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Inaugural Number:
The
LIGHT
of the
DHAMMA
4
CONTENTS
PAGE
At Your Service 5
The Mett± Sutta 8
Message from the Mohnyin Sayadaw 10
Modern Problems and Ancient Wisdom (by Francis Story) 12
The Buddha’s Basic Principles (by David Maurice) 18
The Word of the Buddha (by Bhikkhu Sangharakkhita) 20
Shrines of Burma (by David Maurice) 21
Udaya 23
Buddhism and Modern Creeds (by U Tin) 25
The Message of Visakhaa (by Francis Story) 28
The First Sermon 31
What is Therav±da Buddhism? (by David Maurice) 33
Burma and Buddhism Today 37
Union Buddha S±sana Council Act 45
Cases Which Led to the Enactment of the Bill 48
The World Fellowship of Buddhists 52
A Sermon by U Lokanatha 57
Thoughts on the Dhamma (by Anagarika P. Sugatananda) 71
News of Buddhism 77
P±li Terms and Phrases 79
5
AT YOUR SERVICE
In the course of lectures delivered formerly by the Editor in a country far from
Burma, questions were sometimes asked which could be answered precisely only
by quotations from the actual Buddhist Scriptures, which were not there and then
available. This experience makes us see that it is quite possible that much in this
magazine may inspire such questions, and some of the matter itself may require
clarification, partly due to the exigencies of space and method and perhaps partly
due to the inability of the Editor to present his matter as accurately and lucidly as
he would wish.
Here in Burma, we have a large body of Bhikkhus and laymen who have by
study and by practise become adept in particular branches and fully qualified to
answer all questions arising from your desire to know more of Buddhism generally
or to have more detailed information on specific points.
In the Dhammapada, we are exhorted: “The gift of the Dhamma is greater than
all other gifts; the taste of the Dhamma is sweeter than all other tastes; love of the
Dhamma exceeds all other love; the destruction of craving overcomes all sufferings.”
and we regard it as the most meritorious of deeds if we can satisfy an earnest
enquirer. Therefore we solicit your questions and feel that we are uniquely
constituted, backed as we are by such a learned body of monks and laymen, to
help you.
Questions will be answered either through the Magazine in the following issue
or directly by post, and if we can be of any help at all, we are fully at your service.
Please address yourself to The Editor, “The Light of the Dhamma” Union Buddha
Sasana Council, Rangoon, Burma.
It may be here mentioned that as this is a Buddhist Magazine, any matter herein
may be reprinted without payment; but the courtesy of acknowledgment will be
appreciated.
6
Like threads of silver run the rills It nourishes its saints and seers;
From faintly blue horizon-hills; Through other lands, ‘neath altered skies,
Journeying downward, day by day It flows, refreshing to the wise.
(From hidden springs how far away!), Through plague and famine, peace and
They run by forest, field and farm, war,
Then roll, a river, broad and calm, Smoothly and purely as before,
Through flowery pastures white with Age after age that River winds
kine, Through million million hearts and
Through desert sands, to meet the brine minds.
And mingle there, in joyous motion, Now in these after-days doth pour
With the waveless heart of ocean. That sweet Flood forth from days of yore.
So flows the River of Thy Word Water of peace and purity,
( In century after century heard ) Oh how I long to drink of thee!
Down from that shining mountain height River of Wisdom, bear me on
Thou didst ascend on Wesak Night Whither the Arahants have gone:
To win the heart’s, the mind’s release, Stripped of the rags of ‘ thou’ and ‘I’
Willing Thy way from strife to peace. Into the Deathless did they die.
Down from the steep green Arahant-hills I made me not, as though of reeds,
Into Time’s lap that River spills. A small frail raft of my good deeds
Through Bamboo Grove and Mango Nor sail of meditation spread,
Grove, Nor oar of wisdom furnished.
Where did the poet-Theras rove, Yet do I long to quit this shore
Its current wound and rippled long Of darkness, doubly than before;
And made to bloom their flowers of song; To be commingled, then, with thy
Then in its flowing doth it see Deep current till the death of ‘I’.
Verdant and desert century. Flow till thou reach Nibb±na’s Sea,
For hundred and for thousand years O River, with, yet without ‘me’ !
