"Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammasambuddhassa"
"Veneration to the Exalted One, the Homage Worthy, the Perfectly Self-Enlightened"
(Dhammapada, 115) Better it is to live one day seeing the Supreme Truth
than to live a hundred years without ever seeing the Supreme Truth.
In Buddhism there are no dogmas or beliefs that one has to accept on blind faith without question
Buddhas
arise in the world once in a very long time, at a time when the world is plunged
in the darkness of ignorance of the Reality or Truth of existence.
Self-enlightened by their own ardent efforts, they bring the light of
knowledge to the world. A Buddha is
one who is ‘awakened’ or ‘enlightened’ to the Truth concerning the
universe. Although born as a human
being, after his enlightenment a Buddha cannot be considered as a human,
heavenly being or any type of being. This
is because he has totally relinquished the ego or Self
[1] which all beings cling to. His
state surpasses all beings in the universe.
Pope John Paul's papacy has not been without conflict. Buddhist priests boycotted a trip to Sri Lanka after he described their religion as a largely "atheistic system." After the visit the Pope tried to make amends, by declaring he had "profound respect and sincere esteem" for Buddhism, but the tensions still persisted. http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/1999/pope/bio/papal/
Verse 183. Not to do evil, to cultivate merit, to purify one's (NOT BY OTHERS) mind—this is the Teaching of the Buddhas.
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/buddhism/verses.htm
Association of TAO & TAOISM
The
Basic Method Of Meditation
Ajahn Brahmavamso (Dec 1997)
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Using
Meditation To Deal With Pain, Illness And Death
Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1993 from talk)
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May All Beings Be Well & Happy!
This site is created on 26th May 2003, due to many people lack of understanding in Buddhism.
May the Buddha Sasana endure.
http://Dhammapada.Buddhistnetwork.com
Join this group for future update news:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dhammaduta_Unit/
Buddhist Missionary Society
Buddhist Maha Vihara
123, Jalan Berhala
50470 Kuala lumpur
Malaysia
BUDDHA SASANA ONLINE
Respect the Vinaya, and follow the Original Way - HEED
THE RIGHT PATH
http://www.buddhasasana.net/index.htm
The Patimokkha The Bhikkhus' Code of Discipline http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dhammaduta_Unit/links
Ani Sutta (SN
XX.7) -- The Peg
Be careful: there are many popular teachings nowadays
that may sound elegant and pleasing to the ear, but they're not necessarily the
Buddha's teachings.
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/sutta/samyutta/sn20-007.html
Gotami Sutta (AN VIII.53) -- To Gotami The Buddha explains to Mahapajapati Gotami (his aunt) how to recognize authentic teachings of Dhamma. You may definitely hold, 'This is not the Dhamma, this is not the Vinaya, this is not the Teacher's instruction.'
BUDDHIST POINTS MISUNDERSTOOD http://www.metta.lk/english/buddhist-points.htm
By Ven. D. Mahinda Thera (Sri Lanka)
Buddhism is not based on blind faith or superstition. It is based on reality. This is known as the four noble truths. When one's mind is full of superstitious ideas, such a one cannot understand the Buddha's teaching. Most Buddhists who live in the West as well as in the East, do not get an opportunity to read the Tipitaka (Pali Canon). They do not listen to the Dhamma either. Hence they are unable to live up to the Dhamma. This will result in their not understanding the doctrine. They waste their precious time thinking of the past and the future. When they live in this manner they do not know that such thoughts are harmful to both themselves and to others. The Supreme Buddha advised them, "Do not repent over the past: Do not think of the future: but do your duties with diligence by doing what you have to do at present."
Good Question, Good Answer By Bhikkhu Shravasti Dhammika
http://buddhistinformation.com/good_question,_good_answer.htm
Theravada - Mahayana Buddhism
Buddhist Missionary Society, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 1996
http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma3/theramaya.html
BUDDHA SASANA ONLINE
Respect the Vinaya, and follow the Original Way - HEED
THE RIGHT PATH
http://www.buddhasasana.net/index.htm
NIBBANA FOR EVERYONE
By Buddhadasa Bhikkhu http://buddhistinformation.com/nibbana_for_everyone_a_truth_mes.htm
In fact, without this business of nibbána, Buddhism would be as good as dead.
When nobody is interested in nibbána, then nobody is genuinely interested in
Buddhism. When nothing about nibbána interests us, then we can't get any
benefits at all from Buddhism. I feel that it's about time for us to get
interested and bring about the highest benefit, as fits the words, "Nibbána
is the Supreme Thing"--namely, the highest goal of living things, which is
involved with our daily life at all times. Nibbána has nothing in the least to
do with death! The word "nibbána" means, "cool." Back when
it was just an ordinary word which people used in their homes it also meant,
"cool." When it is used as Dhamma language, in a religious context, it
still means "cool," but refers to cool from the fires of defilement (kilesa),
while in the common people's usage it means cool from physical fires.
Throughout the Pali scriptures, the word "nibbána" is never used in the sense of death. When death is discussed, the word "marana" is used. Otherwise, the word "parinibbána" is used, such as when the Buddha said, "The parinibbána will occur three months from now.
Buddhism and The Free Thinkers http://www.mahindarama.com/e-library/freethinkers.htm
http://buddhistinformation.com/buddhism_and_the_free_thinkers.htm
the Buddha said, "Monks, now you and I are free from human and divine bondages".
What are these bondages? They are various kinds of beliefs, cravings, attachments, concepts, traditions and customs created in the name of religion by exploiting fear and suspicion.
The Buddha says, "Do not accept anything through mere faith because it will make it difficult for you to understand the truth, because that faith can make you a blind follower.
... The Buddha did not claim that he is the only true religious teacher and if one came and worshipped and prayed to him, one would be saved, one’s sins would be forgiven, one would end up in heaven or nirvana after death. He also never suggested that we should disrespect other religious teachers. ü He said, "respect those who are worthy of respect".
... the Buddha says, "Accept the truth whenever it is available. Support everybody irrespective of their religions".
It is wrong to blindfold and mislead innocent people. By creating discrimination they propagate very unhealthy ideas in the name of religion. Because of that, many people have come to regard religion as a nuisance. Goodwill, unity, harmony and rela-tionships amongst humanity is destroyed due to such hostile attitudes. Sometimes, members of the same family are divided into different groups through the influence of such religious attitude.
Kàlàma Sutta
Kalama Sutta: The Buddha's Charter of Free Inquiry
The followers of the Buddha were advised not to believe anything without considering it properly. In the Kalama Sutta,the Buddha gave the following guidelines to a group of young people:
'Do
not accept anything based upon mere reports,traditions or hearsay,
Nor upon the authority of religious texts,
Nor upon mere reasons and arguments,
Nor upon one's own inference,
Nor upon anything which appears to be true,
Nor upon one's own speculative opinion,
Nor upon another's seeming ability,
Nor upon the consideration: 'This is our Teacher.'
