When myth is truth …
In one of the lessons on the life of Buddha taught by Cakkapala during the “Buddhism in Daily Life” class, he related (See the other link http://edhamma.net/?p=2089 – “Buddhism in Daily Life – a New Course”), the incident where Prince Siddhartha retrieved a wounded swan shot down by Devadatta’s arrow . Both claimed ownership to the swan and the dispute was brought before a council of wise men. The wise men ‘s decision was: “The swan belonged to the one who saved its life not to the one who tried to kill it.” This episode is said to be found in the Mahayana sutra but not in the Pali cannon.
Another lesson taught was the Buddha’s three visits to Sri Lanka is a myth, it was not mentioned in the Buddhist scriptures.
Paradoxically, both episodes are found in many Buddhist literatures and text books. They also form part of an examination syllabus set by The Colombo Young Men’s Buddhist Association, Sri Lanka on Theravada Buddhism and classes are conducted in several local centres and temples other than Mangala Vihara Buddhist Temple.
… and the truth is a myth
The spectacular birth of the Bodhisatta Prince Siddhartha is also recounted in may Buddhist literatures and text books. Many thought this event is a myth for a new-born child to walk seven steps.
However, in the Buddhist scripture, Mahapadana Suttanta, it says:
“It is the rule, brethren, that, when a Bodhisat has come to birth, he stands firm on both feet with his face to the north, takes seven strides, the while a white canopy is held over him, and, looking around on every side, he utters as with the voice of a bull:- ‘Chief am I in the word, Eldest am I in the world, Foremost am I in the world! This is my last birth! There is no coming to be!’ That, in such a case, is the rule.” (Digha Nikaya, Suttana 14, The Sublime Story, T. W. Rhys Davids, PTS edition).
On Vesak Day, many and mainly, Mahayana temples and centres enacted the ritual of bathing the infant Bodhisatta.
“It is the rule when the Bodhisatta issues from his mother’s womb, two streams of water appear from the sky, one cold, the other warm, with which they ritually was the Bodhisatta and his mother. That is the rule.” (Digha Nikaya, Sutta 14: Mahapadana Sutta: The Great Discourse on the Lineage. Maurice Walshe, [Wisdom Publications]).
What is the truth then?
May I ask “What is truth and what is not the truth?”
Venerable Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero aptly says: “If anything is written about the Buddha, that is devoid of truth, it just cannot be Buddhism. It just could not be the Word of the Buddha. The greatest duty of the Buddhist is to follow the Buddha who is the Hero of Truth, and establish one’s self in Truth always. His duty is to honour Truth. Where there is no truth there is no Buddhism – not even a Buddhistic trace.” (The Greatest Man who ever lived, The supreme Buddha,[ SBMC]).
Where can I learn the truth?
Being a lay devotee of the Theravada tradition I need to discern the truth from the myth and I would encourage fellow readers to join me to enrol in any of these courses, if not all, to learn the TRUTH discovered by the Buddha with right view, right understanding for right practice.
All courses are free of charge.
Buddhism in Daily Life
Date: Every Monday
Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Venue: 2nd Floor, Chew Quee Neo Hall
Teachers: Bhante Cakkapala, Bhante Raja, Brother Raymond Yow
Contact person: Brother Raymond Yow (raymondyow@eshine.com.sg)
Sutta Studies Class
Teacher: Bhante Cakkapala
Date: 14th August 2013
Time: 7:45pm to 9:30pm.
Venue: Subhadda Room (3rd Floor, 1st Room)
Day: Wednesday on 2nd and 4th week of the month
Contact person: Brother Alex Lim (mvdfsutta@gmail.com)
Sutta Reading Club
Dates: August 17th, 24th, 31st
September 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
October 5th, 12th and 19th
Time: 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Teacher: Bhante Raja
Day: Saturday
Venue: Subhadda Room (3rd Floor, 1st Room)
Contact person: Brother Chin Kee Thou (chintouch@singnet.com.sg)
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
Contributor: Chin Kee Thou
English Dhamma Class &
Associate Member, MVDF
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 in anything because it is spoken and rumoured by many.
Do not believe in anything (simply) because it is found 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 benefit of the one and all then accept it and live up to it.
(Anguttara Nikaya, Vol 1, 188 – 193 PTS edition).
Perhaps, the YMBA examinations board should consider reviewing the syllabus in view of the two episodes, and others if any, that are not consistent with the Pali canon and contradictions to right practice.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Latest update from Sutta Studies Class:
The Sutta Studies Class will commence on August 14th 2013
and henceforth on every Wednesday except on New Moon and Full Moon Day.
All other details remain unchanged.