21
Shrines of Burma
DAVID MAURICE
No. 1. The Famous Shwedagon On their return, after many difficulties
Pagoda. and dangers, the brothers met with a royal
The first Englishman ever to visit Burma welcome and, the Hairs of the Buddha were
was Ralph Fitch, who in the late fifteen enshrined in a Golden Pagoda.
hundreds sailed from the Thames in “the Through the ages this pagoda, the
talle shippe Tyger”, the same vessel Shwedagon, has been added to until in 1774
mentioned by Shakespeare’s witches in it was raised to its present height of 326 ft.
Macbeth. For the “ Tyger” was indeed by Shin Byu Shin, king of Ava. Since the
wrecked on its voyage to Aleppo and his Shwedagon is on a hill overlooking
good Kamma saved Ralph Fitch and Rangoon, it has a commanding position and
eventually brought him home, safe and dominates the landscape. Rising from the
sound after many adventures including his summit of the hill which has been levelled
short but happy sojourn in Burma. to form a platform about 900 ft. long and
Ralph Fitch found in Rangoon a cultured 700 ft. wide the Pagoda is surrounded by
civilisation in which commerce and the arts tazaungs (shelters) which have some of the
flourished, and the cleanness and sweetness finest woodcraft and mosaic work existing
of all he saw inspired him to write most in the world today. These tazaungs may
enthusiastically—so much so that his story, have as many as five, seven or nine storied
published in Hakluyt’s Voyages captured roofs some culminating in a spire and hti
the imagination of all Europe. (umbrella). There are also almost
innumerable figures of the Buddha of brass
He wrote of the mighty Shwedagon
or of alabaster.
Pagoda; “It is the fairest place, as I suppose,
that doe bee in all the worlde”. Certainly The Wonder Of The World
the great Shwedagon is the oldest and If the world has but seven wonders, then
mightiest of Buddhist fanes, and draws Shwedagon is not the least of them and there
pilgrims from near and far to worship at its are many even among the non-Buddhists
sacred base and to remember the Great who come from the ends of the earth to see
Teachings of the Buddha as they repeat the beauty and romance of almost-faery
“Anicca, Dukkha, Anatt±” “All is architecture, though there are those who,
Impermanence, a source of discontent, objecting to the Eastern injunction (given
without any unchanging soul or ego”. also to Moses) “Take off thy shoes, for thou
The ancient stories tell of the trading art upon Holy Ground”, do not enter when
mission to India of two brothers, Burmese they find that it is necessary to remove one’s
merchants, Tapussa and Bhallika by name, footwear. This prejudice is now happily
more than 2500 years ago, and of how they dying out.
met the Buddha just after He had attained Many distinguished Visitors in recent
his long-sought Enlightenment, and times have expressed their awe and
obtained from Him eight hairs of His head reverence and have used that very phrase
to be enshrined in their native town of “one of the wonders of the world”. With all
Okkala, the present day Rangoon. the reverence and all the wonder inspired
22
by this mighty symbol, one gets also the understanding of the aspirations and ideals
atmosphere of quiet happiness and tranquil of a united and independent Burma.
joy that is so peculiarly Buddhist. A few of 24th August 1947.” JOHN FREEMAN,
the many entries in the Visitors’ Book show Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, War
this. Office.
“My visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda this “ I have been told of the Shwcdagon
morning is the fulfilment of a long- Pagoda. I have read of the Shwedagon
cherished ambition. Ever since I first heard Pagoda. Now I have seen the Shwedagon
of the Pagoda many years ago, as one of Pagoda, and that is the best of all.
the world’s supreme art treasures, I have
I am deeply grateful to the Trustees of
looked forward to the day when its beauty
the Pagoda for their kind welcome to me
and interest would change from a dream to
and my wife and members of my staff.
a reality. Thanks to the kindness and
courtesy of the Trustees of the Pagoda my I regard it as a good omen that one of
dream has now come true. The Pagoda, in my first acts after my arrival in Rangoon as
all its grace and dignity, has witnessed many the High Commissioner of the United
dramatic events in Burma’s long and Kingdom has been to visit this wonderful
illustrious history. I am happy to think that shrine.
it will so soon witness the achievement by 1st December 1947. JAMES BOWKER.