'But, when you know for yourselves the certain things are unwholesome and bad:
tending to harm yourself or others, reject them.
'And when you know for yourselves that certain things are wholesome
and good:
conducive to the spiritual welfare of yourself as well as others, accept and
follow them.'
Buddhists are advised to accept religious practices only after careful observation and analysis, and only after being certain that the method agrees with reason and is conducive to the good of one and all.
A true Buddhist does not depend on external powers for his salvation. Nor does he expect to get rid of miseries through the intervention of some unknown power. He must try to eradicate all his mental impurities to find eternal Happiness. The Buddha says, 'If anyone were to speak ill of me, my teaching and my disciples, do not be upset or perturbed, for this kind of reaction will only cause you harm. On the other hand, if anyone were to speak well of me, my teaching and my disciples, do not be over-joyed, thrilled or elated, for this kind of reaction will only be an obstacle in forming a correct judgment. If you are elated, you cannot judge whether the qualities praised are real and actually found in us.' -- (Brahma Jala Sutta). Such is the unbiased attitude of a genuine Buddhist.
The Buddha had upheld the highest degree of freedom not only in its human essence but also in its divine qualities. It is a freedom that does not deprive man of his dignity. It is a freedom that releases one from slavery to dogmas and dictatorial religious laws or religious punishments.
What Buddhists Believe — Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda.
http://www.saigon.com/~anson/ebud/ebidx.htm http://www.budsas.org/ebud/whatbudbeliev/main.htm
http://www.tipitaka.net/ebooks/pageload.php?book=0004
This expanded 4th edition of "What Buddhists Believe" answers many questions which are asked about Buddhism by Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. There are so many misconceptions regarding superstitions and misinterpretations which are associated with this noble religion that it has become imperative to explain the Teachings in a manner which has contemporary relevance.
|
PART I Chapter 1. Life and Nature of the Buddha Gautama,
the Buddha 'Understood are the things to be understood, Never had the Buddha claimed that He was the son or a messenger of God.
Chapter 2. His Message Message
for All Chapter 3. After the Buddha Does
the Buddha Exist After His Death? PART II Chapter 4. Timeless Truth of the Buddha The
Lion's Roar Chapter 5. Basic Doctrines Tri-Pitaka
(or Tipitaka) Why are we here? Why are we not happy with our lives? What is the cause of our unsatisfactoriness? How can we see the end of unsatisfactoriness and experience eternal peace?
Unsatisfied desire for existence and sensual pleasures is the
cause of rebirth. Nibbana is not nothingness or extinction. Would the Buddha leave his family and kingdom and preach for 45 years, all for nothingness? Nibbana is not a paradise. Several centuries after the Buddha, some of the Buddhist sects began to introduce Nibbana as a paradise. Their purpose of equating Nibbana with a heavenly world was to convince the less-intellectually-gifted and to attract them to the teachings of the sect. Striving for Nibbana came to mean looking for a nice place where everything is beautiful and where everyone is eternally happy. This might be a very comfortable folktale, but it is not the Nibbana that the Buddha experienced and introduced. The Buddha has often expressed His experience of Enlightenment in one
of two ways, either in terms of having understood the Four Noble Truths,
or in terms of having understood the nature of the dependent
origination. Chapter 6. Buddhism Vis-A-Vis Other Approaches Is
Buddhism Similar to Other Contemporary Teachings in India? PART III Chapter 7. Moral Foundation For Mankind What
is the Purpose of Life? Chapter 8. Buddhist Morality and Practice Buddhist
Ethics You perform real charity if you can give freely without expecting
anything in return. 'If a person foolishly does me wrong, I will return to him the
protection of my boundless love. The more evil that comes from him the
more good will go from me. I will always give off only the fragrance of
goodness.' (Buddha). A real Buddhist funeral is a simple, solemn and dignified religious service. Many people believe that if the deceased is not given a proper burial or if a sanctified tombstone is not placed on the grave, then the soul of the deceased will wander to the four corners of the world and weep and wail and sometimes even return to disturb the relatives. Such a belief cannot be found anywhere in Buddhism. |
Chapter 9. Dhamma and Ourselves as Refuge Why We Take Refuge in the Buddha Buddhists take refuge in the Buddha not out of fear of Him, but to
gain inspiration and right understanding for their self-purification. Chapter 10. Prayer, Meditation and Religious Practices Faith, Confidence and Devotion Right understanding points the way to confidence; confidence paves
the way to wisdom. Nature is impartial; it cannot be flattered by prayers. It does
not grant any special favours on request. Meditation is the psychological approach to mental culture,
training and purification. Paritta chanting is the recital of some of the Sutras uttered by
the Buddha in the Pali language for the blessing and protection of the
devotees. Buddhists are not idol worshippers but ideal worshippers. One should not judge the purity or impurity of man simply by
observing what he eats. PART IV Chapter 11. Life and Culture Traditions, Customs and Festivals Buddhism is open to traditions and customs provided they are not harmful to the welfare of others. A female child may prove even to be a better offspring than a
male. The Buddha had gone beyond all worldly affairs, but still gave advice on good government. Chapter 12. Marriage, Birth Control and Death In Buddhism, marriage is regarded as entirely a personal,
individual concern and not as a religious duty. PART V Chapter 13. Nature, Value and Choice of Religious Beliefs Man
and Religion Chapter 14. Promoter of True Human Culture Modern
Religion Albert Einstein paid a tribute to Buddhism when he said in his autobiography: 'If there is any religion that would cope with modern scientific needs, it would be Buddhism'. Buddhism requires no revision to keep it 'up to date' with recent scientific findings. Buddhism need not surrender its views to science because it embraces science as well as goes beyond science. Buddhism is the bridge between religious and scientific thoughts by stimulating man to discover the latent potentialities within himself and his environment. Buddhism is timeless!
'Go forth, O Bhikkhus, for the good of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the good, benefit, and happiness of gods andmen.' (TheBuddha) Chapter 15. War and Peace Peace cannot exits on this earth without the practice of tolerance.
