60 Awakening with Awareness Facts about Buddhism
Buddha’s Words to Householders
Singalowada Sutta
60 Awakening with Awareness Facts about Buddhism
- “Buddha” is not a personal name. It is an honorific title that means “awakened one.” Buddha’s real name was Siddhartha Gautama.[9]
- Approximately 500 million people around the world, or about 10% of the world’s population, practice Buddhism.[5]
- Some Buddhist monks practice sokushinbutsu (”a Buddha in this very body”), which
is a type of self-mummification. Between the 12th and early 20th
century, monks would eat pine needles, berries, tree bark, resin, and
certain herbs to help starve and preserve the body.[5] - Unlike many other religions, there is no central text in Buddhism.[3]
- According
to legend, Buddha was born in Nepal under a full moon in a beautiful
garden; the sky rained flower petals and the earth shook.[3] - According
to legend, the Buddha was conceived by a mortal mother (Queen Maya) and
a baby white elephant in the eastern part of India sometime between the
6th and 4th centuries BC.[9] - Often,
statues of the Buddha depict him with short, curly hair to show that he
denounced his privileged past. Usually, the wealthy elite would sport a
fashionable topknot.[2] - Statues of the
Buddha often show him with half closed eyes, which is meant to show a
state of meditation and, moreover, a state of indifference to the
material world.[2] - Siddhartha Gautama (the
Buddha) came from a Hindu family, and both religions overlap somewhat.
The major difference is that Hinduism is clearly a theistic religion,
whereas Buddhism is mostly non-theistic.[3] - Unlike
other religious practices, Buddhism does not require a person to
believe in a creator god or gods. Buddhism believes in three elemental
concepts: 1) nothing is permanent, 2) all actions have consequences, and
3) it is possible to change.[9] - Because
the earliest Buddhist texts were orally transmitted and written down
hundreds of years after Buddha’s death, scholars cannot say with
certainty what Buddha himself taught.[3] - When the Buddha was asked to sum up his teachings in a single word, he said, “Awareness.”[9]
- The
Buddha has often been called the “Great Physician” because he was
primarily concerned with identifying the cause of human suffering and
finding way to eliminate it.[3] - According to the Buddha, the secret to happiness is simple: To want what you have and not want what you don’t have.[3]
- Many
people in India at the time of the Buddha were Hindus, and he is often
depicted alongside Hindu gods, such as Brahma “the Creator,” and Indra,
“God of Rain and Warfare.”[9] - According to
Marco Polo, “had [Buddha] been a Christian, he would have been a great
saint of our Lord Jesus Christ, so good and pure was the life he led.”[12] - The
“fat” Buddha that people often see in restaurants is not The Buddha,
Gautama Buddha. Rather, he is a character in Chinese folklore called
Budai.[11] - Depictions of the Buddha often
show him with webbed toes, rounded ankles, and projecting heels, which,
according to legend, are signs of a great man.[9] - The Buddha is a canonized saint of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.[12]
- According
to tradition, the Buddha lived during the 5th century BC and died at
the age of 80. He died lying on his right side between two Sal trees,
which, according to legend, miraculously bloomed out of season.[5] - While
different theories of Buddhism may have claimed that women could not
achieve Nirvana, the Buddha himself said that there was no reason that
women could not achieve enlightenment.[10] - Buddha
is usually shown with elongated earlobes, which symbolize wisdom and
understanding. Some scholars also suggest it represents his former life
as wealthy person[14] - The Buddha is often depicted wearing a flamelike headdress, which represents the light of supreme knowledge.[14]
- The Buddha’s teachings are also referred to as the dhamma, which means doctrine, truth, or law.[14]
- Buddhists do not believe in an essential soul or self.[14]
- When
scientists studied the brains of Buddhist monks, they found that
meditation actually changed the monks’ brainwaves in a way that
increased feelings of happiness and resiliency.[4] - According
to legend, after the Buddha was cremated, a single tooth remained.