Burma of complete national independence,
and the beginning of a new and glorious “The dignity and splendour of what I
chapter in the career of a great people. May have seen this evening I find difficult to
Britain and Burma always walk together as express in words. What is even more
friends aud equals. “ striking is the atmosphere of peace and
7th September 1947. (Lord) tranquillity. A visit to such surroundings is
LISTOWEL an inspiration and a source of spiritual
strength and sustenance. My visit will
The members of the United Kingdom remain one of the most cherished memories
Defence Mission to Burma were shown of my life.”
round the Pagoda on 24th August 1947. 6th January 1948. ARTHUR
We have looked forward since our arrival HENDERSON Secretary of State.
in Burma to paying this visit not only
because the Pagoda is, as a work of art, one Fire, earthquakes, the ravages of time
of the wonders of the world, but also and the inclemencies of the weather and,
because of its particular significance as a during the last war, British and Japanese
symbol of Burmese unity. bombs, have menaced the Shwedagon but
The peoples of Great Britain and Burma still it gleams majestically towards the sky
will find mutual understanding easier to and Ralph Fitch’s words are still as true “ It
achieve if they can share together the is, as I suppose, the fairest place that doe
appreciation of the world’s treasures. We bee in all the Worlde.”
have felt this morning particularly,
23
U DAYA
Again, again is seed in furrow sown,
Again, again the cloud-king sends down rain,
Again, again the ploughmen plough the fields,
Again, again comes corn into the realm,
Again, again do beggars go their round,
Again, again do generous donors give,
Again, again when many gifts are given,
Again, again the donors find their heaven.
Again, again the dairy-folk draw milk,
Again, again the calf its mother seeks,
Again, again we tire and toil anew,
Again, again the slow wits seek rebirth,
Again, again comes birth and dying comes,
Again, again men bear us to the grave.
The mighty Shwedagon Pagoda: ‘the fairest place that doe bee in all the Worlde.”
25
The Hon’ble Prime Minister, a devout Buddhist, U Nu, plants a sapling of the Sacred
Bo-Tree at Loikaw in the Kayah State of the Union of Burma.
28
A Buddhist Newspaper
Proves the Dhamma Lives
hat the Dhamma is interesting,
T alive, enthralling is shown by the
manner of presentation by the
Buddhist World. Circulating
throughout English-reading Asia and
to most countries in the world. Write
for particulars and sample copy.
In another outlying part of the Union of Burma, The Chin Hills in the cold north, the
Hon’ble U Nu, Prime Minister of the Union of Burma, recites Buddhist Scriptures after
planting a sacred Bo sapling.
The Right Hon’ble Mr. Richard Casey, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, visits the
Shwedagon Pagoda accompanied by Thado Thiri Thudhama U Thein Maung, Chief
Justice of Burma, Trustee of the Shwedagon.
39
promoting Buddhism in a concrete manner. You will no doubt remember that the
Three Acts of Parliament: Vinicchaya Thana Hon’ble Prime Minister on several
Act, 1949, P±li University and occasions gave a picture of the Union just
Dhammacariya Act, 1950 and Buddha on the brink of the precipice. Please ponder
S±sana Council Act, 1950 have been duly over the forces which succeeded in saving
enacted and they are but heralding a series the country from this catastrophe. I consider
of Religious Legislation yet to come. Our that the religious force which we have been
religion has been in a neglected state for able to build up in the last two years is mainly
the past sixty-six years since the overthrow responsible for our renewed strength to tide
of King Thibaw, Promoter of the Faith. The over the sinister forces of disorder. You will
prosperity of Religion, as you are all aware, no doubt realize that in order to restore
depends on the presence of a ruler who is peace and prosperity in the country, our
genuinely inclined to promote it. The armed forces, our administration and our
absence of such a ruler makes for the new economic stystem alone will not
decline in Religion in all its three aspects. suffice. Forces of Religion or in other words
When we were denied Freedom, what was the Religious Front which the Prime Minister
the state of our Religion? Saªghas split up aptly described as the Moral Pillar is also
into different sects; contacts between the called for. I feel no compunction in claiming
Saªghas and laymen were few and far that it stands to the credit of the A.F.P.F.L.
between there was a dearth of learned men; government that it has been able to organize
religious practice was neglected and this Religious Front at a time when morality
darkness gradually fell on our S±sana. It is at its lowest ebb.