To be tolerant, we must not allow anger and jealousy to prevail in our
mind. The Buddha says,'No enemy can harm one so much as one's own
thoughts of craving, hate and jealousy.' (Dhammapada 42) The difference between a dog fight and a war or between two groups
of people is only in its organization. 'He who deserves punishment must be punished. And he who is worthy of favor must be favored. Do not do injury to any living being but be just, filled with love and kindness.' These injunctions are not contradictory because the person who is punished for his crimes will suffer his injury not through the ill-will of the judge but through the evil act itself. His own acts have brought upon him the injury that the executors of the law inflict. When a magistrate punishes, he must not harbor hatred in his heart. There is no justice in war or violence. When we declare war, we
justify it, when others declare war, we say, it is unjust. Then who can
justify war? Man should not follow the law of the jungle to overcome
human problems. PART VI Chapter 16. Realms of Existence The
Origin of the World Chapter 17. Divination and Dreams Astrology
and Astronomy Hard work is the luckiest star. 'Life is nothing but a dream.' |
Why Buddhism? http://buddhistinformation.com/why_buddhism.htm
http://www.mahindarama.com/e-library/whybuddhism1.html
~ Ven K. Sri Dhammananda Nayake Maha Thera ~
Human Life and Problems http://buddhistinformation.com/human_life_and_problems.htm
As human beings we have achieved a level of material progress we would not have even dreamed of barely a century ago. The marvels of modern technology have given us enormous power over the forces of nature. We have conquered many disasters but the ultimate question is: 'Are we happier than our ancestors were in the past?' The answer is: 'No'.
The abuse of women, children and the underprivileged religious and racial discrimination, color bar, and caste distinction continue on unabated.
It was the full moon day in the month of July. At the deer park in Isipatana, the Buddha delivered His first sermon after enlightenment. Dhammachakka is the name given to His first sermon. The meaning of Dhammachakka is "The establishment of wisdom". However, it is often referred to as the "Wheel of truth". After hearing it His friend Kondanna reached the first stage of spiritual development known as Sotaapatti (reborn seven times at the most)..
The Dhammachakka sutta is very important, as in this first sermon the Buddha taught us about the Four Noble Truths and the Middle Path.
Vihara Buddha Gotama http://vbgnet.org/vbgnet/index.asp Chinese
Refuge only in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha
Liberation - Relevance of Sutta-Vinaya
http://vbgnet.org/vbgnet/resource/articles/art8.asp http://buddhistinformation.com/liberation.htm
In the Suttas, the Buddha referred to a monk as a kalyanamitta (good friend). A monk is a good friend who introduces you to the Buddha’s teachings and encourages you in the spiritual path. It is you, however, who have to take the three refuges (i.e. dependence) in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. But nowadays, some people have added a fourth refuge (i.e. refuge in a monk or a teacher) which contradicts the Buddha’s teachings. This is made very clear in the Suttas.
BUDDHISM IN A NUTSHELL
http://buddhistinformation.com/buddhism_in_a_nutshell.htm http://www.saigon.com/~anson/ebud/nutshell/nshell00.htm http://www.budsas.org/ebud/nutshell/nshell00.htm
by Ven Narada Thera
This is a classic on the basics of Buddhism by the late Ven. Narada Thera: The Story of the Buddha; The Teachings (Dhamma) is it a philosophy? Is Buddhism a religion? Is Buddhism as Ethical system? Some salient features of Buddhism. Karma or the Law of Moral Causation. Rebirth. Dependent Arising (Paticca Samuppada). Anatta or Soul-lessness. Nibanna and The Path to Nibbana.
http://www.saigon.com/~anson/ebud/ebidx.htm http://www.budsas.org/ebud/nutshell/nshell00.htm
http://www.mahindarama.com/e-library/nutshell.htm
A Buddhist does not
seek refuge in the Buddha with the hope that he will be
saved by the Buddha's personal purification. The Buddha gives no such
guarantee. It is not within the power of a Buddha to wash away the
impurities of others. One could neither purify nor defile another.
In Buddhism, there is
not, as in most other religions, an Almighty God to be
obeyed and feared. The Buddha does not believe in a cosmic potentate,
omniscient and omni-present. In Buddhism there are no divine revelations or
divine messengers. A Buddhist is, therefore, not
subservient to any higher
supernatural power which controls his destinies and which arbitrarily
rewards and punishes.
Jivaka Sutta (AN VIII.26) -- To Jivaka (On Being a Lay
Follower)
The Buddha explains how a lay follower can best work
for the welfare of others.
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/sutta/anguttara/an08-026.html
Three months before His passing away the Buddha addressed His disciples and said: 'I have delivered sermons to you during these forty-five years. You must learn them well and treasure them. You must practise them and teach them to others. This will be of great use for the welfare of the living and for the welfare of those who come after you'.
Four Types People http://www.btinternet.com/~maunglwin/articles/jatiladd.htm#6
"Four Types of People" as expounded by Lord Buddha
(1) To darkness from darkness.
(2) To brightness from darkness.
(3) To darkness from brightness.
(4) To brightness from brightness
"A person endowed with three things is to be recognized as a fool. Which three? Bodily misconduct, verbal misconduct, mental misconduct. A person endowed with these three things is to be recognized as a fool.
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/sutta/anguttara/an03-002.html
Who is the Buddha? http://www.saigon.com/~anson/ebud/ebdha065.htm http://www.budsas.org/ebud/ebdha065.htm
www.buddhistinformation.com/buddhism_in_a_nutshell.htm
Narada
Mahathera
("The Buddha and His Teachings")
According to the Buddha countless are the gods (Devas) who are also a class of beings subject to birth and death; but there is no one Supreme God, who controls the destinies of human beings and who possesses a divine power to appear on earth at different intervals, employing a human form as a vehicle.
Nor does the Buddha call Himself a "Saviour" who freely saves others by his personal salvation. The Buddha exhorts His followers to depend on themselves for their deliverance, since both defilement and purity depend on oneself. One cannot directly purify or defile another. Clarifying His relationship with His followers and emphasizing the importance of self- reliance and individual striving, the Buddha plainly states:
"You yourselves should make an exertion. The Tathagatas are only teachers."
"To depend on others for salvation is negative, but to depend on oneself is positive." Dependence on others means a surrender of one's effort."
"Be an island unto yourselves; be a refuge unto yourselves; seek no refuge in others."
The Buddha's Greatness
Born a man, living as a mortal, by His own exertion He attained the supreme state of perfection called Buddhahood, and without keeping His Enlightenment to Himself, He proclaimed to the world the latent possibilities and the invincible power of the human mind. Instead of placing an unseen Almighty God over man, and giving man a subservient position in relation to such a conception of divine power, He demonstrated how man could attain the highest knowledge and Supreme Enlightenment by his own efforts. He thus raised the worth of man. He taught that man can gain his deliverance from the ills of life and realize the eternal bliss of Nibbana without depending on an external God or mediating priests. He taught the egocentric, powerseeking world the noble ideal of selfless service. He protested against the evils of caste-system that hampered the progress of mankind and advocated equal opportunities for all. He declared that the gates of deliverance were open to all, in every condition of life, high or low, saint or sinner, who would care to turn a new leaf and aspire to perfection. He raised the status of down-trodden women, and not only brought them to a realization of their importance to society but also founded the first religious order for women. For the first time in the history of the world He attempted to abolish slavery. He banned the sacrifice of unfortunate animals and brought them within His compass of loving kindness.