Additionally, whoever is in possession of the tooth is the rightful
leader of Buddhism. The tooth is currently housed in a $62 million
dollar temple in Sri Lanka.[13] - After the
Buddha died and was cremated, his ashes were divided and buried among
his followers in India. A large, dome-shaped mound called a tupa was
built at each burial site.[14] - The Buddha
is sometimes symbolized as an umbrella. In Buddha’s time, members of the
royalty were protected from the sun and rain by parasols, hence it
became a symbol of protection.[14] - An
image of soccer star David Beckham is enshrined on a frieze in Bangkok,
with the likes of bodhisattvas (buddhas) and gods. His popular status
earned him a place among the gods.[14] -
Biographers[7]
note that Steve Jobs had strong leanings toward Buddhism, particularly
its emphasis on focus, simplicity, and perfection, all of which he tried
to implement in his Apple designs. - Actress
Uma Thurman’s father is a professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist studies
and was the first Westerner to become a Tibetan Buddhist monk.[14] - The world’s two largest standing Buddhas used to be in Afghanistan. However, in 2001 the Taliban destroyed the huge Buddhas.[14]
- The
largest seated Buddha in the world was carved out of the rock face of
Lingyun Hill in Leshan, China, about 800 AD. The statue stands about 230
feet (70 m) tall and the shoulders measure 90 ft (30 m) across.[14] - In
Buddhism, there is no devil. Instead, something is “evil” if it causes
suffering. According to Buddha, the cause of the most suffering is our
ego, or the concept that we are separate from the world. When the ego
ends, happiness begins.[14] - The Buddha is
not worshipped. While some in Hinduism view the Buddha as an incarnation
of Vishnu, most Buddhists think that Buddha is human.[14] - According to Buddhism, anyone can be a “buddha,” after they successfully attain enlightenment.[3]
- In
Buddhism, there is no Jesus Christ to save a person from their sins.
Simply believing in Buddhism does not offer any type of grace; rather,
each person is responsible for finding their enlightenment.[14] - The
lotus is an important symbol in Buddhism. It represents the journey of
enlightenment because it grows from the muddy water into the light, just
as a “buddha” or enlightened one does.[14] - Buddhism
can exist without Buddha. In other words, the Buddha shared his
findings, but he did not create them. Additionally, Buddhism is not
exclusive to just his followers.[14] - While
most religions concern themselves with the creation and the afterlife,
in Buddhism, the most important concept is to let go of the past and
future to focus on the moment.[14] - While
some Buddhist sects believe in heaven and hell, most Buddhists believe
heaven or hell is a state of mind. In short, by shifting our awareness,
we attain a different level of consciousness.[3] - While
many Buddhists believe in reincarnation, some do not. A Buddhist is
allowed to believe in whatever they wish while they practice Buddhism’s
main teachings.[3] - Famous Western
Buddhists include Courtney Love, Allen Ginsberg, Kate Bosworth, Leonard
Cohen, Orlando Bloom, Richard Gere, Sharon Stone, Tiger Woods, and Tina
Turner.[8] - Guan Yin is a an important
Buddhist goddess. Known as the “Goddess of Mercy” or “The One Who
Perceives the Sounds of the World,” this bodhisattva is sometimes
depicted as both male and female to show the divinity’s transcendence
beyond gender.[3] - The
first major Western thinker to take an interest in Buddhism was German
philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860). He saw it as the most
rational and ethically evolved of all the world religions.[9] - According
to legend, the Buddha sat under a tree, the Bo tree, for 49 days. After
being tempted by demons, he discovered the Four Noble Truths and the
Eightfold Path to Nirvana (ultimate bliss).[3] - The
Four Noble Truths of Buddhism are the following: 1) existence is
suffering, 2) the cause of suffering is craving and attachment, 3)
suffering stops at some point and turns into Nirvana, and 4) the path to
Nirvana consists of eight steps, which is called the Eightfold Path.[9] - The
three major branches of Buddhism in the modern world are Mahayana
Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism, and Vajrayana Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism
is believed to be the largest branch, with Theravada Buddhism and
Vajrayana coming in second and third, respectively.[3] - The
Eightfold Path to Nirvana is to be moderate in 8 areas: 1)
concentration, 2) views, 3) speech, 4) resolve, 5) action, 6)
livelihood, 7) effort, and
mindfulness.[1] - According
to Buddhism, karma is the basis for living a moral and good life.
