teaching of the Buddha, till dated six Councils (Shangiti) were convened out of which three councils were assembled in ancient India. It is said that the knowledge of history of Indian culture is incomplete without the knowledge of Pali literature. Ayurveda is a Darshanshashtra (Philosophy) as well as clinical science having the goal of Moksha. Every Darshanshashtra has its goal to achieve the Moksha. Aastika and Nastika darshanshashtras have their influence on Ayurveda. The purpose of this paper is to know about the Buddhist councils along with at least appellations of the Buddhist literature. KEYWORDS: Buddhist, Ayurveda, Darshan, Councils (Shangati), Atharva Veda. INTRODUCTION The science of Ayurveda and its basic (lit.baskets); the Vinaya pitaka (the monastic concepts are based upon the Indian fundamental discipline), Shutta pitaka (the popular discourses), sciences which are called Darshan (a system of and Abhidhamma pitaka (a compendium of profound philosophy).[1] Six historical Dhamma councils or teachings elucidating the functioning and Dhamma-shangitis were organized to a mass and interrelationships of mind, mental factors, matter and preserve the words of the Buddha.
    [Show full text]