He did not force His followers to be slaves either to His teachings or to Himself, but granted complete freedom of thought and admonished His followers to accept His words not merely out of regard for Him but after subjecting them to a thorough examination,
"... as the wise would test gold by burning, cutting, and rubbing it on a piece of touchstone."
Mahayana Sutra :
http://www.quangduc.net/English/Maha/index.html
THE REAL MEANING OF PURE LAND http://www.purifymind.com/drfu24.htm
PURE Land means No Land, and No Land means No Mind, No Mind means Pure Mind, when the mind is pure, the rebirth in pure land will be the next step.
THE real way of chanting the name of Buddha is to destroy the attachment or delusion first, then reaching the realm of chanting the name of Buddha of “without form or sign”. In this realm of “without form or sign”, the result of chanting the name of one Buddha equals the result of chanting the name of all Buddhas in ten directions(space) and three times(past, present, and future).
CHANTING the name of Buddha with “without form or sign”, one means all and all means one, one chanting means all chanting, chanting means no chanting and no chanting means chanting, to awaken to the truth with seeing or touching anything, this is the elevation of spirit of Samadhi (putting together, composing the mind, intent contemplation, perfect absorption, union of the meditator with the object of meditation).
DIAMOND Sutra says: {If they want to see me with form, or talk to me with sound, they are going the wrong way, and cannot see me (get enlightened)}. Therefore, the difference between Mahayana and Hinayana is the attachment. The practitioners of Pure Land should understand that we have to purify our mind with our own effort, Buddhas cannot destroy the attachment or delusion for us. We have to get rid of all kinds of delusion and attachment our selves, then the mind is pure and the land is pure, the utmostjoy is here.
The Buddha Sikyamoni once said "The repetition of the name Amitabha Buddha is meritorious only if thou speak it with such a devout attitude of mind as will cleanse thy heart and attune thy will to do works of righteousness."
HAPPINESS :
Verse 204. Health is the greatest gift, contentment is the greatest wealth, a trusted friend is the best relative, Nibbana is the greatest bliss.
MANGALA SUTTA VANANA http://www.mahindarama.com/e-library/mangalasutta1.html
What is Blessing; and what constitutes Blessing?
Controversial points were raised and expounded and yet still no decision could be reached. From the neighbourhood where it was first discussed, news of this controversy spread far and wide and yet no satisfactory answer could be obtained. This debate was carried even to the spiritual realm of Brahma. After debating for about twelve years, the deities at the Tavatimsa Heaven assembled one day and proposed to lay the matter before their King, Sakka Deva Raja, to get his views. In order to obtain the correct answer to this controversy, they were advised by him to seek Lord Buddha.
In His reply, the Lord Buddha expounded the “Mangala Sutta, and thus explained to them that the causes resulting in bliss are as follows:-
Buddhist Concept of Happiness : Bhante Henepola Gunaratana http://www.bhavanasociety.org/articles/bg004.htm
"Dice, women, liquor, dancing, singing, sleeping by day, sauntering at unseemly hours, evil companions, avarice -- these nine[5] causes ruin a man.
Thus spoke the Exalted One. And when the Master had thus spoken, he spoke yet again:
The friend who appropriates,
the friend who renders lip-service,
the friend that flatters,
the friend who brings ruin,
these four as enemies the wise behold,
avoid them from afar as paths of peril.
KAMMA & REBIRTH :
Vipaka Sutta (AN VIII.40) -- Results The Buddha describes the unpleasant consequences of not sticking to the precepts.
(*) Only we can help ourselves. http://vbgnet.org/vbgnet/resource/articles/art6.asp Bhikkhu Dhammavuddho
The Buddha's Words on Kamma Four Discourses of the Buddha from the Majjhima Nikaya
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/bps/wheels/wheel248.html
Subha Sutta http://www.budsas.org/ebud/majjhima/099-subha-e1.htm
Cula-kammavibhanga Sutta (MN 135) -- The Shorter Exposition of Kamma Why do some people live a long life, but others die young? Why are some people born poor, but others born rich? The Buddha explains how kamma accounts for a person's fortune or misfortune.
Saleyyaka Sutta (MN 41) -- The Brahmans of Sala The Buddha explains to a group of brahman householders how one's present actions -- by body, speech, and mind -- determine one's future fortune .... they said to the Blessed One: "Master Gotama, what is the reason, what is the condition, why some beings here, on the dissolution of the body, after death, reappear in states of deprivation, in an unhappy destination, in perdition, even in hell; and what is the reason, what is the condition, why some beings here, on the dissolution of the body, after death, reappear in a happy destination, even in the heavenly world?"
How To Get Good Results From Doing Merit http://www.mahindarama.com/e-library/goodresult1.html
before doing merit, one should have will and intention and feel happy with the merit we are going to do.
the intention-in-between.
The most important thing in doing merit is one’s will and intention. No matter how much the alms cost or how great in quality and quantity, the alms has to be morally pure, we must have good intentions, and the one who receives it has to be pure and have good intentions too. If all the three components are united correctly, then we will receive a great deal of merit. That means we always feel happy whenever thinking or talking about the alms giving we have done.
After that we should extend our good feelings, which means dedicating our merit and wishing all beings to be well and happy like we feel in that good experience.
Tibetan Book of the Dead http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dhammaduta_Unit/links/
Devaduta Sutta - Under World (130)-The Heavenly Messengers. http://www.saigon.com/~anson/ebud/majjhima/130-devaduta-e.htm
Dedication to our Departed Next-of-Kin http://www.mahindarama.com/e-library/tirokudda.htm
Tirokudda Sutta, Khuddaka Nikaya ~ Ven Indaratana Thera~
Important points on theTirokudda Sutta
1. People are born as petas due to evil
actions they have performed.
2. Only the petas who know that their condition can be solved by the
receiving of the dedication of merits to them, are able to begin to find a way
to solve their suffering. Merits (punna)
are the only things that departed next-of-kin petas can receive in order that
they can help themselves; not joss-sticks, sacrificial livestock, wine, chanting
of mantras, etc.
3. Petas are not spirits but are real
beings inhabiting one of the 31 planes of existence.
4. As the Ariya Sangha is the unsurpassable field of merit, the offering of
alms to the Buddha and his Sangha and the dedication of the merits therefrom to
the petas is the most effective way.
A Guide to a Proper Buddhist Funeral.- (zip file)987 KB http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/buddhist_funeral.pdf
- Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda
This is a hand book on Buddhist Funerals, with sections on practical advice as to what is to be done when a family member is critically ill; the final moments; when death takes place; preparing for the funeral; paying last respects; the final rites; verses for contemplation; the burial / cremation ceremony and the memorial service.
