qns abt buddhism
-
hello i am back wif more qns...
1) from buddhism perspective, who will go to heaven?
2) is there a known number of rebirth cycles b4 someone reaches eternity(nirvana or eternal condemnation in hell)?
3) does buddhism teach evolution at all? i have met buddhists who tell me man came from monkeys...
4) who wrote the buddhist scriptures? was it buddha himself?
5) wad r the criterias one muz meet to be considered a buddhist? -
For this question, you can refer to this thread: http://buddhism.sgforums.com/?action=thread_display&thread_id=220232Originally posted by despondent:hello i am back wif more qns...
1) from buddhism perspective, who will go to heaven?
Short answer is anyone can go to heaven (Buddhist or not), as long as you are "good"... althought this is not the ultimate aim of a Buddhist.
.... and would you mind typing in full? Its a tad hard for an old dinosaur like me to read your posts due to the liberal use of abbreviations.
-
Just to correct this part. We do not burn offerings. But we do chanting of sutras (the scriptures of Buddha) in Pujas as part of our effort to dedicate merits to the deceased.Originally posted by despondent:4) in funerals where there is burning of offerings(paper car, houses etc) n chanting of rituals, r they buddhist funerals? -
Originally posted by despondent:
Welcome back
hello i am back wif more qns...
1) from buddhism perspective, who will go to heaven?
One who has accumulated lots of virtuous karma -- by practising the 5 precepts, 10 virtuous deeds, filiality to parents, generosity, etc. These are the ways to create the karmic causes for rebirth in celestial realms. However, heaven is not nirvana and is not the ultimate aim of Buddhists.
The Five Precepts are to refrain from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct, consumption of intoxicants, and the Ten Virtuous Deeds are to refrain from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct, frivolous and meaningless talk, tale bearing, abusive speech, covetousness, ill-will, perverted views.2) is there a known number of rebirth cycles b4 someone reaches eternity(nirvana or eternal condemnation in hell)?
Certainly, anyone is able to, and eventually will, attain Nirvana but there is no fixed date and time. If one earnestly learns and practises the dharma, then one can attain enlightenment, nirvana, quickly.
There is no eternal condemnation in hell, because hell is part of the 6 realms of samsara. Nothing is eternal, everlasting in these mundane realms. Although if one may commit extremely heavy karma as to fall into hell for billions of years, at one point his karma will be exhausted and will be able to reborn in other realms.3) does buddhism teach evolution at all? i have met buddhists who tell me man came from monkeys...
Personally I don't think that humans came from monkeys, but I do not reject evolution. You may want to read the URL I provided earlier.4) who wrote the buddhist scriptures? was it buddha himself?
Ananda, the one who has the best memory among all of Buddha's disciples, remembered all the things that Buddha said, and recited it among an assembly of 500 other disciples of the Buddha who were enlightened. This took place shortly after Buddha entered Parinirvana/passed away. It is not written by the Buddha himself.5) wad r the criterias one muz meet to be considered a buddhist?
One must take refuge in the Three Treasures/Triple Gems: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha. All Buddhist monasteries/dharma centers do have such taking refuge ceremonies, just as all churches will have baptism taking place from time to time. -
hello i am back after a long absence wif more qns...
1) do buddhists do things like drawing divination lots?
2) for CNY, things like nt sweeping the floor on 1st day, superstitions like these, r they part of buddhism?
3) wad is buddhism's stand on gambling, smoking etc?
wil be back wif moer qns if i have any, thanx to anyone who answer my qns... -
Originally posted by despondent:
Welcome back again and happy CNY
hello i am back after a long absence wif more qns...1) do buddhists do things like drawing divination lots?
Nope.. these are superstitions and cultural practises. In Buddhism, these practises are discouraged and it is said that even to attain the first level of awakening, or to become a stream enterer, one destroys the fetter of attachment to superstitious practises, rites, rituals, etc.2) for CNY, things like nt sweeping the floor on 1st day, superstitions like these, r they part of buddhism?
No, all belong to cultures and superstitions.3) wad is buddhism's stand on gambling, smoking etc?