Literally translated as “action,” “effect,” or “fate,” karma can be seen
as a type of elevator that takes people from one floor of consciousness
to another.[1] - Approximately 1 in 7 Asian Americans, or 14%, are Buddhist.[1]
- Nearly
four million Americans now practice Buddhism, which is more than the
number of Episcopalians. Of these, about half have post-graduate
degrees.[6] - The Buddha’s last words were, “Decay is inherent in all things: be sure to strive with clarity of mind (for Nirvana).”[9]
- The
ultimate goal of Buddhism is to put an end to suffering and rebirth.
The way to end suffering is by fulfilling the human potential for
goodness and happiness.[3] - The
symbol of the Noble Eightfold Path represents the Buddhist faith. Its
eight spokes represent the “Middle Way,” which means a Buddhist life
should not be too hard nor too easy.[14] - Buddhism
doesn’t have a single leader, and there is not a central office similar
to that of the Pope in Catholicism, which means Buddhism tends to
fissure readily.[9] - The Buddha had only
one son named Rahula (”Fetter”). Shortly after he was born, the Buddha
left his family to seek enlightenment. His son would later become the
first Sāmanera (novice monk).[9] - Buddhists in Asia do not refer to their religion as “Buddhism.” Rather, they call it either Dharma (”law”) or the Buddha-sasana (”teachings of the Buddha”).[9]
- Tibetan
Buddhists have adopted a policy of peaceful resistance to the invasion
of their country by the Chinese in 1950 after a million Tibetans were
killed and over 6,000 monasteries were destroyed.[9]
- Albert Einstein
eight parts of the path to liberation are grouped into three essential
elements of Buddhist practice: moral conduct, mental discipline, and
wisdom
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Introduction — Sigalovada Sutta by Shan Kumaratunga
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Singalowada Sutta
Damsak1
Published on Sep 7, 2012
Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero
Category
Education
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Introduction — Sigalovada Sutta by Shan Kumaratunga
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Published on May 1, 2013
Sigalovada sutta (singal — to sigalaka / ovada — advice / sutta
-discourse) which belongs to the Digha Nikaya in Sutta Pitaka is one of
the most well-known discourses in Buddhist world. It is one of the
greatest and most valuable set of teachings which deals with basic
morality, building and preserving wealth, friendships, the reciprocal
responsibilities in social relationships, and the qualities of
successful persons. It is also called Gihi Vinaya or laymen’s discourse.
The laymen’s code of discipline or laymen’s Dhamma. This sutta
beautifully describes and gives a clear picture of the domestic and
social life of the lay people.
Category
Education
Buddhism for Householders: Buddha Sayings
Buddha’s Words to Householders
Do not fall away from happiness. [Buddha’s wisdom]
What follows is based on Digha Nikaya 31: Sigalovada Sutta (The Discourse to Sigala – “A Layperson’s Guidelines”. Below are extracts and slight modulations.
On one occasion the Exalted One [Buddha] was dwelling in the Bamboo Grove, the Squirrels’
Sanctuary, near Rajagaha. There he set down guidelines for householders.
A few of them have been slightly adjusted here.
Overview
Inasmuch the good disciple
- has eradicated the four vices in conduct, [1]
- commits no evil action [as enumerated in the following text - or otherwise],
- abstains from dissipating wealth, avoiding fourteen evil things, covering six
life areas appropriately, and entering on the victorious path for here and hereafter
-
he is favoured in this world and in the world beyond: After death he enters a
happy heavenly realm. [Mod Buddha]
[1] kamma-kilesa, lit., ‘actions of
defilement.’
The destruction of life, householder, is a vice and so are stealing, sexual misconduct,
and lying. [Buddha]
Killing, stealing, lying and adultery, these four evils the wise never praise.