The Theravadin Buddhist Chinese Funeral —(zip file)1,026 KB Ven. Suvanno
http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/therachifuner.pdf
Generally, a Chinese funeral is a mixture of Taoist, Confucian and Buddhist rites. How then should a Theravadin Buddhist funeral be conducted? Venerable Suvanno, a respected and senior Theravadin Buddhist monk of Chinese descent explains how a Theravadin Buddhist Chinese funeral may be conducted.
"Our Real Home"
http://www.bodhinyanarama.net.nz/chah1.htm
by ven. Ajahn chah
"Our Real Home"
(A talk addressed to an ageing Lay-disciple approaching her death)
Now determine in your mind to listen with respect to the Dhamma.
During the time I am speaking, be as attentive to my words as if it
was the Lord Buddha himself sitting in front of you. Close your eyes
and make yourself comfortable, compose your mind and make it one-
pointed. Humbly allow the Triple Gem of wisdom, truth and purity to
abide in your heart as a way of showing respect to the Fully
Enlightened One.
The 31 Planes of Existence -Ven.
Suvanno Mahathera
The suttas describe the 31distinct "planes"
or "realms" of existence into which beings can be reborn during their
long wanderings through samsara. These range from the extraordinarily dark,
grim, and painful hell realms all the way up to the most sublime, refined and
exquisitely blissful heavenly realms. Existence in every realm is impermanent;
in the cosmology taught by the Buddha there is no eternal heaven or hell. Beings
are born into a particular realm according to both their past kamma and their
kamma at the moment of death.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dhammaduta_Unit/links
Five Vision of a Dying Man - Bodhi Leaves No. 150 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dhammaduta_Unit/links
Crossing the Gate of Death in Chinese Buddhist Culture http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dhammaduta_Unit/links
The Merit of Practice in a Cemetery http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dhammaduta_Unit/links
GIVING (DANA) By Bhikkhu Visuddhacara http://buddhistinformation.com/giving.htm
It occupies an important part in the Buddha's teaching, which is often formulated under three headings - Dana, síla, bhávaná (giving, morality, meditation or mental cultivation). That Dana is one heading underscores its importance. Buddhists should take heed and cultivate a good spirit of Dana.
The quotations in this collection have been taken from Bodhinayana, A Taste of Freedom, A Still Forest Pool, Samadhi Bhavana, Seeing the Way, Living Dhamma, Food for the Heart, and Venerable Father, A Life with Ajahn Chah. Some quotations come from a personal collection hitherto unpublished.
The Buddha wanted us to contact the Dhamma, but people only contact the words, the books and the scriptures. That is contacting that which is “about” Dhamma, and not contacting the “real” Dhamma as taught by our Great Teacher. How can people say that they are practicing well and properly if they only do that? They are a long way off.
A
directory to the communities of Venerable Ajahn Chah & disciples
- Ajahn Sumedho, Tiradhammo, Viradhammo, Pasanno,
Brahmavamso, Gavesako, Sucitto, Munindo, Amaro, Jayasaro, Vajiro, Sundara,
Candasiri, Jitindriya
There are many pressures in the world today to modify the Teachings of the Buddha. The Buddha foresaw that this would happen and warned his disciples to be careful to maintain the practice just as he had taught them. Ven. Maha-Kassapa convened the First Buddhist Council shortly after the Buddha's demise in order to rehearse the Teachings. The Sangha has kept these Teachings intact over the centuries, and the Sixth Buddhist Council, held in Burma in 1954-1956, was the most recent effort to make sure the three collections of texts (Tripitaka) are kept pure.
Suttanta
Pitaka
Chiggala Sutta (SN LVI.48) -- The Hole Here is the Buddha's famous simile of the blind sea-turtle, illustrating the precious rarity of this human birth.
Vera Sutta (AN X.92) -- Animosity What it takes for a lay person to become a stream-winner.
Ratthapala Sutta (MN 82) -- About Ratthapala In this excerpt, Ratthapala recalls four observations about the world that prompted him, as a healthy and wealthy young man, to leave the household life and become a monk.
Saccavibhanga Sutta (MN 141) -- Discourse on The Analysis of the Truths Ven. Sariputta gives a detailed explanation of the Four Noble Truths.
Sammaditthi Sutta (MN 9) -- The Discourse on Right View A long and important discourse by Ven. Sariputta, with separate sections on the wholesome and the unwholesome, nutriment, the Four Noble Truths, the twelve factors of dependent origination, and the taints. [BB]
This is the
second division of the Buddhist Tipitaka, consist of more than 10,000
collections
of all the discourses delivered by the Buddha
on various occasions.
The discourses
were expounded to suit different occasions,
for various persons with different temperaments.
It is not only
meant for the spiritual progress of the bhikkhus,
it also deal with the material and moral progress
of the lay disciples.
Khuddaka Nikaya
Translated by
Daw Mya Tin, M.A.,
Burma Pitaka Association (1986)
Buddha's Teachings with appropriate similes
and real life stories, translated and edited
by the Burma Pitaka Association.
http://oocities.com/dhammapada2all/dhammapada1.html
THE DHAMMAPADA STORIES - Part 2 of 2 (Chapter XIV - XXVI ) (407kb)
http://oocities.com/dhammapada2all/dhammapada2.html
Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A.,
1986
Weekly Online Version: Dhammapada Online
(3,839KB) Treasury of Truth - Dhammapada (Text Version) — Ven. W. Sarada Maha Thero.
http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/dhammapadatxt1.pdf
To view eBooks download »» Acrobat Reader version 6.
This work lends itself readily to an in-depth study of this religious classic of mankind, to the great delight of both the scholar and the student. This PDF file is the text version only of the Illustrated Dhammapada by Ven. Sarada Maha Thero. The Pali text has explanatory translation of the verses with commentary in English.
(Dhammapada, 190-191.) He who has gone for refuge to the Buddha, the Teaching and his Order, penetrates with transcendental wisdom the Four Noble Truths -- suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the Noble Eightfold Path leading to the cessation of suffering. [16]
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/buddhism/verses.htm
An Outline of the
teachings of the
Buddha in the words of
the Pali canon.
The Noble Eightfold Path: The Way to the End of Suffering
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/bps/misc/waytoend.html
http://www.budsas.org/ebud/bd8p/bd8p_00.htm
by Bhikkhu Bodhi (1994; first
published in 1984 as WH 308/311; 238k/79pp)
Using simple and clear language, the author presents a concise yet
thorough explanation of the Eightfold Path, the practical method the Buddha
prescribed to uproot and eliminate the underlying causes of suffering. Basing
himself solidly upon the Buddha's own words,
the author examines each factor of the path to determine exactly what it implies
in the way of practical training. Finally, in the concluding chapter, he shows
how all eight factors of the path function together to bring about the
realization of the Buddhist goal: enlightenment and liberation.