Gambling in Buddhism is strong discouraged, condemned by Buddha, and considered as an activity that destroys one's fortune and happiness. The Buddha said:
"There are these six dangers attached to gambling: the winner makes enemies, the loser bewails his loss, one wastes one's present wealth, one's word is not trusted in the assembly, one is despised by one's friends and companions, one is not in demand for marriage, because a gambler cannot afford to maintain a wife.
Regarding drinking, the Buddha said:
There are six dangers attached to addiction to strong drink and sloth-producing drugs.
* Destruction of oneÂ’s wealth
* Involvement in increased quarrelling
* Prone to various sicknesses
* Subject to disgrace and loss of good name
* Subject to indecent exposure of oneÂ’s person
* Weakening of the intellect
Smoking have certain degrees of 1), 2), 3), 4), 5)... and even though it is not intoxicating, it causes addiction and strong craving, thus may disturb one's calmness and practise.wil be back wif moer qns if i have any, thanx to anyone who answer my qns...
Will be glad to answer any of your questions, and discuss if necessary. -
to: an eternal now
no offence but how do i noe tat wad u have been telling me is truly buddhism? cos if i were to present wad u told me in the apst to nw to those parents who claim to be buddhists, they may start to qn wad rite u have to determine wad makes a true buddhist? -
Well ask them to quote from the sutras or any legitimate source.Originally posted by despondent:to: an eternal now
no offence but how do i noe tat wad u have been telling me is truly buddhism? cos if i were to present wad u told me in the apst to nw to those parents who claim to be buddhists, they may start to qn wad rite u have to determine wad makes a true buddhist? -
It's not a matter of rites, but a matter of what is taught by Buddha and what is not.Originally posted by despondent:to: an eternal now
no offence but how do i noe tat wad u have been telling me is truly buddhism? cos if i were to present wad u told me in the apst to nw to those parents who claim to be buddhists, they may start to qn wad rite u have to determine wad makes a true buddhist? Also you need to find out the sources of these cultures and traditions. Cultures and superstitions are cultures and superstitions, in the first place they come from the Chinese folks, while the Buddha's teachings come from India 
So, it is absolutely clear that they nothing whatsoever to do with Buddhism. Cultures and religions are two different things. Such superstitions are also against the Buddhist teachings, and the Buddha taught none other than the liberation from suffering, finding the highest bliss of Nirvanam, attaining Wisdom, being compassionate, etc. Anything other than that (i.e cultures, superstitions, useless rituals) which do not lead to liberation are shunned and may even be condemned by Buddha.
Also if need be, I can provide more veritable sources like Eric suggested.
Oh yes, the definition of a real Buddhist is one that has taken refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, Sangha. That is the requirement given by Buddha. Most so called Buddhist merely call themselves Buddhist by name but have no idea about Buddhist teachings, and neither have they taken refuge or undergone the refuge ceremony... the closest in Christianity would be baptism. -
Regarding your previous question, I need to elaborate..
Heaven is not the ultimate aim of Buddhists, and Nirvana does not mean heaven. Celestial/heavenly beings are also inferior to Enlightened ones like Buddha, and take Buddha as their teacher.Originally posted by despondent:1) from buddhism perspective, who will go to heaven?See: http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/jootla/wheel414.html
In Buddhism heaven is one of the 6 realms of Samsara, it is not eternal, impermanence being the nature of all compounded phenomena.. while Nirvana is the liberation from all Samsaric sufferings and delusions... one who attains nirvana is liberate from rebirth and the 6 realms, rests in the highest bliss of Nirvana beyond time and space.
Teacher of the Devas
* I. Introduction
* II. The Buddha Teaches Deities
* III. Devas and Brahmas Honor the Buddha
* IV. The Role of Devas in the Buddha's Career
* V. Liberation for Humans, Devas, and Brahmas
* Notes
* Abbreviations
* Bibliography
Liberation and enlightenment can be attained in this very lifetime through practising Buddhism, and there are countless persons who become enlightened since Buddha's era till this day, some of whom are posting in this forum as well (not me). -
Just tell your parents honestly that you had been doing some researches in buddhism and they are welcomed to check the info that you have given to them. First of all, you need to get the facts correct.Originally posted by despondent:to: an eternal now
no offence but how do i noe tat wad u have been telling me is truly buddhism? cos if i were to present wad u told me in the apst to nw to those parents who claim to be buddhists, they may start to qn wad rite u have to determine wad makes a true buddhist?
