What Is This Religion?
Ven. Dr. K. Sri
Dhammananda
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1.
Introduction
Every man must have a religion especially
one which appeals to the intellectual mind. A man failing to observe religious principles
becomes a danger to society. While there is no doubt that scientists and psychologists
have widened our intellectual horizon, they have not been able to tell us our purpose in
life, something a proper religion can do.
Man must choose a rational and meaningful
religion according to his conviction without depending on mere beliefs, traditions,
customs and theories. No one has the right to force him to accept any religion. No one
should exploit poverty, illiteracy or arouse human emotional feelings to induce him to
accept a religion. Religion should be a free choice.
Man should be free to choose his own
religion according to his liking and intellectual capacity. To follow a religion blindly
without any understanding would deprive the religion of its spiritual value and the
follower his human dignity. Human beings have intelligence and common sense to
differentiate between what is right and wrong. They can adapt themselves according to
circumstances. They should therefore choose a religion that is suitable to them and one
that meets with their human intelligence. They must be properly guided and then given a
chance to decide freely without any coercion.
2. The Middle-Way
The religion that is being introduced here
is a practical educational system for mental culture which was revealed to the world some
twenty five centuries ago by a Fully Enlightened and Compassionate Teacher. This
religion is also known as the "Middle-Way, a righteous way of life, an
ethico-philosophical system and a religion of freedom and reason." It teaches us to
do three main things; namely, "Keep away from bad deeds, do good and purify the
mind."
This message is very simple, meaningful
and practical, yet people experience difficulties when they put them into practice due to
inherent human weakness. The moral conduct of man plays a most important part in this
religion. Its great Teacher once said, "My teaching is not to come and believe,
but to come, see and practise." It encourages people to study the teachings fully
and so allow them to use their own judgement to decide as to whether they should accept
the teachings or otherwise. No one is asked to come and embrace this religion without
first having an understanding of its teachings.
Superfluous rites and rituals have no real
religious value or significance. There are no superstitious beliefs and practices or
secret doctrines in this religion. Everything is open to the choice of followers who are
at liberty to investigate the teachings and ask questions whenever they wish to clear
their doubts. According to the founder of this religion, one should not believe anything
merely because a great sage has introduced it or because it is traditionally accepted by
many but one should use one's common sense and intelligence and accept it only if it is
worth while to do so.
This religion teaches the Noble Eight Fold
Path which consists of Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action,
Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.. This unique
middle way allows others to lead a noble and peaceful life.
The middle way is neither a metaphysical
path nor a ritualistic path; neither dogmatism nor scepticism; neither self-indulgence nor
self-mortification; neither eternalism nor nihilism; neither pessimism nor optimism; it is
a Path of Enlightenment, a means of deliverance from suffering. This religion does not
agree that human beings are suffering today because of the sins committed by their
ancestors; on the contrary every person carries his or her merits or demerits
individually. Man himself is solely responsible for his own pain or pleasure.
One who follows the middle path of
moderation should find real peace and happiness and should be able to lead a respectable
life without being a slave to one's senses, thus contributing to the peace and harmony of
the world.
3. Reap what you Sow
This religion satisfies man's most
profound and lofty aspirations and yet is able to bear the stress and strain of man's
everyday life, helping him in his contact with his fellow men, besides giving a purpose in
life. It does not instill fear in people. "Good begets good and bad begets
bad." "Every action has its reaction." These are universal laws. This
religion fully agrees with these laws, hence people have to "reap what they
sow." Evil deeds are perpetrated by people due to their greed, anger and
ignorance. Such weaknesses can only be overcome through self realisation. Pleasure and
pain which people experience in this world are not due to some external influences but due
to the good and bad actions, words and deeds which they themselves have committed. For
this very reason, this religion says: 'We are the results of what we were, and we will
be the results of what we are."
According to this teaching, cause and
effect play a very important part in our fives. In a circle of cause and effect a first
cause is inconceivable for the cause ever becomes the effect and the effect in turn
becomes the cause.
4. A Great Teacher
The founder of this unique religion is not
a myth but a Great Teacher who actually lived in this world. He never tried to present
himself as a supernatural being but as a human being who had realised the absolute truth
namely, the secret of life and the real cause of suffering and happiness. Today this
Teacher is not only honoured by hundreds of millions of his followers but also by every
cultured and intellectual man throughout the world. This Noble Man, this Liberator, this
Social Reformer, this Democrat and Inspirer into higher living, passed away at the age of
eighty leaving behind a noble code for humanity to utilise as a means for the elimination
of human suffering, misery, tension, fear and worry. This code enables them to gain
happiness in this life and the life hereafter and leads to the ultimate liberation of all
human suffering.