[Buddha]
The fit disciple is not led by desire, anger, ignorance, and fear. He commits no
evil. [Buddha]
Whoever through desire, hate or fear, or ignorance should transgress the Dhamma, all
his glory fades away. Whoever through desire, hate or fear, or ignorance never
transgresses the Dhamma, all his glory ever increases. [Buddha]
Channels of Misery to Come
3. What are the six channels for dissipating wealth which a follower does not pursue?
- indulgence in intoxicants which cause infatuation and heedlessness;
- sauntering in streets at unseemly hours;
- frequenting theatrical shows;
- indulgence in gambling which causes heedlessness;
- association with evil companions;
- the habit of idleness.
(a) There are these six evil consequences in indulging in intoxicants which cause
infatuation and heedlessness:
- loss of wealth,
- increase of quarrels,
- susceptibility to disease,
- earning an evil reputation,
- shameless exposure of body,
- weakening of intellect.
(b) There are these six evil consequences in sauntering in streets at unseemly hours:
- he himself is unprotected and unguarded,
- his wife and children are unprotected and unguarded,
- his property is unprotected and unguarded,
- he is suspected of evil deeds, [3]
- he is subject to false rumours,
- he meets with many troubles.
[3] Crimes committed by others.
(c) There are these six evil consequences in frequenting theatrical shows: He is ever
thinking:
- where is there dancing?
- where is there singing?
- where is there music?
- where is there recitation?
- where is there playing with cymbals?
- where is there pot-blowing? [4]
[4] A form of amusement.
(d) There are these six evil consequences in indulging in gambling:
- the winner begets hate,
- the loser grieves for lost wealth,
- loss of wealth,
- his word is not relied upon in a court of law,
- he is despised by his friends and associates,
- he is not sought after for matrimony; for people would say he is a gambler and is
not fit to look after a wife.
(e) There are these six evil consequences in associating with evil companions, namely:
any gambler, any libertine, any drunkard, any swindler, any cheat, any rowdy is his
friend and companion.
(f) There are these six evil consequences in being addicted to idleness: He does no work,
saying:
- that it is extremely cold,
- that it is extremely hot,
- that it is too late in the evening,
- that it is too early in the morning,
- that he is extremely hungry,
- that he is too full.
Living in this way, he leaves many duties undone, new wealth he does not get, and
wealth he has acquired dwindles away. [Buddha]
One is a bottle friend; one says, ‘friend, friend’ only to one’s face; one is a friend
and an associate only when it is advantageous. [Buddha]
Sleeping till sunrise, adultery, irascibility, malevolence, evil companions, avarice
– these six causes ruin a man. [Buddha]
The man who has evil comrades and friends is given to evil ways, to ruin does he fall
in both worlds — this one and the next. [Buddha]
Dice, women, liquor, dancing, singing, sleeping by day, sauntering at unseemly hours,
evil companions, avarice — all these causes ruin a man. [Buddha]
Who plays with dice and drinks intoxicants, goes to women who are dear unto others as
their own lives, associates with the mean and not with elders — he declines just as
the moon during the waning half. [Buddha]
Who . . . frequents the bars, sinks in debt as a stone in water, swiftly brings
disrepute to his family. [With Buddha]
Who by habit sleeps by day, and keeps late hours, is ever intoxicated, and is
licentious, is not fit to lead a household life. [Buddha]
Who says it is too hot, too cold, too late, and leaves things undone, the
opportunities for good go past such men. [Buddha]
But he who does not regard cold or heat any more than a blade of grass and who does
his duties manfully, does not fall away from happiness. [Buddha]
Bad Friends and Foes after Some Time
These four should be understood as foes in the guise of friends:
(1) he who appropriates a friend’s possessions,
(2) he who renders lip-service,
(3) he who flatters,
(4) he who brings ruin. [Buddha]
(1) In four ways should one who appropriates be understood as a foe in the guise of a
friend:
- he appropriates his friend’s wealth,
- he gives little and asks much,
- he does his duty out of fear,
- he associates for his own advantage.
(2) In four ways should one who renders lip-service be understood as a foe in the guise
of a friend:
- he makes friendly profession as regards the past,
- he makes friendly profession as regards the future,
- he tries to gain one’s favor by empty words,
- when opportunity for service has arisen, he expresses his inability.