While arguing, argue according to buddhism facts and not personal point of view of a religion unless you are qualified enough. Do not assult each other's religion and have respect for one another's belief.
U can show them basic buddhism facts with a dharma book while explaining. You have to understand that the mindset of certain people are tough to change and it take patience to explain to them. Thus one without much control over their temper could easily lose their patience and start arguing.Rem to be awared of your state of mind and the feeling arise while explaining to your parents > This is to prevent anger from arising or exploding. As one can take preventative measures before anger or unpleasant feelings escalates towards bursting point.
And of course, you must have a right intention to begin with while talking to them about buddhism. Erh what is your intention?
Stay open to other's point of views as the other might be right. Values are judgemental because they are based on individual's conviction of what is right and wrong but it does not represent the balanced and ultimate truth. It is important not to get too attached to your values or gettin too personal while explaining as it might clouded your perception.
just my 1 ct of opinion
-
Just wondering are u still trying to convince ur parents about u converting to other religion ?
-
the 'parents' i am toking abt r nt my own...i am referring to parents i noe of who claim to be buddhists...many i encounter forbid their children to go church so i asked if tis was wad buddha taught...
-
to: an eternal now
hey i understand tat buddha once said tat do nt worship him for he is nt the greatest..there is one greater than him...1stly, did he say sth like tat?
2ndly, when he said tat was it purely out of humility or was it cos he truly believed tat there was one greater tham him? -
Buddha did not teach about stopping others from converting, as shown clearly in the Upali example.Originally posted by despondent:the 'parents' i am toking abt r nt my own...i am referring to parents i noe of who claim to be buddhists...many i encounter forbid their children to go church so i asked if tis was wad buddha taught...
They could be folk practitioners. Just a guess. Usually true Buddhists are quite open about religious freedom. -
Originally posted by despondent:
The Buddha, born with 32 major marks and 80 minor marks, proclaimed at the moment of his birth that he is the highest, the greatest, the chief of the world... and this is because he is already completely above all the cycles of samsara and all the beings still trapped in the cycles of samsara. Which is why even all the celestial kings, and Brahmas are inferior to him, and treats him as Teacher. He also said 'I, the great Seer, am the protector and father of all beings, and all creatures who, childlike, are captivated by the pleasures of the triple world, are my sons.
to: an eternal now
hey i understand tat buddha once said tat do nt worship him for he is nt the greatest..there is one greater than him...1stly, did he say sth like tat?
- Saddharma Pundarika Sutra'
More on his birth account:Queen Mahaa Maayaa decided to visit her mother so that she could be with her at the time of the birth of her baby.On the way she stopped at the Lumbini Pleasure Garden to rest. Under a sweet-scented Sal tree, on a full moon day in the month of May, in the year 623 B.C., the Prince was born. The baby Prince took seven steps, and a lotus flower burst through the ground to receive His feet. He made the following announcement:
But at the same time, Buddhists do not worship him, we respect him and treat him as our honoured teacher.. but not seen as a godly, divine figure (celestial beings are inferior to enlightened beings, and also Buddha did not accept the idea of a personal 'Creator' -- I will post on that later and the story of Maha Brahma, the heavenly king who proclaimed himself as all mighty, omniscient God). The Buddha also never claimed divinity -- he said,
"Aggo hamasmi lokassa - "I am the Chief in the world
Jettho hamasmi lokassa - There is no equal to me
Settho hamasmi lokassa - I am Supreme
Ayamanthima jathi - This is my last birth
Natthi dani punabbhavo. - " No rebirth for me."
It is said in the Anagata Vamsa that the next Buddha, Maithreya, will make a similar announcement at His birth.