came to such a pass that the Buddhist got It is true that even after the fall of King
bewildered and became unable to sift the Thibaw the Buddhist public endeavoured
true from the false. to promote the great religion as best as they
While in the past every Buddhist child could. Pagodas and Monasteries were built,
got his rudiments of Buddhist religious thousands of monks were well-looked-after,
education thanks to our wonderful monastic religious associations were formed and
schools, our children were gradually kept scriptural examinations were conducted.
away from them during the alien regime. Those good-intentioned people carried on
Thus an ever-widening gulf crept in this noble work for over 60 years without
between the Saªghas and the laymen; the the material support of the then
old Saªgha Organisation lost its former Government. They were the real Promoters
cohesion, and the Saªgha eventually came of the Faith in the absence of the Faithful
under the aegis of lay courts of law. With Ruler. Now the circumstances have
this decline in the structure of Saªgha changed. Independence is once more
Society came the deterioration in the restored and the Government is duly elected
Saªgha’s code of conduct. Lay morality also by the people according to the constitution.
declined in consequence. With this general It is but inevitable that the Government
deterioration in human morality, breaches becomes the Promoter of the Faith on behalf
of law became rampant. In fact the present of the people who elect it. The Government
insurrection in our country is attributable thus elected cannot merely look on
to this decline in human morality. indifferently at the religious structure which
40
had been disintegrating during the last sixty Act in areas where councils are not yet set
years. The Government wishes to see the up, arrangements are being made to
unity of the Saªghas, the zealous devotion introduce a supplementary Vinicchaya
of the Saªghas to religious knowledge and Thana Act in the forthcoming session of
practice and wishes to encourage to the Parliament. I need not of course tell you
utmost the propagation of the Dhamma. that the Reverend Sayadaws who administer
The Government is determined to help the these councils are deeply learned in the Law
Saªghas in their endeavours to cleanse the and they are duly elected by the Saªgha
great religion of Undesirable elements and themselves. An allotment of Rs. 36,000 was
the Government in the foot-steps of the made for the functioning of these councils
great Promoters of the Faith in the past, will and it is the intention of the Government to
implement by means of legislation what the allot a further sum of Rs. 82,000 in the
Saªghas desire to carry out according to coming financial year.
the Dhamma. Buddha S±sana Council Act sets out to
The progress of Buddhism rests on the organize the Promoters of the Faith into
three following factors :— some kind of Parliament of S±sana. All
(1) The existence of a true and devoted religious measures will be undertaken by
Saªgha (brotherhood of Bhikkhus) the Union Government through the good
offices of this Parliament of S±sana and I
(2) Strongly united lay people to hope that real effective work will be
promote Religion and accomplished. I wish to give this assurance
(3) A Government determined to that the Union Government, befitting the
encourage to the utmost the propagation of role of true representative of the Promoters
the Dhamma. of the Faith, will subsidize all activities under
With these facts in mind the Union Buddha S±sana Council Act as far as the
Government has enacted the P±li University country’s finances warrant.
and Dhammacariya Act, The Vinicchaya Another point I want to stress is the fact
Thana Act and Buddha S±sana Council Act. that this organisation formed under the
The Union Government has allotted a sum Buddha S±sana Council Act is no way
of Rs. 76,000 towards the implementation connected with politics nor is it sectarian. It
of the P±li University and Dhammacariya is formed purely for the purpose of
Act and intends to allot a further sum of Rs. promoting the S±sana as best it can. Under
350,000 for the purpose in the next financial the circumstances the Union Government
year. do not in the least desire to see this great
By the enactment of the Vinicchaya Organisation contaminated with affairs
Thana Act the Saªgha are no longer other than religious and it is the fervent
required to appear in lay courts of law as hope of the Union Government that the
before and Saªgha Councils have been set members of this Organisation will promptly
up to try Saªgha’s cases. Under this Act five get rid of all undesirable elements if they
councils in Rangoon, five councils in do appear in the fold of the organisation.
Mandalay and four councils in Sagaing are Before I conclude let me tell you that
functioning. To extend the operation of this the intention of the Union Government is
41
no other than to see this great Organisation support in all directions to the Buddha
freely administering all religious matters S±sana, without prejudice to its obligations
under the Act without let or hindrance. to other religious denominations.
