Questions & Answers in Buddhism Volume - II Radhika Abeysekera Questions & Answers in Buddhism Volume II For Chamal & Chayanika If you really love someone, help them to realize Nibbāna. Cover Design - That 2 Graphics, Manitoba, Canada When the Truth (Dhamma ) is disclosed its light shines the brightest. i Questions & Answers in Buddhism VOLUME II ______________________________________________________ One should not accept anything out of emotional faith: One should use one’s common sense and understanding before accepting anything. Gotama Buddha Majjima Nikāya II, 170 I gratefully acknowledge the Ottawa Buddhist Association Newsletter for providing this picture of the face of the Buddha Questions & Answers in Buddhism Volume - II Foreword t is a pleasure to read Mrs. Radhika Abeysekera’s second volume of Question and Answers in Buddhism. It brings to I mind her first book where she had discussed some essential questions that had arisen regarding the Buddha Dhamma. Most Buddhist are familiar with and understand the questions which were discussed by Venerable Nagasena Mahā Thera and King Milinda. These complex but enlightening questions were compiled under the title Milinda Panha, which means Quest of Milinda. From the time of the Buddha the question and answer format has been used for teaching the Buddha Dhamma. At the time of the Buddha, many people came to Him and asked various types of questions. In replying, the Buddha’s responses became known later as discourses. As such questions and answers have become a traditional way of teaching the Buddha Dhamma. Buddhism places a high priority on Dhamma discussion. It is also what the Buddha encourages in the Kalama Sutta. The Buddha declared that when the Dhamma is disclosed its light shines the brightest. When it is hidden as a secret it sheds no light (Vivato’va dhammo dippati, no paticchanno). What better way to disclose the Dhamma than by encouraging questions? Throughout the Tripitaka literature, it is clear that uncertain or doubtful concepts were well discussed by the Buddha as well as by latter commentators. In the canon, commentaries, and sub- commentaries known as tikas, there are abundant discussions. This tradition of discussion can also be seen historically throughout Sinhala writings on Buddhism. The intent is to clarify, verify and highlight the complex Dhamma points which are required for deeper understanding. For this reason Buddhists need not simply i rely on faith and belief. Their confidence in the Dhamma should be built upon analysis and understanding which in turn will affirm their confidence (Saddha) in the Buddha Dhamma. The more we have the mental factors of Saddha, (Saddha Cetasika) the higher will be the results of our good kamma. These results will bear fruit in this life as well as in future births in samsara. It is pleasing for me to see the attempts made by Mrs. Radhika Abeysekera to bring your attention to the Dhamma, to develop and strengthen your understanding of the Dhamma and to vitalize the wisdom of the Dhamma. This will bring greater happiness to all your wholesome kamma. It is also pleasing to see her untiring effort to develop your knowledge of the Dhamma. In spite of a busy schedule caring for her day-to-day responsibilities, she has found the time to fulfil this aspect of her Dhamma work. My wish is that she and her family will have the opportunity to continue and do more Dhamma work for all who are in need of the Dhamma. Their work will cause all of us to acquire more and more wholesome thoughts, words and deeds. In turn this will bring us closer to the happiness of Nibbāna. May all beings be well and happy! Kurunegoda Piyatissa (Nayaka Mahā Thera) New York Buddhist Vihara January 22, 2001 ii Questions & Answers in Buddhism Volume - II Preface his book is a continuation of the book Questions and Answers in Buddhism - Volume 1. As Students found T Volume I easy to understand, I decided to continue using the same format for Volume II. The questions contained in this book were taken from speaking engagements at Interfaith conferences, University seminars, and my Dhamma classes in Winnipeg. The questions and answers in Volume II are more advanced than in Volume I. As such this book is for an advanced student of the Dhamma. People often ask me how I find the time to teach and write books on Buddhism. I work full time as a Manager of Finance at the City of Winnipeg and have all the responsibilities of looking after two children and a household. Despite the fact that my husband and children help out, it is still a big commitment. The answer is very simple. I find the time because I believe in what I am doing and because the Dhamma gives me immense joy. Many of my research and rough notes have been done while waiting for my children at swimming, music, skating, badminton and gymnastic lessons. While other mother’s chat and socialize, I read and write on the Dhamma. I also often work through my lunch hours. However, they are correct in assuming that teaching the Dhamma is a difficult task. It is a difficult task because I am not an ordained nun who has given her life for the spiritual welfare of others. How do you help to pull some one else out of the mud when you yourself are stuck in the mud? I often reflect on the enormity of the task I have undertaken. The Buddha has made it clear that the best way to teach is through experience. Do I then qualify to teach when I myself have not experienced the Truth? Is it not like the blind leading the blind? iii As the twenty-first century dawns over Winnipeg, Manitoba we are still without the Sangha. And I know that in many Western Cities, others face the same dilemma. Is the preservation of the Dhamma the sole responsibility of ordained monks and nuns? I do not think so. I feel that the time has come when lay devotees have to teach in order to ensure the preservation of the Dhamma. We each have to do our part for the wellbeing of the next generation. And if the determination and energy is present it can be done. This is my sixth publication. I now teach every other Sunday (we alternate with meditation classes) and often am the guest speaker at the religion class at the two major Universities in Manitoba. When I started ten years ago, having attended a Christian School, I will truthfully say that I did not know the Dhamma. Looking back I am happy that I had the courage to start. I began by buying books on the Dhamma, which was the only way I could learn. With the help of my private library of over 400 Dhamma books and tapes, and the help of many people I have overcome my initial doubts. One day the Buddha approached his personal attendant and said: “Truly Ānanda, it is not easy to teach Dhamma to others. In teaching the Dhamma to others, establish well five things, and then teach. What five? Teach Dhamma to others thinking, · I will teach Dhamma in a gradual way · I will teach with the goal (Nibbāna) in mind · I will teach with kindness and compassion · I will not teach as a means of gain · I will not teach so as to harm any body (teach only to enlighten) For truly Ānanda it is not easy to teach Dhamma to others. So in teaching Dhamma to others establish well these five.” Anguttara Nikāya III: 183 iv I have established well the Buddha’s advice to Ānanda. And every time I have doubts or face challengers I think of the alternative. A barren land without the Dhamma. I now encourage the Buddhist laity in all Western countries to take the challenge. Our children need your involvement in the Dhamma. If you do not get involved, who will? I have received many e-mails and phone calls from concerned parents in the West. The books you require are now available on the Internet. The Buddhasasana web site, Pariyatti web site and the access to insight web site, which houses some of the tripitaka, (http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/) are but a few of the excellent sites that are available. My books too are available on the Internet. Almost everything I have taught my students are contained in these books. I just start the lesson with a story from the Jataka or the Dhammapada, to make it more interesting for the class, and then draw them into the Dhamma with a lesson from one of my books. If the lesson is complex I cover it over two or more days. I then enhance their knowledge with practice by encouraging the students in charitable events organized by the community, the practice of compassion in their daily life, and meditation. The alternative is a generation of Buddhist children growing up without the Dhamma. Parents and elders should first establish the Dhamma in themselves for one can not give to one’s child what one does not possess. Start gradually. Work together with your community and give the gift of Dhamma that surpasses all gifts to the next generation. As in the past many people have helped with this publication. Venerable Piyatissa, Nayaka Maha Thera of the New York Buddhist Vihara, has written the foreword and reviewed the book for accuracy. His encouragement, patience and quiet strength are a constant source of inspiration in my work. He has worked tirelessly in New York and in other areas of North America to preserve the Dhamma for future generations.