The ministers took the Queen and the baby back to Kapilavatthu and King Suddhodana. Many wise men came to see the baby. They said that one day the Prince would either be a King of the world or a Supreme Buddha. The baby Prince was named Siddhaartha Gotama. Siddhaartha means "wish fulfilled" and Gotama was His family name. Seven days after the birth of the Prince, Queen Mahaa Maayaa died. She was born as a Deva by the name of Matu-deva putta in the Tusita Heaven. Her sister, Mahaa Prajaapathi Gotami, took care of the Prince."My friend, what are you?
The Buddha to us is more an enlightened teacher and role model whom we take refuge in, learn and practise the dharma that the Buddha taught, and eventually become enlightened ourselves. The Buddha was compassionate, he came to spread the dharma leading to liberation and enlightenment, and told everyone that their buddha nature is already wholly complete but yet to unfold and show itself.. and that we could, too, become a perfectly enlightened Buddha.
Are you a celestial being
or a god?"
"No,"
said the Buddha.
"Well, then, are you some kind of magician
or wizard?"
Again the Buddha answered,
"No."
"Are you a man?"
"No."
"Well, my friend, then what are you?"
The Buddha replied,
"I am awake."2ndly, when he said tat was it purely out of humility or was it cos he truly believed tat there was one greater tham him?
As said above, he never said that anyone was greater than him. Regarding the idea of God which Buddha did not accept, I am going to post on that in the next post. -
First of all Buddhism does not accept the Judeo-Christian or Hindu (Hindu however considers the personal God to be under the influence of Maya or Illusion and that the true God is beyond the personal Creator, much like Gnostic Christianity) or other world religions' idea that there is a personal Creator, means the Old Testament kind of God that has a personality of its own.. and you can actually meet him up for coffee. If there is a personal Creator it brings a lot of questions into mind. Therefore, Albert Einstein said,
"Buddhism has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for the future: it transcends a personal God, avoids dogmas and theology; it covers both the natural & spiritual, and it is based on a religious sense aspiring from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity"
and..
“If there is any religion that would cope with modern scientific needs it would be Buddhism.”
Regarding the question of Personal God in Buddhism,Originally posted by An Eternal Now:
Slightly edited from the first topic in our forum regarding Creationism: How the Brahma believed He was God?
In Buddha's days there were many many different teachings, one popular one was Brahmanism. In fact the Brahma was still worshipped nowadays. Brahma was known to be "The Supreme One, the All-mighty, the All-seeing, the Ruler, the Lord of all, the Maker, the Creator, the Chief of All".
In Buddhism, the Mahabrahma resides in the 1st Jhana plane, the first plane among the 8 jhanic planes. There were higher realms above where he lives that he was unaware of, and above it all, beyond the 8 Jhanic planes and all Samsaric planes, is Nirvana. Nevertheless all the devas below the 1st Jhana planes considered him as the Creator God. Buddha did not subscribe to the belief of such a notion that the Universe and its Inhabitants were the Creation of the Mahabrahma. He met with the Brahma, asked him questions which he could not answer. Eventually he has taken refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
The Buddha was also known to have said this,
If the creator of the world entire
They call God, of every being be the Lord
Why does he order such misfortune
If the creator of the world entire
They call God, of every being be the Lord
Why prevail deceit, lies and ignorance
And he such inequity and injustice create?
If the creator of the world entire
They call God, of every being be the Lord
Then an evil master is he, (O Aritta)
Knowing what's right did let wrong prevail!
When the previous universe was destroyed and this universe was formed, the Mahabrahma was first to be reborn. Other subsequent brahmas/devas were to be reborn.
'On this, brethren, the one who was first reborn thinks thus to himself: " I am Brahmà , the Great Brahmà , the Supreme One, the Mighty, the All-seeing, the Ruler, the Lord of all, the Maker, the Creator, the Chief of all, appointing to each his place, the Ancient of days the Father of all that are and are to be. 'These other beings are of my creation. And why is that so? A while ago I thought, 'Would that they might come!' And on my mental aspiration, behold the beings came." DN 1 2:5
In reality, the universe works by the law of Karma and he has no control over the system of karma.
