The
Life of Gautama Buddha
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The
Life of Gautama Buddha
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I
am often asked whether the teachings and techniques of Buddhism continue
to be relevant in this present day and age. Like all religions, Buddhism
deals with basic human problems. So long as we continue to experience
the sufferings of birth, disease, old age and death, there is no question
of its relevance. The key is inner peace. If we have that we can face
difficulties with calm and reason, while keeping our inner happiness.
The teachings of love, kindness and tolerance, the conduct of non-violence
and especially the Buddhist theory that all things are relative are a
source of that inner peace.
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more than 2500 years after the Buddha lived in India, I believe the story
of his life has a lot to tell us all. Born an ordinary person like ourselves,
the Buddha was brought up as a prince, married and had a son. Yet, after
observing the suffering of human beings, that they grow old, sick and die,
he totally renounced the comfortable worldly way of life in his determination
to find a solution. Having undergone severe physical penance, he purified
and illumined his mind through intense meditation and attained supreme enlightenment.
In this way he set an example for his followers. Purifying the mind is not
easy. It takes a lot of time and hard work. Like any human enterprise, you
need tremendous monk, sharing his experience with everyone who wished to
listen. His entire doctrine can be presented within the Four Noble Truths,
the subject of his first discourse. What we seek is happiness and happiness
is the effect of a cause and what we do not want is suffering, which has
its own causes too. Therefore, we need to cultivate the causes of happiness
and put an end to the causes of suffering. I am happy to learn that Lushin Dubey and Bubbles Sabharwal have directed and written a play called "The Life of Gautama Buddha" which will be staged during the Kalachakra in Bodh Gaya from January 23rd to 30th. As a joint Indian and Tibetan venture, I offer my prayers and best wishes to all the organisers and participants. |