Under the Act the Minister for Religious Pariyatti Examinations. Pariyatti
Affairs is a member of the Executive Examinations of very high standard were
Committee as the representatives of held annually by the State since the
Religious Organisations who drafted the Bill beginning of the 17th Century C.E. till the
wanted him to be so. The following are in annexation of Upper Burma by the British
brief some of the religious measures in 1885 C.E. The Burmese Kings gave
contemplated:- attractive prizes to the successful
1. Renovation of dilapidated pagodas candidates. Under pressure of public
and images wherein sacred relics of Lord opinion the British Government resumed
Buddha are authentically stated to have the practice of holding these annual Pariyatti
been enshrined. Examinations in 1895 and continued till the
2. The study of the Dhamma will be outbreak of the last World War.
encouraged with renewed vigour, as befits The Examinations are for 3 Classes of
the leading Buddhist country in the world. Degrees. viz., the Lower, the Middle and
3. The practice of the Lord’s teaching the Highest. During the last 40 years the
will be encouraged. Examinations have been held annually at
about 20 Centres throughout the country.
4. With a view to spreading the The examination known as ‘Dhammacariya
Dhamma all over the world like the rays of Examination’ also is held for those who
the sun and the beams of the moon, utmost have passed the Highest degree
endevours will be made to organize the examination and wish to qualify for
Sixth Buddhist Council on a grand scale as teachership in the Dhamma. These
befits the occasion. successful candidates in examinations are
These four measures are the main granted prizes for each department of study.
activities the Union Government has in There was an interruption of five years
mind. It is up to you to exert your utmost to during the last war, but the Examinations
promote the great religion and make the were resumed in 1947, when 1170
Buddha S±sana Council a success and an candidates sat for the examinations and 610
object of esteem and admiration by the passed, increasing in number every year,
entire world. so that 4789 candidates sat in 1951 for the
S±sana Since Independence. Ever since the examination at 34 Centres and 2605 passed.
beginning of its life as a Sovereign P±li University. P±li is the language of the
Independent country, Burma has introduced Tipiµakas and as such has been studied most
many epoch-making measures for the assiduously throughout the centuries by the
revival and propagation of Buddha S±sana Bhikkhus and learned men in all the
in Burma and abroad. Under the leadership Buddhist countries. In Burma it was a
of such a very devout and pious Buddhist compulsory subject in all the schools
as the Prime Minister U Nu, the throughout the country during the days of
Government has been giving unstinted Burmese Kings. In the Constitution of the
42
Union of Burma it has been laid down as a beatitudes for thebenefit of man in this and
directive principle of State policy to the other world. It was also the first lesson
encourage the study of P±li which “shall every Burmese boy or girl had to learn, as
enjoy the protection and support of the soon as he or she knew the alphabets,
State”. In 1947 the Committee for enquiring throughout the centuries during the days
into the project for establishing a P±li of the Burmese Kings. During the last War
University submitted its report to the an organisation was formed for the purpose
Government recommending the of holding Maªgala Sutta Examinations and
establishment of a P±li University in Burma. the examinations were held in 1944 and
Again in 1948 another committee was 1945 in Rangoon. Over 10,000 school boys
constituted to go into the question and the and girls sat and over 8,000 passed. In 1948
Committee submitted a report in the same the Young Men’s Buddhist Association
year. Again the matter was referred to a (Y.M.B.A) took up this movement and it
larger committee which finally submitted a has held Examinations annually since then
report recommending a P±li University and with very great success. In 1951 the
giving support to Dhammacariyas. It was Maªgala Sutta Examinations were held at
this report which led in 1950 to the 70 Centres; 15,637 candidates sat for the
introduction and passage of an Act known examinations including adults, school-boys
as “The P±li University and Dhammacariya and school-girls and 332 prison inmates;
Act 1950”. Under this Act a P±li University 5,473 passed.
has been established with 22 Constituent Buddhist Lessons in Schools and Colleges.
Colleges throughout the country with 114 A Committee formed for the purpose of
Dhammacariyas (teachers) amid over 500 enquiring into and making
students. It may be noted that only those recommendations for Buddhist lessons to
who have passed the Highest Degree be taught in schools and colleges, submitted
Examinations are eligible for admission to its report recently. On these reports the
the P±li University. Government are taking steps to introduce
Tipiµaka-dhara Examination. This the teaching of Buddhism in all the schools
examination was started in 1948 by an and also the Rangoon University and its
organisation known as “The Buddha S±sana Constituent Colleges.