This Great Teacher comforted the bereaved
by His consoling words. He helped the poor that were neglected. He ennobled the lives of
the deluded and purified the corrupted lives of criminals. He encouraged the feeble,
united the divided, enlightened the ignorant, clarified the mystic, elevated the base and
dignified the noble. Both rich and poor, saints and criminals loved Him alike. Despotic
and righteous Kings, famous and obscure princes and nobles, generous and stingy
millionaires, haughty and humble scholars, destitutes, paupers, down-trodden scavengers,
wicked murderers, despised courtesans - all benefited from His words of wisdom and
compassion and led peaceful, noble lives.
His noble example was a source of
inspiration to all. His serene and peaceful countenance was indeed a soothing sight to the
troubled eyes of men. His message of peace and tolerance was welcomed by all with
indescribable joy and was of eternal benefit to everyone who had the fortune to hear and
practise it. His iron will, profound wisdom, universal love, boundless compassion,
selfless service, historic renunciation, perfect purity, magnetic personality, exemplary
methods employed to introduce His Teachings and His final success - all these factors have
inspired about one fifth of the population of the world today to hail this teacher and to
honour him as their supreme religious master.
This noble Teacher sacrificed his worldly
pleasures for the sake of suffering humanity to seek the Truth in order to show the path
of deliverance from suffering. He visited the poor people whilst kings and ministers
visited him. For forty five years after his enlightenment he had dedicated his life for
enlightening misguided human beings.
This great Teacher feared none nor did He
instill fear in anyone. This is one of the principles that should be cultivated in this
war-torn world of ours where the most precious thing - life - is sacrificed at the altar
of brute force and where armaments are creating fear, tension and hatred.
He was the perfect scientist in the field
of life. He was the perfect psychologist who was able to analyse the real nature of the
mind - so much so that His teaching was acclaimed as the only scientific religion.
To great philosophers and unbiased
thinkers, He is a teacher who understood worldly conditions in its proper perspective. To
moralists He has the highest code of discipline and He symbolizes perfection. 'He was the
perfect model of all the virtues he preached.' To rationalists, He is the most liberal -
minded religious teacher who appreciated the vexed human problems. To free-thinkers, He is
a religious teacher who encouraged people to think freely without depending on religious
dogmas. To agnostics, He is a very kind, understanding and wise man.
He was no doubt the most persuasive of all
the religious Teachers. He never used compulsion or fear as a means of gaining converts.
He has introduced a religious way of life for people to be religious even without the
attachment of a religious label. He was the humble servant of humanity, unperturbed by
either praise or blame, and undeterred even by the most acute illness.
5. Peace, Happiness and Salvation
This Great Teacher has shown the path to
peace, happiness and salvation. His way of teaching is liberal, rational, scientific and
understandable, leading towards enlightenment.
Today the message of peace of this Great
Universal Teacher is more important than ever before especially at a time when human
beings are intoxicated with anger, greed, jealousy, pride and desire for world
domination.
This Teacher was born to this world to
dispel the darkness of ignorance and to save the world from its ills. Throughout the world
many people live on without believing or practising any form of religion. However if they
would only take a little bit of trouble to study and understand what this Great Teacher
had taught, they could easily clarify their doubts, if any, and be convinced as to the
religion that could best contribute to man's happiness.
Whether one believes in Him or not, His
Teaching nevertheless has its profound effect on all people. His message was given to the
world without any violence nor was a single drop of blood ever shed in its name. This is a
remarkable record in world history which could be imprinted in letters of gold. This
teaching illuminates the way by which mankind could cross from a world of
unsatisfactoriness to a new world of light, love, peace, happiness and satisfaction.
The twenty five century old teaching of
this great Teacher is strong enough to face any challenge without reversing or having to
give new interpretations to its original doctrines. This teaching can be accepted without
fear of being contradicted by modern scientific discoveries and achievements.
The teaching considers virtue as being one
of the necessary prerequisites for the attainment of salvation. The other prerequisite is
wisdom. Virtue and wisdom could also be compared to the eyes and feet of a man. Virtue is
like a vehicle that brings man up to the gate of .salvation, but the actual key that opens
the gate is wisdom.
