Today, the 23rd of May, marks the 2586th birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautama. However, Buddha Purnima holds much more significance. On this same day, Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment at the age of 35 under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, and on this day, at the age of 80, he passed away, achieving Mahaparinibbana in Kushinara.
These three events, occurring on the same day, bestow great importance upon this date. But a question remains: how are we celebrating it? How are we wishing each other? Are we doing so with an understanding of Buddha's teachings?
When examining Buddha Purnima wishes, and not just for Buddha Purnima but also for birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion, it's common to encounter phrases such as "Buddha Bless You," "Triple Gem Bless You," or "Sangha Bless You," and sometimes even "Dhamma Bless You."
This prevalent pattern indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of Buddha's teachings among Buddhists. We recite the Paritran Path, but do we truly grasp its meaning?
This prompts a straightforward yet crucial inquiry: Why would one seek Buddha's blessings, and how would such blessings be bestowed? Moreover, as practitioners of Buddhism, should we even be asking for them?
Buddha's Agnostic Approach
Although Buddha is often associated with divinity and spirituality, his scientific teachings and ideologies remain distinct from these realms. It is we, as lay Buddhist practitioners, who, due to a lack of understanding of Buddha's thoughts and philosophies, have infused them with an unconventional, supernatural theme over the years.
Buddha himself never laid claim to divinity, and it is evident that he would have vehemently opposed such notions.
Nobel Laureate Dr. Amartya Sen, in his 2014 article "The Contemporary Relevance of Buddha" (page 17), while referring to the moral and ethical conduct of Buddha and Buddhism notes that Buddha maintained skepticism throughout his life regarding the existence of God. It's worth highlighting that Buddhism stands alone among major world religions in its fundamental agnosticism.
Despite this skepticism, Buddha did not refrain from exploring ideas beyond the observable universe or from formulating moral codes with normative force, all without invoking a deity.
The epistemology pursued by Buddha represents a highly intellectual exercise centered on the practice of devotion to practical reason, which blossomed into reflections on morality and ethics without invoking any divine entities.
Given Buddha's disbelief in supernatural powers or forces offering relief without human effort, why do we insist on elevating him to the status of a deity, asking him for favors that neither he nor anyone else in this world can grant?
Conversations about morality and ethical disclosures often intertwine with faith in divinity. However, Buddha approached these topics with coherence and cogency, emphasizing rationality over reliance on divine intervention.
This principle underscores the continued relevance of Buddhism today. Despite the common belief that humans adhere to a religion or deity because they instill moral and ethical consciousness among people, Buddha firmly rejected the notion that invoking a god was necessary for this purpose.
Buddhism is not about either believing or not believing in God or gods. Rather, the historical Buddha taught that believing in gods was not useful for those seeking to realize enlightenment. In other words, God is unnecessary in Buddhism, as this is a practical religion and philosophy that emphasizes practical results over faith in beliefs or deities. - Barbara O'Brien (Author and Buddhist Scholar)
What did Buddha say about Gods?
Buddha was born in a time vastly different from our own, where the concept of god was deeply ingrained and naturally taught. References to god are indeed found in various Suttas and Dhammapad, but Buddha's approach to this concept was distinct. He spoke of god much like he discussed humans, without criticizing anyone's beliefs. However, this does not imply that he himself was a believer.
Buddha firmly rejected the notion of "I am right, you are wrong." In Ajahn Amaro's book "I'm Right, You're Wrong!" (2016), it is highlighted that Buddha acknowledged and understood everyone's beliefs, recognizing their root causes.
As proclaimed in the Metta Sutta (1.8),
“By not holding to a fixed view, the pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision, being freed from all sense of desire, is not born again into this world”
Buddha emphasized the importance of not clinging to fixed views, suggesting that clarity of vision and freedom from desire prevent rebirth into the world.
Whenever questions about god arose, Buddha redirected the focus, deeming such inquiries unimportant for human beings.
In Buddhist literature, belief in a creator god (issara-nimmana-vada) is frequently mentioned and rejected, alongside other incorrect explanations for the origin of the world.
This belief is categorized with morally destructive views that deny the karmic consequences of actions or promote absolute determinism. Such views are deemed harmful due to their adverse effects on ethical conduct.
What is the rationale behind referring to Buddha as "Bhagwan Buddha" or "Lord Buddha" if he isn't considered a "God"?