Nuggaha Association” subsidised by the Buddhist Mission in the Hill Tracts. The
Government. This examination is by far the Burma Hill Tracts Buddhist Mission
hardest examination and of the highest Organisation was formed in 1946 under the
standard in the world. The curriculum auspices of the “All Burma Mah± Saªgha
covers the whole of the Tipiµakas together Samaggi” and the General Council of
with all the commentaries, and the Buddhist Associations. This Organisation
candidates are required to carry the has now established 10 Buddhist Mission
Tipiµakas by heart and to be able to expound (Monastic) Centres in Kampalet District
thoroughly every passage contained (middle sector of the Special Chin Division)
therein. and 4 centres in Tiddim (Northern sector of
Maªgala Sutta Examinations. Maªgala the Special Chin Division). It has also
Sutta is a collection of the most valuable established one Buddhist (monastic) centre
precepts for the laity containing 38 and one adult missionary school at
43
Myitkyina in Kachin State. In the Kayah the Bhikkhus were given food at the end of
State the Organisation has reorganised and the ceremony. 100 pounds of paritta threads
given support to 13 monasteries. In the Chin were sent to all places throughout the
Division lay schools are also being country. Besides this, the celebration in the
established along with the Monastic traditional manner also was carried out at
Mission Centres. The organisation has also the Great Shwedagon Pagoda. All the
been distributing clothing and medicine in Government and public buildings were, on
those backward areas. It has sent out 65 that day, flying Buddhist flags; the Buddhist
Bhikkhus to those Hill Areas, and up to now flag was also flown by hundreds of buses
over 52,000 people of those areas have carrying the Bhikkhus to and from the Great
embraced Buddhism; over 4,000 people Shwedagon Pagoda, and by many other
also have been given education. public vehicles. Many houses were also
The Buddha Day Celebrations. The flying Buddhist flags. This year (1952) the
Vesakha Day (the full moon day of May) Buddha S±sana Council held the Buddha
has been celebrated throughout the country Day celebrations under its leadership at
in a traditional manner by holding Rangoon, Mandalay and all the important
ceremonies of pouring water at the Bodhi towns and villages throughout the country,
Tree; the Kings of Burma celebrated this combining the traditional ceremony with
occasion with great pomp and splendour the assembly of Bhikkhus. At Rangoon
and all the people throughout the country 6,000 Bhikkhus assembled at the foot of
also celebrated it in all villages and towns. Shwedagon Pagoda and chanted Paritta as
In 1951 the World Fellowship of Buddhists in the previous year, sending out metta and
(World Centre) passed a resolution praying for universal peace. Relays of
requesting all the World Fellowship Centres Bhikkhus continued to chant Paritta for 9
and the Buddhist peoples throughout the days and nights continuously with hundreds
world to celebrate the Buddha Day by of people attending. Food was offered to
observing silence for two minutes, sending all the Bhikkhus.
out Love to all beings and praying for The World Peace Pagoda. When the
Universal Peace. Under the leadership of Sacred Relics of the two Chief Disciples of
the World Fellowship of Buddhists (Burma the Buddha, (Sariputta and Mah±
Centre) the Buddha Day in 1951 was Moggalana) which were discovered in 1851
celebrated throughout the country with great by General Cunningham at one of the three
success. In Rangoon 6,000 Bhikkhus were principal Stupas at Sanchi (Bhopal State)
assembled at the foot of the great and taken to and preserved in a museum in
Shwedagon Pagoda and chanted Parittas London, were returned by the British
(Maªgala Sutta, Ratana Sutta, ¾µ±n±µiya Governmnent to the Government of India,
Sutta, and Pubbaºha Sutta), and also sent a wave of tremendous interest was roused
Metta to all the beings of the World, praying throughout the East, particularly in India,
for universal peace and prosperity. The Burma and Ceylon.
Buddhist flag was hoisted by the President These Sacred Relics were received by
of the Union of Burma at the ceremony, thousands of devotees wherever they were
where, besides 6,000 Bhikkhus, about a taken in many parts of India, Ceylon and
hundred thousand people were present. All Burma and are to be taken back to Sanchi
44
where they will be enshrined in a specially country can be an invincible force against
constructed stupa. Through the good offices undesirable ideologies if only they can be
of the Government of India and at the organised and knit together properly. It is
special request of the Prime Minister of also felt that there should be one
Burma, portions of the Sacred Relics of organisation which can give a lead to the
these two disciples were given to Burma whole country and represent the people in
for the worship of the people of the country. all matters relating to the Buddha S±sana.