The Middle Path is what the Buddha followed to attain enlightenment. This Middle Path that leads to the end of suffering is comprised of the Noble Eightfold Path - namely:
1. Right Understanding
2. Right Thinking
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration
Stream entry is the first of the four levels of Awakening. It gains its name from the fact that a person who has attained this level has entered the "stream" that flows inevitably to nibbana. He/she is guaranteed to achieve full Awakening within seven lifetimes at most, and in the interim will not be reborn in any of the lower realms.
186-187. There is no satisfying sensual desires, even with the rain of gold coins. For sensual pleasures give little satisfaction and much pain. Having understood this, the wise man finds no delight even in heavenly pleasures. The disciple of the Supreme Buddha delights in the destruction of craving.
The Five Mental Hindrances http://buddhistinformation.com/five_mental_hindrances_and_their.htm
Compiled and Translated by Ñanamoli Thera As Taught by the Buddha in the Pali Canon
Lay Buddhist Practice http://buddhistinformation.com/lay_buddhist_practice.htm
In the following pages I have tried to write about those things that a lay Buddhist can do even though his home is far away from Buddhist lands, or even from Buddhist temples and societies. I have had to consider the various daily and periodic events of the Buddhist calendar and retain here only those items which can be practiced by lay Buddhists without access to Bhikkhus, monasteries, temples, stupas, and so on. Out of the rich traditions found in Buddhist countries, only three subjects have been dealt with: the daily service chanted in homage of the Three Treasures with some recollections and meditation; the Uposatha days with the Eight Precepts; and the Rains-residence of three months. Most has been here about the first of these as it is very important to have some regular daily Dhamma-practice.
Even where isolated Buddhists are fortunate enough to be near some Buddhist center, they will still benefit from these Buddhist practices, all of which are based on similar methods used in the East.
Bhikkhu Khantipalo Sydney, Australia
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dhammaduta_Unit/links/ :
Abhidhamma
Abhidhamma is the Higher Teaching of the Buddha.
A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada or The Doctrine of Dependent Origination By Mahasi Sayadaw
Lord Buddha's Disciples http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dhammaduta_Unit/links/
(The Life of) Maha-Moggallana,
A biography of the Buddha's second chief disciple,
whom the Buddha praised for his supranormal knowledge and psychic powers.
Buddha's Constant Companion - Ven. Ananda
In this life of the Buddha's personal attendant,
Venerable Ananda, we see that in his character and outlook, Ananda was
touchingly and movingly human. This was partly because of his simple and
charming behaviour, and his ever-present readiness to help anyone who was in
distress or difficulty. In spite of his administrative and organisational
responsibilities as the Buddha's attendant, Ananda displayed a deep
intellectuality and a profound grasp of abstruse philosophic concepts.
Maha Kaccana: Master of Doctrinal Exposition
The Venerable Maha Kaccana was one of the foremost
disciples of the Buddha, appointed by the Awakened One as the monk most skilled
in explaining in detail the meaning of his own brief utterances. Often the other
monks turned to Maha Kaccana for help in clarifying the meaning of the Buddha's
condensed statements, and thus we find in the Pali Canon a sheaf of suttas, all
of great importance, spoken by this eminent disciple. [This book] offers a short
biographical sketch of the Venerable Maha Kaccana, followed by a more detailed
survey of the discourses ascribed to him in the Pali Canon. These texts, always
methodically refined and analytically precise, help to bring to light the
far-ranging implications and profound relevance of the liberating teachings of
the Buddha.
Maha Kassapa: Father of the Sangha,
Biography of the Buddha's disciple best known for his
meditative powers.
The Life of Sariputta
A biography of the "Marshal of the Dhamma,"
the Buddha's chief disciple, whom the Buddha praised for his deep wisdom,
humility, patience, and forbearance.
The Coming Buddha - The Bodhisattva Maitreya
By Sayagyi U Chit Tin http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dhammaduta_Unit/links/
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahatto Sammasambuddhassa
(Buddha Gotama predicted as follows:)
In the future (ten) Bodhisattvas will attain full awakening in the following order: the most honorable (Ariya)Maitreya,(King) Rama, (King) Pasenadi of Kosala, (the Deva)Abhibhu,(the Asura Deva) Dighasoni, (the Brahman) Candani, (the youngman) Subha, the Brahman Todeyya, (the elephant)Nalagiri,and (the elephant) Palaleya.[11]
MEDITATION :
(Dhammapada, 276.) You yourselves must strive; the Buddhas only point the way. Those meditative ones who tread the path are released from the bonds of Mara.
The Basic Method of Meditation ~ Ajahn Brahmavamso ~
http://www.mahindarama.com/e-library/basicofmedi.htm#Basic
By Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
Sometimes the practice of Insight meditation may be interpreted to be a kind
of practice which makes the meditator a heartless or indifferent being, like a
vegetable without any love and compassion for other living beings.We must
remember, however, that the Buddha has strongly advised us to cultivate four
sublime states of mind: loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy and
equanimity.
Loving-kindness meditation or Metta Bhavana http://www.buddhanet.net/metta_b.htm Venerable Sujiva
Practical Vipassana Meditation, (zip file)-153 KB by Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw
Satipatthana Vipassana: Insight Through Mindfulness, by Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/bps/wheels/wheel370.html
The Jhanas in Theravada Buddhist Meditation, by Mahathera Henepola Gunaratana
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/bps/wheels/wheel351.html
Verse 282. Indeed, wisdom is born of meditation; without meditation wisdom is lost. Knowing this twofold path of gain and loss of wisdom, one should conduct oneself so that wisdom may increase.
Verse 32. A bhikkhu who takes delight in mindfulness and sees danger in negligence will not fall away*; he is, indeed, very close to Nibbana.
Using Meditation To Deal With Pain, Illness And Death
Silavant Sutta (SN XXII.122) -- Virtuous Ven. Sariputta explains how every meditator, from beginner to arahant, should contemplate the five aggregates (khandha).
Practical Advice for Meditator’s By Bhikkhu Khantipalo http://buddhistinformation.com/practical_advice_for_meditator.htm
Recommended Links :
Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dhammaduta_Unit/
Buddhist Missionary Society
Buddhist Maha Vihara
123, Jalan Berhala
50470 KUALA LUMPUR
Malaysia
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/
http://www.tipitaka.net/ebooks/
http://www.budsas.org/ebud/ebidx.htm http://www.saigon.com/~anson/
http://buddhistinformation.com/books.htm
Forest Sangha A directory to the communities of disciples of the Venerable Ajahn Chah
BuddhaSasana Binh Anson's Buddhist Home Page.
BuddhaNet General Buddhist Resources.
