I was inspired to learn more about Buddha's history after reading the book "Ten Thousand Miles Without A Cloud" by Sun Shuyin.
I learnt that Buddha or as he was known then, Siddartha Gautama was born in Lumbini (now in Nepal). Buddha found enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, in the district of Bihar, India under a Bodhi tree. Buddha died in Kushinagar.
Today is Wesak, a day to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
To me, these events are significant because they taught me about three things.
Firstly, how a prince who had everything in life decided to give up everything in order to teach humankind about life.
It is not easy to give up a position of power and wealth but one can do it if one can see the bigger picture.
Secondly, his philosophy of life. His four noble truths.
The four noble truths are the truth of suffering (dukkha); truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya); truth of the end of suffering (nirhodha); and truth of the path that frees us from suffering (magga). The last noble truth contains a eight-fold path to attain enlightenment.
One needs to have the right Understanding; Intention; Speech; Action; Livelihood; Effort; Mindfulness; and Concentration in order to achieve Enlightenment.
Thirdly, the dignity, peace and mindfulness as he was approaching his final moment. Buddha taught his followers to accept alms, as long as they did not hear, see or suspect that the animal was killed on purpose for them.
Buddha's last meal was sukkara maddava or pig's delight (purportedly pork or truffle) provided by Cunda. Even though his last meal was not the direct cause of his death, it was the catalyst that triggered his death. Enduring the pain with calmness and mindfulness, Buddha continued to teach the philosophy to his followers until his death and accepted two more disciples.
Hence, on this auspicious day, we should emulate Buddha. Let us have the right understanding to lead us away from delusions. Let us have the right intention in order to eliminate the three poisons of greed, anger and ignorance. Let us have the right speech ie words of truth, words of compassion, words of praise and words of altruism. These words help and benefit others. Let us have the right action. Behaviour that is right and in accord with the truth, that protects life, be compassionate and give charity. Let us have the right livelihood or right occupation that do not harm others or ourselves. Let us have the right effort to move in the direction of truth with courage and diligence. Let us have the right mindfulness, a mind that contemplates the right path. Let us have the right concentration to discover our true self.
Have a blessed Wesak !