The Venerable Ledi Sayadaw, a highly renowned Myanmar scholar-monk of the first part of this century, gave a careful analysis of the powers of Maha Brahma in his Niyama Dipani (MB pp. 138-39). He states that although Maha Brahma can perform all sorts of transformations, he cannot actually create independent creatures, change the kammic law of cause and effect, or keep anyone from growing old or dying. Brahma can use his special powers to transport a man to the brahma plane for a short visit, but he cannot ensure that someone will be reborn there.
from http://www.jenchen.org.sg/vol5no3f.htm:
When he came to know about Sakyamuni Buddha in the human world who speaks of the universal truth, he was curious and arrived at the human world with the intention to debate with the Buddha. The Buddha, with his ability to know another's mind, knew his intention and asked, "You claim to be the creator of the human race and all things in the universe, is this a fact?"
The king replied, "Yes, it is."
Buddha continued to question him, "Since you created life, why did you also create death? Is death created by you too?"
The king paused for while, and thinking that everyone loves life and nobody welcomes death, he replied, "I did not create death."
Buddha asked him again, "All human beings experience sickness, did you create sickness also?" The king knew that nobody likes to be ill, and he replied, "I did not create illness."
Buddha asked many questions in succession, but the king denied that he created them. Eventually, he admitted that he did not create the universe and all things in it, and certainly not the human race. The king of heavens was full of regrets and he felt ashamed. Finally, he accepted Buddha as his teacher and invited Him to spread the Dharma in the heavens. -
(continued from previous post)
http://www.mahindarama.com/e-library/whybuddhism2.html
Therefore in Buddhism, the question of God is irrelevant and not given importance. Instead, like a scientist, the Buddha encouraged the Buddhist practitioners to find out for themselves the truths that the Buddha said, to put it to test, and to see for ourselves, and to get enlightened. Buddhism does not encourage any blind belief and dogmas (see Kalama Sutra), and also encourages analytical questioning -- whether this teaching actually helps us.
"To those who talked about the first cause of this world, the Buddha responded by saying that it is impossible to find a first cause since everything is changing, interdependent and conditioned by other things. Something that acts as the cause in the present may become the effect in the future. Later that same effect may again become the cause. Such phenomenon continues ad infinitum. It is called the universal law of Anicca or impermanency.”
However, Buddhism is largely Agnostic rather than Atheist. We believe that pondering over such things brings no benefits at all to our spiritual practice, enlightenment, and liberation from samsara.
Kinds of speech to be avoided by contemplatives
"Whereas some priests and contemplatives, living off food given in faith, are addicted to talking about lowly topics such as these -- talking about kings, robbers, ministers of state; armies, alarms, and battles; food and drink; clothing, furniture, garlands, and scents; relatives; vehicles; villages, towns, cities, the countryside; women and heroes; the gossip of the street and the well; tales of the dead; tales of diversity [philosophical discussions of the past and future], the creation of the world and of the sea, and talk of whether things exist or not -- he abstains from talking about lowly topics such as these. This, too, is part of his virtue.
"Whereas some priests and contemplatives, living off food given in faith, are addicted to debates such as these -- 'You understand this doctrine and discipline? I'm the one who understands this doctrine and discipline. How could you understand this doctrine and discipline? You're practicing wrongly. I'm practicing rightly. I'm being consistent. You're not. What should be said first you said last. What should be said last you said first. What you took so long to think out has been refuted. Your doctrine has been overthrown. You're defeated. Go and try to salvage your doctrine; extricate yourself if you can!' -- he abstains from debates such as these. This, too, is part of his virtue."
-- DN 2
Ten wholesome topics of conversation
"There are these ten topics of [proper] conversation. Which ten? Talk on modesty, on contentment, on seclusion, on non-entanglement, on arousing persistence, on virtue, on concentration, on discernment, on release, and on the knowledge & vision of release. These are the ten topics of conversation. If you were to engage repeatedly in these ten topics of conversation, you would outshine even the sun & moon, so mighty, so powerful -- to say nothing of the wanderers of other sects."