(3) In four ways should one who flatters be understood as a foe in the guise of a friend:
- he approves of his friend’s evil deeds,
- he disapproves his friend’s good deeds,
- he praises him in his presence,
- he speaks ill of him in his absence.
(4) In four ways should one who brings ruin be understood as a foe in the guise of a
friend:
- he is a companion in indulging in intoxicants that cause infatuation and
heedlessness, - he is a companion in sauntering in streets at unseemly hours,
- he is a companion in frequenting theatrical shows,
- he is a companion in indulging in gambling which causes heedlessness.
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.
True Friends
These four should be understood as warm-hearted friends:
(1) he who is a helpmate,
(2) he who is the same in happiness and sorrow,
(3) he who gives good counsel,
(4) he who sympathises. [Buddha]
1) In four ways should a helpmate be understood as a warm-hearted friend:
- he guards the heedless,
- he protects the wealth of the heedless,
- he becomes a refuge when you are in danger,
- when there are commitments he provides you with double the supply needed.
(2) In four ways should one who is the same in happiness and sorrow be understood as a
warm-hearted friend:
- he reveals his secrets,
- he conceals one’s own secrets,
- in misfortune he does not forsake one,
- even his life he sacrifices for one’s sake.
(3) In four ways should one who gives good counsel be understood as a warm-hearted
friend:
- he restrains one from doing evil,
- he encourages one to do good,
- he informs one of what is unknown to oneself,
- he points out the path to heaven.
(4) In four ways should one who sympathises be understood as a warm-hearted friend:
- he does not rejoice in one’s misfortune,
- he rejoices in one’s prosperity,
- he restrains others speaking ill of oneself,
- he praises those who speak well of oneself.
The friend who is a helpmate,
the friend in happiness and woe,
the friend who gives good counsel,
the friend who sympathises too –
these four as friends the wise behold
and cherish them devotedly
as does a mother her own child. [Buddha]
The wise and virtuous shine like a blazing fire. [Buddha]
Comparison
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Handling Wealth
He who acquires his wealth in harmless ways
like a bee that gathers honey; [6]
riches mount up for him
like an ant hill’s rapid growth. [Buddha]
[6] Dhammapada v. 49: “As a bee, without harming the
flower, its colour or scent, flies away, collecting only the honey . .
.”
With wealth acquired this way,
a layman fit for household life,
divides his wealth in four portions:
thus will he win friendship. [Buddha]
One portion he uses for his wants, [7]
two portions he spends on his business,
the fourth he keeps for times of need. [Buddha]
[7] This portion includes what is spent on good works:
gifts to the wise and contemplatives, charity, etc.
Basics for Six Fields of Life
Children and Parents
In five ways . . . a child should minister to his parents . . .:
- Having supported me I shall support them,
- I shall do their duties,
- I shall keep the family tradition,
- I shall make myself worthy of my inheritance,
- furthermore I shall offer alms in honour of my departed relatives. [9]
In five ways the parents thus ministered to . . . by their children, show their
compassion:
- they restrain them from evil,
- they encourage them to do good,
- they train them for a profession,
- they arrange a suitable marriage,
- at the proper time they hand over their inheritance to them.
In these five ways do children minister to their parents . . . and the parents show their
compassion to their children. Thus is [very much of personal life] covered by them and
made safe and secure. [Buddha]
Pupils and Teachers
In five ways a pupil should minister to a teacher . . .:
- by rising from the seat in salutation,
- by attending on him,
- by eagerness to learn,
- by personal service,
- by respectful attention while receiving instructions.
In five ways do teachers thus ministered to . . . by their pupils, show their compassion:
- they train them in the best discipline,
- they see that they grasp their lessons well,
- they instruct them in the arts and sciences,
- they introduce them to their friends and associates,
- they provide for their safety in every quarter.
The teachers thus ministered to . . . by their pupils, show their compassion towards them
in these five ways. Thus is [facets of group living] covered by them and made safe and
secure. [Buddha]
Husband and Wife
In five ways should a wife . . . be ministered to by a husband:
- by being courteous to her,
- by not despising her,
- by being faithful to her,
- by handing over authority to her,
- by providing her with adornments.
