It’s truly remarkable to see the global commemoration of the 2600th anniversary of the Buddha’s attainment of Enlightenment, especially with the Sri Lankan Government’s proactive efforts under President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership. The focus on fostering sublime human values aligns perfectly with the essence of Buddhism.
Educating the public on the timeless message of the Buddha is indeed crucial for nurturing morally advanced attitudes. As highlighted in the Dhammapada, the gift of truth surpasses all other gifts, flavors, and pleasures. This underscores the significance of Dhamma Dana, the gift of truth or the doctrine, which involves teaching and explaining the Dhamma to guide people towards moral conduct and enlightenment.
While material donations (Amisa Dana) and life-saving acts (Abhaya Dana) are commendable, the highest form of donation is considered to be imparting the Dhamma. This entails organizing discussions, writing books, establishing reading centers, and spreading the Buddha’s teachings to enlighten others.
The essence of the Buddha’s teachings revolves around the Four Noble Truths, which address the inherent unsatisfactoriness in life, its causes, the possibility of cessation, and the path to cessation. Through right understanding, aims, speech, actions, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration (the Noble Eightfold Path), individuals can navigate life’s challenges and attain true happiness.
The analogy of the desert journey underscores the importance of having a wise guide (the Buddha) and following the Noble Eightfold Path to traverse life’s obstacles safely. Just as wise travelers carry provisions and rely on an experienced guide to navigate the treacherous desert, individuals must cultivate wisdom and follow the teachings of the Buddha to overcome the sorrows and challenges of life.
In commemorating this significant milestone, let us reflect on the profound teachings of the Buddha and strive to integrate them into our lives for the betterment of ourselves and society as a whole.