-- AN X.69
-------
"Malunkhyaputta Sutta stresses that whether the universe was created or uncreated, finite or infinite, is irrelevant to our main spiritual concerns: the cause and cessation of suffering:
"Therefore Malunkhyaputta, bear the undeclared as undeclared. Malunkhyaputta, what are the not declared? The world is eternal, is not declared by me. The world is not eternal, is not declared by me. They are not essential for the principles of the holy life, they do not lead to turning away, to detachment, to cessation, to appeasement, to realisation, to enlightenment and to extinction. Malunkhyaputta, what are the declared by me? This, is unpleasant, is declared. This, is its arising, is declared. This, is its cessation is declared. This is the path to its cessation, is declared. Malunkhyaputta, why are these declared by me? These are the essentials for the principles of the holy life; they lead to turning away, to detachment, to cessation, to appeasement, to realisation, to enlightenment and to extinction. Malunkhyaputta, I declare them." MN 64"Kalama Sutra
There are countless enlightened persons from Buddha's times till today, some of them even posting in this forum (not me), who have awakened to the ultimate reality and seen for themselves the truths that the Buddha taught. Beliefs in divine etc are not important and irrelevant in Buddhism, Buddhism being a man-centered (means having great love and compassion for all sentient being, as well as to practise for one's own spiritual development) rather than God-centered teaching, which is a reason why it is the only religion that does not have a history of having fought religious wars, --
"Rely not on the teacher/person, but on the teaching. Rely not on the words of the teaching, but on the
spirit of the words. Rely not on theory, but on experience.Do not believe in anything simply because you
have heard it. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. Do
not believe anything because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything because it is
written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and
elders. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is
conducive to the good and the benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it."
- the Buddha
Note: this is just a summary, please read the entire sutra here: http://buddhism.kalachakranet.org/resources/kalama_sutra.htmlOriginally posted by An Eternal Now:
No fanaticism
Of Buddhism alone can it be affirmed it is free from all fanaticism. Its aim being to produce in every man a thorough internal transforming by self-conquest, how can it have recourse to might or money or even persuasion for effecting conversion? The Buddha has only shown the way to salvation, and it is left to each individual to decide for himself if he would follow it.
- Prof. Lakshmi Narasu, "The Essence of Buddhism" -
One must take refuge in the Three Treasures/Triple Gems: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha. All Buddhist monasteries/dharma centers do have such taking refuge ceremonies, just as all churches will have baptism taking place from time to time.
I would just like to add on by saying that it is not nessesary to take refuge in the Triple Gems through a physical process such as a 'refuge ceremonies'. Taking refuge can be done in your mind (or your 'heart').
But personally, I believe that anyone who 'does no evil, do good and purify their mind' to some extent is a 'Buddhist'. What's in a name anyway? -
Queen Mahaa Maayaa decided to visit her mother so that she could be with her at the time of the birth of her baby.On the way she stopped at the Lumbini Pleasure Garden to rest. Under a sweet-scented Sal tree, on a full moon day in the month of May, in the year 623 B.C., the Prince was born. The baby Prince took seven steps, and a lotus flower burst through the ground to receive His feet. He made the following announcement:
Personally, even though I agree with most of the Buddhist philosophy, I'm confused by this announcement of the Buddha. Doesn't it sound rather 'proud' to proclaim that one is the greatest in the world and none can be his equal? (what about the other infinite Buddhas?)
"Aggo hamasmi lokassa - "I am the Chief in the world
Jettho hamasmi lokassa - There is no equal to me
Settho hamasmi lokassa - I am Supreme
Ayamanthima jathi - This is my last birth
Natthi dani punabbhavo. - " No rebirth for me."
It is said in the Anagata Vamsa that the next Buddha, Maithreya, will make a similar announcement at His birth.
Besides, aren't qualities such as 'big', 'small', 'good', 'not good' just concepts that our judgemental mind come out with? 'big' can only exist when there's a 'small' and vice-versa, so nothing is really 'big' or 'small'. So what basis is it on when the prince proclaimed that he's the 'supreme'? -
That can make him Buddhist-like, but not a Buddhist because the Buddha specifically stated that to become his student/disciple, one needs to take refuge in the triple gemsOriginally posted by mahawarrior:I would just like to add on by saying that it is not nessesary to take refuge in the Triple Gems through a physical process such as a 'refuge ceremonies'. Taking refuge can be done in your mind (or your 'heart').