The wife thus ministered to . . . by her husband shows her compassion to her husband in
five ways:
- she performs her duties well,
- she is hospitable to relations and attendants [10]
- she is faithful,
- she protects what he brings,
- she is skilled and industrious in discharging her duties.
[10] lit., ‘the folk around’ (parijana).
In these five ways does the wife show her compassion to her husband who ministers to her
. . . Thus is the [partner area] covered by him and made safe[r] and [far more] secure.
[Buddha]
On Friendly Terms with Relatives, on and up
In five ways should a clansman minister to his friends and associates in the [area of
esteem]:
- by liberality,
- by courteous speech,
- by being helpful,
- by being impartial,
- by sincerity.
The friends and associates thus ministered to . . . by a clansman show compassion to him
in five ways:
- they protect him when he is heedless,
- they protect his property when he is heedless,
- they become a refuge when he is in danger,
- they do not forsake him in his troubles,
- they show consideration for his family.
The friends and associates thus ministered to . . . by a clansman show their compassion
towards him in these five ways. Thus is the [esteem area] covered by him and made safe[r]
and [far more] secure. [Buddha]
Serving and Administering
In five ways should a master minister to his servants and employees as the [bottom
area]:
- by assigning them work according to their ability,
- by supplying them with food and with wages,
- by tending them in sickness,
- by sharing with them any delicacies,
- by granting them leave at times.
The servants and employees thus ministered to as the [deep area] Nadir by their master
show their compassion to him in five ways:
- they rise before him,
- they go to sleep after him,
- they take only what is given,
- they perform their duties well,
- they uphold his good name and fame.
The servants and employees thus ministered to . . . show their compassion towards him in
these five ways. Thus is the [bottom field of life] covered by him and made safe and
secure. [Buddha]
Recluses and Intellectuals and . . .
In five ways should a householder minister to ascetics and brahmans as the [top area]:
- by lovable deeds,
- by lovable words,
- by lovable thoughts,
- by keeping open house to them,
- by supplying their material needs.
The ascetics and brahmans thus ministered to . . . by a householder show their
compassion towards him in six ways:
- they restrain him from evil,
- they persuade him to do good,
- they love him with a kind heart,
- they make him hear what he has not heard,
- they clarify what he has already heard,
- they point out the path to a heavenly state.
In these six ways do ascetics and brahmans show their compassion towards a householder
who ministers to them as [of the top area]. Thus is the [top area] covered by him and
made safe[r] and [better and perhaps more] secure. [These are evil times]
The four main directions of the compass and up and
down constitute a framework and relate to a fundamental symbolism: As the new day beings
in the East, so life begins with parents’ care; teacher’s fees are associated with the
South; domestic cares follow when the youth becomes man, as the West [representing
partners, friends etc.] holds the later daylight; North is ‘beyond’ (uttara), so by help
of friends and so on he can get beyond troubles.” – (cf. Rhys Davids). The symbolism
is
not credited too much in the West, and is, after all, secondary; the good points are as
given by Buddha anyway.
. . .
Favorable Qualities for Householders
Who is wise and virtuous,
Gentle and keen-witted,
Humble and amenable,
Such a one may attain to honour. [Buddha]
Who is energetic and not indolent,
In misfortune unshaken,
Flawless in manner and intelligent,
Such a one may attain to honour. [Buddha]
Who is hospitable, and friendly,
Liberal and unselfish,
A guide, an instructor, a leader,
Such a one may attain to honour. [Buddha]
Generosity, sweet speech,
Helpfulness to others,
Impartiality to all,
As the case demands. [Buddha]
These four winning ways make the world go round.
. . .
These four winning ways the wise appraise in every way,
To eminence they attain, and should gain praise. [Mod Buddha]
Final Words
The young householder Sigala said: “Excellent! It is as if a man were to:
- set upright that which was overturned,
- reveal that which was hidden,
- point out the way to one who had gone astray,
- hold a lamp amidst the darkness,
so that those who have eyes may see.”
The old doctrine has been explained.
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Two bamboo grasses now: a grove later if things go well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch… May I be free from enmity and danger |