Tipitaka · The Teachings of Gotama Buddha preserved over 25 centuries as Canonical Pali Literature http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Tipitaka
Buddha Gotama http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Buddha/
Buddhism News - Review http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddhism_News_and_Review/
Sangha Online - Q&A http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SanghaOnline/
THE CHRONICLE OF BUDDHA GOTAMA http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Buddha/
Buddhist Mahayana Texts http://buddhistinformation.com/buddhist_mahayana_texts.htm
Manual of Zen Buddhism By Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki http://buddhistinformation.com/manual_of_zen_buddhism.htm
The
Lotus Sutra
Translated by Burton Watson
http://www.quangduc.net/English/Maha/lotus00.html
Sutta & Sutra http://www.urbandharma.org/sutta.html
dhammatimes.com
http://www.dhammatimes.com/
The Dhamma Times is a daily cyber publication of global Buddhist news and
happenings. Using the internet as a medium, it aims to create awareness of
Buddhist related reports and further into propagating the Dhamma through
publishing good Buddhist articles.
Buddhists 'really are happier' http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3047291.stm
Scientists say they have evidence to show that Buddhists really are happier and calmer than other people. Tests carried out in the United States reveal that areas of their brain associated with good mood and positive feelings are more active.
Metta in the Buddha's teaching finds its place as the first of four kinds of contemplation designed to develop a sound pacific relationship to other living beings. The four are: metta, which will be rendered henceforward by "loving-kindness," karuna, which is "compassion" or "pity," mudita which is "gladness at others' success," and upekkha, which is "onlooking equanimity." These four are called Divine Abidings (brahma-vihara), perhaps because whoever can maintain any one of them in being for even a moment has lived for that moment as do the Highest Gods (the Brahma Deva).
From the Anguttara Nikaya, 5:161 (spoken by the Buddha)
The
Four Sublime States http://www.mahindarama.com/e-library/4sublimestate.html
Contemplation on Love, Compassion, Sympathetic Joy and
Equanimity
~ Ven Nyanaponika Thera ~
Crossing the Threshold of Hope. http://www.zipworld.com.au/~lyallg/PopeNose.htm
(The Pope's View of Buddhism) ( By Pope John Paul II )
On Wednesday, 18th of January, 1995, Pope John Paul II arrived in Sydney and attended an Interfaith Gathering in the Sydney Domain.
In Eastern Asia these classic texts of Saint John of the Cross have been, at times, interpreted as a confirmation of Eastern ascetic methods. But this Doctor of the Church does not merely propose detachment from the world. He proposes detachment from the world in order to unite oneself to that which is outside of the world - by this I do not mean nirvana, but a personal God. Union with Him comes about not only through purification, but through love.
..... For this reason it is not inappropriate to caution those Christians who enthusiastically welcome certain ideas originating in the religious traditions of the Far East - for example, techniques and methods of meditation and ascetical practice. .... Here we find a clear answer to the question "whether and how" (Christian prayer) can be enriched by methods of meditation originating in different religions and cultures.
Man who achieved a great victory
One of the first scholars to begin the work of translating the Pali Literature into English, was the son of a well-known clergyman. His object in undertaking the work was to prove the superiority of Christianity over Buddhism. He failed in this task but he achieved a greater victory than he expected. He became a Buddhist. We must never forget the happy chance which prompted him to undertake this work and thereby make the precious Dhamma available to thousands in the West. The name of this great scholar was Dr.Rhys Davids.
Gods need salvation
For the first time in human history the Buddha admonished, entreated and
appealed to people not to hurt a living being, not to offer prayer or praise or
sacrifice to gods. With all the eloquence at his command the exalted one
vehemently proclaimed that gods are also in dire need of salvation themselves.
-- Prof. Rhys Davids
Nothing to surpass
Buddhism
Buddhist or not Buddhist, I have examined every one of the great religious
systems of the world, and in none of them have I found anything to surpass,
in beauty and comprehensiveness, the Noble Eightfold Path and the Four Noble
Truths of the Buddha. I am content to shape my life according to that path.
-- Prof. Rhys Davids
Buddhism in the Western World http://www.zipworld.com.au/~lyallg/rahula1.htm By Venerable Dr.Walpola Rahula
This is no pessimism. People in Buddhist countries are not pessimistic; ....
In Buddhism there are no dogmas or beliefs that one has to accept on blind faith without question. It gives full responsibility and dignity to man. It makes man his own master. According to Buddhism, no higher being sits in judgment over his affairs and destiny. That is to say, our life, our society, our world, is what you and I want to make out of it, and not what some other unknown being wants. The Buddha said: 'One is one's own refuge, who else could be the refuge?'
(*)
Growth of Buddhism in the West. Ajahn Brahmavamso
Respected Venerables and Distinguished Guests,
It is an honour for me to be here today. I was born a Christian, was educated in Christian schools, and I even sang in the local church choir. But when I read my first book on Buddhism, at the age of 16, I immediately knew I was a Buddhist. I was moved by the compassion, the wisdom, and the freedom that shone more brilliantly in the Lord Buddha's Teachings than in anything else I had met before. Experiences similar to my own are being repeated hundreds of thousands of times, in the lives of the people of this 21st century. When ordinary people in non-Buddhist countries encounter the pure Teachings of Buddhism, presented in a clear and reliable manner, then they quickly recognize it as the most fragrant of all paths, the most precious of all truths, and the best of all religions. They only wonder why such liberating wisdom is not made more widely known.
Children's Past Lives Research Center http://www.childpastlives.org/library.htm
LIBRARY of Articles and Cases on Reincarnation
list of articles, cases, and other materials useful to anyone interested in learning more about children's past lives, or in exploring related topics such as past life regression therapy and reincarnation.
Some of this material was originally written for the book, Children's Past Lives, by Carol Bowman, but ended up on the cutting room floor, so to speak. Some is background material that contributed to the ideas in the book. And some--the articles by Dr. Ian Stevenson, for example--are a valuable if you want to go to the source of objective proof for reincarnation.
Reincarnation is Now a Scientifically Acceptable Phenomenon -
by Dr. Granville Dharmawardena, University of Colombo http://www.beyondthenet.net/dhamma/reinc.htm
(Based on a Scientific paper presented at the 52nd Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, November 1996)
Buddhism and Science: Probing the Boundaries of Faith and Reason
Dr. Martin J. Verhoeven Religion East and West, Issue 1, June 2001, pp. 77-97
http://online.sfsu.edu/~rone/Buddhism/VerhoevenBuddhismScience.htm
http://www.quangduc.net/English/science/3buddhismandsciencd.html
* BUDDHISM IN THE EYES OF INTELLECTUALS * http://buddhistinformation.com/buddhism_in_the_eyes_of_intellec.htm http://www.saigon.com/~anson/ebud/ebdha150.htm
http://www.budsas.org/ebud/ebdha150.htm
Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda
Ven. B. Ananda Maitreya Thero
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/buddhism/anandam1.htm
In the middle of the 19th century, the books of the pure Theravada Buddhism were brought to the West and the Dhammapada was the first work translated into a foreign language. It was translated into Latin by Dr. Fausboll in 1888, and then into English, French, German, Italian, and some other European languages.
