Real Honourable Ones

In the Mangala Sutta, the Buddha preached the devas and men at Jetavana monastery near Savatthi. One of His words in Pali ''Puza ca puzaneyyanam.'' It means to honour those worthy of honour.

In my young age, I was not sure to whom I have to pay honour clearly. I thought that there were many elders, teachers, laity, monks, etc. around me. I know vaguely how to select priority. So I learn deeply the Dhamma of the Buddha in search of this information. When I become adolescent, I definitely analyse what the worthy of honour is.

According to the Buddhist traditions, there are five revered ones in order of merit. These are the Buddha, the Dhamma, the Sangha, the Parents and the Teachers.

I have shown how to worship to the Buddha. It is also the same way to the Dhamma and the Sangha serially. Likewise the Buddhists pay respect to their parents and teachers. I do also revere them at all times.

It is said to be 'Pavarana' celebration of Theravada Buddhism on the full moon day of the month of Vassa, the end of Buddhist Lent. Since the time of the Buddha, on this day, each monk must arrive before the group of monks (Sagha). A monk begs one's pardon of any deed which might have displeased any other among Sangha during the Vassa. Similarly there is also in practice among the laity of doing homage to the parents, the teachers, the elders and venerable people, It is a cultural tradition initiated on the example set by the Buddha.

Posted by Nyan U

Non-Idol Worshiper

If one has a lack of knowledge in Buddhism, he will not know Buddhist customs and traditions. On this account, he can't get a real essence of the Buddha's Dhamma.

In Buddhist tradition, it is customary for Buddhists to build the Buddha images or pagodas. It is also to plant a Bodhi tree in every temple. These customs are to serve as religious objects of veneration.

I take it on trust. Buddhists do not normally pray to idols. I'm not also idol worshiper. What I do is to pay homage to a great teacher who is an exalted one. Our Buddha statues are built as a sign of respect. All Buddhists greatly appreciate for a highest achievement of enlightenment. To me, a Buddhist, the statue is only a mark of representation to recall the Buddha.

The devout ones are not to take worldly chances from the statue. Buddhists pay respect to the great virtues and sanctity of honourable unique teacher as represented by statue. So, whoever else say Buddhists as idol worshiper, I do appreciate and respect the Buddha's attributes which remain forever.

The Gotama Buddha was the only preacher who had a right way to liberation from cycle of rebirths (samsara). The Buddha has also taught us to ''Honour those who are worthy of honour.'' That is shown in Pali as: ''Puja ca puja neyyanam,'' in the Mangala Sutta.

That is why I have a profound admiration for the Buddha who is worthy of honour.

Posted by Nyan U

Choice

Dad: Killing is not good.
Son: That's right.
Dad: Stealing is not good.
Son: Yes.
Dad: Adultery is not good.
Son: Of course.
Dad: Telling lies is not good.
Son: Sure.
Dad: Alcohol and drugs addicting is not good.
Son: Yeah. Then, what is good dad?
Dad: Abstaining all these is good, son.
Son: Excellent dad, excellent!

Posted by Aye Sat

The Right Homage

Prior to paying homage early in the morning, a pious devotee wakes up, washes face, brushes teeth and shaves. Newly bathing is better. White-clothed shows cleanliness and clarity, openness and truth.

He must take a suitable place to do obeisance. The place needs to be free from six faults of location such as: (1) Being too far, (2) being too near, (3) being right at the front, (4) being right at the back, (5) being at the high place, and (6) being against the wind.

With the bare feet the male devotee squats respectfully. Then he kneels in front of the Buddha statue or image. He bows first three times with fivefold manners of touch. Those are the modes of respect that the feet, hands, elbows, knees and forehead touch the floor. In addition, with clasped palm to palm and raised together on the forehead is done. A female devotee should sit with limbs down together.

After that he recites the memorized lines of 'Okasa' (Asking for permission), 'Aham bhante' (Asking for threefold refuge), 'Namotassa', 'Saranagamana', 'Five Precepts' and the Attributes of Triple Ratanas in Pali or vernacular words. The reciting should be in a clear, sweet, calm and steady sound.

In conclusion, he completes the worship with a final bow for three times. Sharing and praising this good deed (Sadhu!) for three times is the sign of termination. This gesture of worshiping in Buddhist tradition may be repeated as long as one's life lasts at any time or by the moment.

Posted by Nyan U.