6. Heavenly Bliss
The followers of this religion do not
regard themselves as being the only chosen people who could get the chance to attain
heavenly bliss. They believe that man creates his own hell or heaven according to his way
of life and that sufferings in hell or realization of heavenly bliss can be experienced in
this earthly life instead of in the life hereafter, as commonly believed. This religious
teacher never tried to introduce his teaching by frightening people through hell fire or
by tempting them with everlasting heavenly life but by revealing the truth. In accordance
with these teachings, anyone can enjoy heavenly bliss so long as one leads a righteous way
of life. Heaven is not reserved for or to be monopolized by any one particular sect or
religious community. It should be open to all - anyone who leads a noble fife.
Tolerance, patience and understanding are
worthy virtues upheld by the followers of this religion. Loving kindness, compassion and
sympathy towards others are not linfited to human beings only but extended to all living
beings -since destruction of life, be it human or animal, is cruel and unjust, and is
against the teaching of this religion. This religion also advises its followers to respect
other people's views in order to lead a harmonious life.
7. Way of Life
This religion is clear, reasonable and
gives complete answers to all important aspects and questions about our life. It provides
a solid foundation to help mankind towards a positive and better way of life.
This religion does not divide mankind into
groups, the "saved" and the lost but as a civilized and
understanding religion it teaches us how to tame the wild and refine the tamed.
Followers of this religion do not indulge
in petitional or intercessory prayer. They believe in the importance of self-exertion and
in the efficacy of meditation that leads one to self conquest, self-control, self
purification, relief and enlightenment because meditation serves as a tonic both of the
heart and the mind.
8. Man can mould his Life
This religion contends that mind is the
all powerful force -the creator and destroyer of man and the architect of man's fate.
Therefore, man should be capable of moulding anything if only he knows how to develop and
make use of his mind properly.
In fact this religion has been an
admirable lighthouse for guiding mankind towards peace, happiness and eternal bliss. It is
true that the world today is riddled with racial, political, religious, communal and
ideological misunderstandings. To solve these complex problems, people must exercise the
spirit of benevolence and tolerance towards each other, and this can be cultivated under
the guidance of this religion which inculcates ethical-moral co-operation for universal
good. Man must come to realize -that spiritual development is more important than the
attainment of material development for the real happiness and welfare of mankind. He must
also practise truth, service, charity and love if this world is to be turned into a better
place to live in.
9. Actuality
This religious teacher through his
enlightenment, declared that:
• The greatest virtue is that gained in the cultivation of universal love;
• The supreme happiness is the happiness derived from mental tranquility;
• The absolute truth is the truth acquired through the understanding of the causes
of human suffering;
• The highest religion is the religion that teaches intellectual development
morality and mental purification;
• The greatest philosophy is the philosophy that introduces a practical way of
life that can be followed without depending on theories and mere beliefs.
This religion does not obstruct anyone
from reading and learning the teachings of other religions, and allows no place for
fanaticism. A fanatic cannot allow himself to be guided by reason or even by the
scientific principle of observation and analysis. Therefore, the follower of this religion
is a free man with an open mind and is not subservient to anyone for his spiritual
development.
If you care to learn a little more of the
religious discipline or moral code of ethics and mental training of this religion you
would have to withdraw any previous misunderstandings you have had about this religion.
One should not merely judge the value of a religion by just observing certain practices
performed by some misguided followers; instead one should always try to understand the
fundamental teachings of that religion.
10. Credit to Man's Intelligence
Instead of placing man and his destiny
under the arbitrary control of an unknown external agency and making him subservient to
such a supreme power, this religion raised the status of mankind and accorded man the
credit due to him for his intelligence. It taught him how to cultivate his submerged human
potential.
This religion teaches us how to render
selfless service to others. Followers of this religion abstain from evil not because of
fear of retribution from some unseen being but because of realisation that evil would
bring about suffering to living beings.
Their motive of doing good to help others
is not to please any supreme being in expectation of a reward, but due to feelings of
compassion and to release them from sufferings.