In 1881 the Pali Text Society was founded by Dr. Rhys Davids, and the translation of Pali books was started. Though some Christian missionaries had misled the West with their incorrect translations of some portions of Pali books and wilful misinterpretations of Buddhism, the seekers after the Dhamma of the Omniscient Buddha increased in number year by year. The West yearned for Buddhism, and its attractive power was so strong that some even came to Burma and Ceylon to learn Pali with a view to obtain a first hand knowledge of the Dhamma. Many of these seekers even became Buddhist monks later on. Some of their names, I believe, are familiar to most of you. I may here mention some of them ; Venerable Nanatiloka, Venerable Punna, Venerable Dhammanusari, the late Venerable Subhadra, Venerable Vappa the late venerable Nyana Bruhana (Dr. Bruno), all of them Germans the Venerable Sunnananda, a Dutch Bhikkhu, the late Venerable Ananda Metteya. an English Bhikkhu and the late Bhikkhu Silacara, a Scotchman.
In the year 1908 the Buddhist Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the late Ven. Ananda Metteya (Allan Bennet), and among its members were the Rt. Hon. The Earl of Maxborough, The Hon. Eric. C.F. Collier, Or. Edmond, A.J. Mills— all of them were good Buddhists—and many other distinguished scholars. In that very year, a European scholar entered the Buddhist Order under the name Visuddhacara. It was in this same year that a Buddhist monthly was begun at Leipzig in Germany.
At the end of 1908, a Christian missionary, Rev. E. G. Stevenson, in the course of his mission work, came to Burma and studied Buddhism. Subsequently he became a Buddhist monk and was known as the Ven. Sasanadhaja. Later he joined the Ven. Ananda Metteya in his Buddhist propaganda work. In 1909 the membership of the Buddhist Society of Great Britain and Ireland increased to 300, anda quarterly journal "The Buddhist Review" was started. During these days, Mr. M.A. Stephen, an archaeologist, after three years' investigation, discovered a large number of manuscripts in Central Asia, in Khotan, which contained the history of Buddhism up to the 50th year of the Buddhist era and about 4,000 Buddhist manuscripts that lay hidden in a cave.
In the same year a Christian missionary, Spurgen Medhurst, who was preaching Christianity in China, studied Buddhism and became a convert. He too subsequently became a Buddhist monk, and came to Ceylon and gave many lectures in various places. In one of his lectures he explained how he had become a Buddhist, and said "I came to teach Asia, but they taught me ". Here we see the prophecy of Schopenhauer, the German philosopher, fulfilled, who, warning the Christian missionaries that departed from the Christian West for the Buddhist East, had said, " Now you go as teachers to teach them, but will return home, being taught ".
Thenceforth Buddhism was quicker than before on its path of progress and a number of Buddhist leaders and propagandists appeared in the West. Among them Sylvan Levi in France, Dr. Paul Dahlke, and Dr. Grimm in Germany, Carl E. Neumann in Austria, Mr. F.J. Payne, Capt. Rolleston and many others in England. Some time later there arose two Buddhist societies in England—one the Maha Bodhi Society founded by the late Anagarika Dhammapala and the other the Buddhist Lodge founded by Mr. Humphreys, both having monthly magazines " The British Buddhist" and "Buddhism in England" respectively. Later " The British Buddhist" was discontinued. The latter one however, under a different name" The Middle Way" took a new course and still continues.
King Pasenadi's Dreams http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/09/24/fea07.html
Buddha's interpretations coming true
http://www.ksridhammananda.com/
Ven.Dr.Kirinde
Dhammananda
Maha Nayaka Thero
Chief Prelate Malaysia
(Ph.D.,D.Litt.)
To realize Ven.
Dhammananda's vision to make the Dharma known to all quarters freely
throughout the world crossing the barriers the of time, language, bureaucracy,
finance and geo-politics, we plan to gradually host all of Bhante's free
publications which are available in almost 15 languages.
You could help us spread the noble
Dharma by:-
E-mail this web-site address to your friends so
that they can be benefited by the Dhamma
Know the Dharma and make the Dharma known.
I would like to share the merits I have gathered today as well as in the past with the Devas, invite all beings from the thirty-one realms (bhumis) to come and share merit whenever a good deed is done.
May they rejoice in these merits and keep an eye on me and my loved ones.
I would also like to transfer these merits to my departed relatives and friends.
Wherever they are, may they be free from suffering and be happy.
Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu
Adam Chua (Webmaster) dhammapada2all@yahoo.com
http://Dhammapada.Buddhistnetwork.com
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You can get merits with that.
Verse 18: Here he is happy, hereafter he is happy; one who performs meritorious deeds is happy in both existences. Happily he exclaims: I have done meritorious deeds." He is happier still when he is reborn in a higher world (suggati).
Verse 5:Hatred is, indeed, never appeased by hatred in this world. It is appeased only by loving-kindness. This is an ancient law.
(10) The Story of the Questions Raised by Sakka, king of the devas
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse (354) of this book, with reference to four questions raised by Sakka, king of the devas.
On one occasion, at a meeting of the devas in the Tavatimsa realm, four questions were raised, but the devas failed to get the correct answers. Eventually, Sakka took these devas to the Buddha at the Jetavana monastery. After explaining their difficulty, Sakka presented the following four questions:
(a)
Among gifts, which is the best?
(b) Among tastes, which is
the best?
(c) Among delights, which
is the best?
(d) Why is the eradication
of craving said to be the most excellent?
To these questions, the
Buddha replied, "Oh Sakka, the Dhamma is the
noblest of all gifts, the best of all
tastes and the best of all delights.
Eradication of Craving leads to the attainment of arahatship and is, therefore,
the greatest of all conquests."Verse
354.
At the end of the discourse, Sakka said to the Buddha, "Venerable Sir, if the gift of the Dhamma excels all gifts why are we not invited to share the merit whenever gifts of the Dhamma are made? Venerable Sir! I pray that, from now on, we may be given a share in the merit of good deeds". Then the Buddha asked all the bhikkhus to assemble and exhorted them to share the merit of all their good deeds with all beings.
Since then, it has become a custom to invite all beings from the thirty-one realms (bhumis) to come and share merit whenever a good deed is done.
The Buddha spoke in verse as follows:
Verse 354. The gift of tile Dhamma excels all gifts; the taste of the Dhamma excels all tastes; delight in the Dhamma excels all delights. The eradication of Craving (i.e., attainment of arahatship) overcomes all ills (samsara dukkha).
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