A high plateau land about two miles out of For this reason and with this object an Act
Rangoon, which is an old site of a Pagoda of Parliament was passed in 1950
that has already disappeared and known as establishing an organisation known as The
the “Sri Maªgla Plateau” was chosen for Union Buddha S±sana Council “consisting
the site to erect a special Pagoda for of the representatives of the above-
enshrining the Sacred Relics of the two mentioned three elements of the State. The
Disciples. On Oct 20, 1950 a delegation General Council and the Executive Council
consisting of Mah± Theras, S±sana Affairs consist of the representatives of the Bhikkhu
Minister and Buddhist leaders of Burma Saªgha as chosen by them, elected
went to Calcutta in order to receive the representatives of the religious
Sacred Relies from the Government of India organisations throughout the country and
through the Governor of Bengal and they also representatives nominated by the
were brought back to Burma by a special Government. This council has four standing
plane. The encrowning and enshrining Committees, viz., (1) Pariyatti Committee,
ceremonies were held from 5th to 11th of (2) Paµipatti Committee, (3) Buddha S±sana
March in this year, when hundreds of Propagation Committee, and (4) Finance
thousands of people from all over the Committee. Under the management of the
country, including representatives from Pariyatti Committee many measures for the
India and Ceylon, attended the ceremonies. advancement of Pariyatti S±sana have been
The pagoda is constructed in such a way undertaken. Many books have been
that it contains a strong room in the centre published by it. Arrangements have been
as a reliquary which can be opened on made for holding examinations in the
occasions for periodic exposition of the Abhidhamma throughout the country. The
Sacred Relics. This Pagoda is meant to be teaching of the Dhamma is also being
the symbol for the coming of universal peace organised in the Jails and Prisons
to this war-torn and miserable world. throughout the country. The Patipatti
Buddha S±sana Council. In Burma as in Committee has been doing active work in
many other Buddhist countries, it is a the advancement of Patipatti S±sana by
common belief that full support to the giving support to Kammaµµh±na and
Buddha S±sana can be maintained only if Vipassana (Meditation) Centres in the
the three elements of the State, viz., the Country. The Buddha S±sana Propagation
Bhikkhu Saªgha, the Government and the Committee is producing Buddhist
people co-operate with one another. periodicals in Burmese and also in English.
These publications of which this is the
The Buddhists who constitute about 90 English edition, are published quarterly.
per cent of the total population of the
45
There exists, O Sirs, a realm wherein is neither earth nor water, neither flame
nor air; nor the vast ether nor the infinite of thought; nor utter void nor the co-
existence of cognition and non-cognition is there — neither this world nor
another, neither sun nor moon. That, I declare unto you as neither becoming
nor yet passing away — neither life nor death nor being born; unlocalised,
unchanging, and uncaused — that is the ending of suffering. There is, O Sirs,
an unborn, unoriginated, uncreated, unformed. Were there not this unborn,
unoriginated, uncreated, unformed, there would be no escape from the world
of the born, originated, created, formed.
But since there is an unborn, unoriginated, uncreated, unformed, therefore
is there escape from the born, the originated, the created, the formed.
Ud±navagga.
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The layman who holds to the Those in the world who are wicked;
Teaching will not be addicted to who neglect the fulfilment of their
strong drink. He will never invite duties; who are slanderers and
anyone to drink, neither will he falsifiers; dishonourable; who act like
approve of drinking in another, the lowest of men—of these, and not
since he knows that all ends in of the mere eating of flesh, may we
madness. For, following upon utter the word “unclean”. Anger,
drunkenness, fools fall into vice and drunkenness, self-will, feigned piety,
induce others to drink. Men should treachery, envy, ostentation, pride and
shun this haunt of all evil, this conceit, companionship with the
madness, this foolishness, in which unrighteous—this, and not the mere
only the witless find delight. eating of flesh, is impurity.
Dhammika Sutta. Amagandha Sutta.
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Two Prime Ministers, leaders of Buddhism as well as leaders of their countries: The late
Hon’ble D.S. Senanayake who was Ceylon’s leader until his tragic death by accident
early this year, and U Nu, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Burma.
SAMYUTTANIK¾YA
Translated by Mrs. Rhys Davids, MA.
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