Here in this religion you can find a way
to perfect goodness and wisdom without any aid from any external power. You can achieve
the highest wisdom through realization but not necessarily through 'revelation'. You can
attain redemption without the assistance of a vicarious redeemer. You can gain salvation
within this lifetime by the judicious exercise of your own faculties without waiting for
it to happen only in the life hereafter. Ibis religion teaches that man is not for
religion but that religion is for man. That means: without becoming a slave to any
religion, man must try to make use of a religion for his betterment and liberation.
11. Is it Possible?
• Without sensuous pleasures would
life be endurable?
• Without belief in immortality can
man be moral?
• Without any aid from an external
agency can man advance towards righteousness?
• Without rites and rituals can man
lead a religious life?
• Without emotional faiths and
beliefs can man practise a religion?
• Without suffering through certain
religious penances can man attain his liberation?
• Without creating fear in the mind can man follow certain religious
principles?
• Without using force and threatening
others can we introduce a proper religion?
• Without superstitious beliefs and
dogmatic ideas in the name of religion is it possible to convince the masses to lead a
religious life?
• Can a man appreciate and inspire a
religion without mysticism, occultism and priest craft?
"Yes," said the founder of this
religion; these ends could be attained by service, by purity, discipline and wisdom.
The realization of the law of cause and
effect as explained in this religion clarifies and helps to solve the problems of human
sufferings, the mystery of fate and predestination, and above all the inequality of
mankind. Understanding of this law gives them consolation, hope, self-reliance and moral
courage.
12. Modern Religion
This is not a theory or a religion, just
to believe in but a practical and noble way of life. This is one of the oldest religions
in history that brought culture and betterment to mankind, yet most modern in every
aspect, when compared with modem achievements. It advises one not to become a slave to any
external power but to cultivate one's own hidden potential and use one's own effort and
intelligence to resolve one's problems.
It has every quality required of a
rational religion that will fit into the present and future world. It is rational,
progressive and reasonable. It will be beneficial for anyone to study and realize the
value of this religion in the modern world. It is acknowledged to be more scientific than
science and more progressive than all the progressive elements in the spiritual field. It
is one of the most effective means to be utilised for.the maintenance of world peace,
harmony and understanding.
13. No Discrimination
It was this religion which, for the first
time in world history, revolted against the degrading caste system and taught equality of
mankind, according equal opportunities for all to distinguish themselves in every walk of
life. It was also this religion that first gave freedom to women by encouraging them to
study and practise a religion that bestowed social equalities.
The Great Teacher declared that the gates
to success and prosperity were open to all in every condition of life whether high or low,
saint or criminal, who would care, seek and aspire for perfection. He did not force his
followers to be slaves either to Himself or His teachings but granted them complete
freedom of thought and investigation so that they could gain self-confidence.
This religion classifies the living being
into mind and matter which are in a state of constant change, not remaining the
same for two consecutive moments. Mind and matter arise and perish and the cycles go on.
Therefore nothing will remain permanently either in this world or elsewhere in the
universe. Because everything which exists in any part of the universe is nothing but a
combination of elements and energies, it is quite natural that these things will one day
disintegrate and the formations disappear totally. This religion also teaches us that
every existing component thing is subject to changes and conflicts owing to worldly
conditions or universal laws.
The principles observed by this religion
are not commandments. By observing the precepts such as abstaining from Killing, Stealing,
Sexual Misconduct, Telling Lies and Taking Intoxicating Drinks, the followers can purify
themselves and enable others to live peacefully.
14. Our Aim
Our aim in publishing this article is not
to convert others into our faith but to enlighten them on how to seek peace and happiness
and to practise their own religious convictions without resorting to blind faith. We
encourage every person to practise his own religion properly if he can truly find truth,
peace, happiness, wisdom and salvation in it. What we want is for man to lead a
respectable religious life without abusing his human dignity.
However, this religion may be the answer
to many of your religious, spiritual and human problems or it may give fresh direction to
your thinking on religious and philosophical matters. It may also help you to understand
the way of life and cultural heritage of Asia. You may find in this religion the spiritual
guidance the modern world needs.
Whatever may be your purpose, we invite you to take a closer look at this religion and the
ideals of the founder. We are ready to help you in your search for truth. Therefore, Be
Unbiased, Avoid Religious Prejudices, Try to Find the Truth.
This religion brought into the world a new
spirit, a new hope, a new path, the truth of which and the necessity of which is seen and
felt today as of old. The great religion referred to is "Buddhism" and its
founder is none other than "Gautama The Buddha."
==> English version