When we hear the term "God," it often evokes images of something supernatural or beyond human comprehension.
A simple Google search defines "God" as "the creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being" or "a superhuman being or spirit worshipped as having power over nature or human fortunes; a deity."
However, this concept contradicts the teachings and proclamations of Buddha.
In Pali literature, the term "Bhagwan" originates from the combination of two words, "Bhag" meaning to destroy, and "Wan" signifying lust. Therefore, a person who has transcended anger, attachment (Tanha), desire, and lust is referred to as Bhagwan.
In Buddhism, anyone can potentially attain the status of a god, unlike in other religions where association with supernatural powers defines divinity.
Bhagga Rago, Bhagga Moho, Bhagga Doso Anasavo, Bhaggasa Papaca Dhamma Baghatenpaauchitta
A core belief in Buddhism is that all phenomena, without exception, including all living beings, possess three essential characteristics: dukkha (suffering), anicca (impermanence), and anatta (non-self).
The attributes commonly ascribed to God do not align with these universal characteristics. Therefore, God must be free from suffering, eternal (and therefore not subject to impermanence), and possess a distinct, unchanging identity (thus lacking the characteristic of non-self).
Hence, by practicing the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and adhering to the principles of Buddha, individuals can aspire to attain the status of gods themselves.
Are we reducing our connection with Buddha to mere transactions?
The act of worshiping has been ingrained in human behavior since ancient times
Over time, these natural elements transformed into deities, and worshippers started associating each element with a god, like "God of Water", "God of Health", "God of Wealth", "God/Goddess of Education" etc. motivated by the fear that neglecting such worship could invite misfortune.
Consequently, the entire discourse surrounding gods originated from fear. Moreover, when engaging in worship, individuals often seek something in return—be it good health, wealth, or a favorable life, thus restricting the relationship to a transactional "Give and Take" dynamic.
This perpetuated the concept of altruism but also fostered a sense of attachment, described by Buddha as Tanha.
Buddha's teachings diverge significantly from this paradigm. He primarily advocated for impermanence and mindfulness (right concentration, right mind).
According to Buddhist philosophy, while giving and receiving are natural components of any relationship, the attachment and clinginess to these interactions can lead to suffering.
Buddha advised that genuine happiness in a relationship stems from comprehending the transient nature of existence and loving without possessiveness or expectation.
In one of his teachings, Buddha emphasized that although love can inspire noble deeds, it can also result in suffering if it transforms into attachment. He underscored that when individuals become attached to others, they become reliant on them for their happiness, a precarious state given the inherent impermanence of life.
So, how should we express good wishes to each other on such occasions, or how should we celebrate them?
It's now evident that Buddha didn't possess any supernatural powers that could grant blessings even 2600 years after his passing. Therefore, Buddha cannot bestow happiness, strength, or success upon us, as these are abilities no one possesses, and there is no god to do so either.
It's our responsibility as humans to strive towards our goals without invoking divine intervention and without elevating Buddha to the status of a god.
Buddha has already imparted profound wisdom to us through his teachings, principles, and the 80,000 discourses (Buddhavacana) that can guide us towards a better life, both individually and as a society. Therefore, asking for more than this is a selfish human trait that Buddha discouraged.
The most meaningful action that lay Buddhists can take is to practice "Dana: The act of giving." Giving material or non-material things can truly honor his legacy. We can support the Sangha to propagate his teachings, provide financial assistance to the needy, or offer our kindness, generosity, and attention.
Unlike material gifts where humans often expect something in return, giving attention, generosity, or kindness requires no reciprocation but is invaluable.
Promoting the teachings of Dhamma, as expressed in the saying "Sabbadanam Dhammadanam Jinati," is the greatest gift we can offer. Spreading his teachings, wisdom, and noble ideas is a profound act of generosity.
Reading books on Buddhism and sharing them with others can also be impactful. Dr. Amartya Sen once mentioned that his grandfather gave him a book on Buddha when he was 11 or 12 years old, which profoundly influenced his understanding of Buddhism and its contemporary relevance.
Lastly, let's refrain from using phrases like "Buddha Bless You," "Triple Gem Bless You," or "Sangha Bless You," as they hold no meaningful significance.
Instead, let's contemplate the agency Buddha has given us to transcend suffering and reflect on how we can embody this Buddha Poornima in its true sense.
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