But personally, I believe that anyone who 'does no evil, do good and purify their mind' to some extent is a 'Buddhist'. What's in a name anyway? -
Originally posted by mahawarrior:
At that time, there was only one Buddha in this universe or galaxy or whatever (there are others in other universes but not here). There can only be one Buddha appearing at one time in this world. So that's an appropriate statement.
Personally, even though I agree with most of the Buddhist philosophy, I'm confused by this announcement of the Buddha. Doesn't it sound rather 'proud' to proclaim that one is the greatest in the world and none can be his equal? (what about the other infinite Buddhas?)
Of course, all Buddhas are equal.Besides, aren't qualities such as 'big', 'small', 'good', 'not good' just concepts that our judgemental mind come out with? 'big' can only exist when there's a 'small' and vice-versa, so nothing is really 'big' or 'small'. So what basis is it on when the prince proclaimed that he's the 'supreme'?
'big', 'small', 'good', 'not good' are relative truths. But they are not falsity, so in terms of relative truths, Buddha is indeed the 'highest'. -
Hi,
These verses refers specifically to Shakyamuni Buddha Himself, only.
Aggo hamasmi lokassa - I am the Chief in the world
Jettho hamasmi lokassa - There is no equal to me
Settho hamasmi lokassa - I am Supreme
Ayamanthima jathi - This is my last birth
Natthi dani punabbhavo. - No rebirth for me.
Though there are many Buddhas before Shakyamuni, there is none like him. Among the five Buddhas, only Shakyamuni is the Teachers of Gods and Kings. None of the other Buddhas (we are aware) does in our realm.
I am the Chief in the world - There is no equal to me - I am Supreme
This is indeed, Shakyamuni's last rebirth and the next Buddha of like greatness will be Maitreya Buddha.
This is my last birth - No rebirth for me.
These are proclaim in the state of clarity. the state when an Enlighten One first leave His mother's womb. Many great teachers in various traditions manifest such signs as well. But none are as great as Shakyamuni Buddha.
Cheers -
Though there are many Buddhas before Shakyamuni, there is none like him. Among the five Buddhas, only Shakyamuni is the Teachers of Gods and Kings. None of the other Buddhas (we are aware) does in our realm.
This is something new.. thanks. Where did you hear it btw? -
Hi,Originally posted by An Eternal Now:This is something new.. thanks. Where did you hear it btw?
This is general teaching among Vajrayana and it is all over the three traditions. Though a Vajrayana, I very much delight to quote from Buddhabhithuti:
Translated as:
Araham samma-sambuddho, vijja-carana-sampanno sugato lokavidu,
Anuttaro purisa-damma-sarathi satha deva-manussanam buddho bhagava;
Yo imam lokam sadevakam samarakam sabrahmakam,
Sassamana-brahmanim pajam sadeva-manussam sayam abhinna sacchikatva pavedesi.
Yo dhammam desesi adi-kalyanam majjhe-kalyanam pariyosana-kalyanam;
Sattham sabyanjanam kevala-paripunnam parisuddham brahma-cariyam pakasesi.
He who has attained the Truth, the Worthy One, Rightly Self-awakened (characteristics of Buddha), consummate in knowledge & conduct, one who has gone the good-way (has gone, thus ending), knower of the cosmos, un-excelled trainer (or teacher) of those who can be taught (condition of a student, describe in later verse): Teacher of human (actually rulers or Kings) and divine beings (or Gods); awakened; blessed (therefore he blesses); who make known (the method of Buddha) - having realized it through direct knowledge (not taught, directly acquire) - this world with its devas, maras & Brahmas, its generations (the generation and dimension of Shakyamuni) with their contemplatives & priests, their rulers & common people; who explained (Buddha's method of transmission) the Dhamma fine in the beginning, fine in the middle, fine in the end (some explain these as the three bodies of the Buddha who expound the Dharma in three different aspects); who expounded the holy life both in its particulars & in its essence (note what He expounded, not doctrine), entirely complete (complete, wholesome, he left nothing un-taught from the three bodies), surpassingly pure.