This year, the
Full Moon in May falls on the 12th or the 13th, a day
traditionally celebrated as the day of Wesak, the festival of enlightenment.
Wesak is an important festival in many spiritual and religious traditions
around the world, marking the anniversary of the birth, enlightenment, and
death of the Buddha. It is a day of great significance, as it marks a time when
the energy of enlightenment and compassion is at its peak. For those who
celebrate Wesak, it is a day of reflection, prayer, ritual, and celebration, honoring
Buddha's teachings and his message of peace, wisdom, and enlightenment.
The Editor’s cousin, Wendy, is showing us her painting of a Dharmachakra
(Wheel of the Dharma), a universally recognized symbol of Buddhism around the
world. (Image Credit: Caitlin Applegate, Wendy’s sister – both cousins of the
Editor.)
“The Full Moon of Wesak Day”
By Han Yu (768-824 CE):
Translated by Eudora Zhang, Staff Writer
"As for the full moon of Wesak day,
When the lotus flowers of enlightenment bloom,
I offer my deepest reverence and respect,
To the one who brought about the Dharma's descent."
“The Path of Wesak”
By Randi Yokdora, Staff Writer
Buddha's birthday dawns
anew,
With sunrise, hearts
freshly imbued.
Compassion's gentle rays
unfold,
Illuminating paths yet untold.
May the teachings of the
Enlightened One,
Guide us toward a
brighter dawn.
Together we strive to
forge a world anew,
Where wisdom guides us,
and compassion shines true.
May our collective
efforts bring forth a brighter day,
And fill the hearts of
all beings with peace and harmony.
“The Story of the Buddha’s Enlightenment”
By Zarmina Mobedi, Staff Writer
Friends, I invite you to embark on a journey through
time and space, to witness the triumph of the human spirit. Today, I shall
recount the tale of Wesak, a celebration honoring the enlightenment of the
Buddha.
Imagine a land of golden plains, where the Ganges
River flows like liquid moonlight, nourishing the fertile soil and quenching
the thirst of countless generations. Here, amidst the whispers of the forest,
the Buddha walked, seeking answers to humanity's most profound questions.
Just as the Zoroastrians believe in the ultimate
victory of good over evil, the Buddhists teach us that enlightenment is
attainable through discipline and devotion. The pursuit of knowledge and wisdom
lies at the core of both philosophies, guiding individuals toward a deeper
understanding of themselves and the world around them.
In a small grove near the city of Bodhgaya, the
Buddha sat cross-legged beneath the shade of a bodhi tree, immersing himself in
intense meditation. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world in
darkness, the Buddha's consciousness expanded, encompassing the infinite
complexity of existence. In this state of profound enlightenment, he discovered
the Four Noble Truths and formulated the Eightfold Path, laying the groundwork
for a new era of peace and understanding.
Like the mighty oak, the bodhi tree stands as a sentinel,
guarding the gates of wisdom. Its sprawling canopy shelters seekers of truth,
providing refuge from the tempests of ignorance. Under its boughs, the Buddha
confronted the shadows of his own psyche, ultimately emerging victorious
against the forces of despair.
With his newfound insight, the Buddha ventured forth
into the world, disseminating his message of hope and redemption. His teachings
resonated with people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a community bound by
shared ideals of compassion, tolerance, and mutual respect.
In our shared quest for illumination, we find
ourselves navigating the complexities of our own minds, confronting the shadows
of doubt and fear. Yet, guided by the light of knowledge and fueled by
determination, we strive to transcend the limitations of our mundane existence,
aspiring to become vessels of peace and harmony in a chaotic world.
Enlightenment is not merely a destination but a
journey - a continuous quest to refine our perceptions, challenge our
assumptions, and cultivate empathy. As we navigate the twists and turns of
life, may the wisdom of the ages serve as our compass, directing us toward the
realization of our highest potential.
The First Noble Truth reminds us that suffering is
inherent in our existence, yet this recognition empowers us to seek solutions
rather than succumb to despair. The Second Noble Truth reveals that craving is
the root cause of suffering, urging us to reevaluate our priorities and align
our actions with our values. The Third Noble Truth offers hope, assuring us
that liberation from suffering is possible through the abandonment of craving.
Finally, the Fourth Noble Truth charts the path to enlightenment, outlining the
practices necessary to break free from the cycle of birth and death.
The Eightfold Path serves as a practical guide for
living ethically, intellectually, and spiritually. Right speech encourages
honesty and kindness; right action promotes non-violence and responsibility;
right livelihood advocates for ethical employment and social justice. Right
effort fosters mental discipline and resilience; right mindfulness cultivates
awareness and introspection. Right concentration develops mental clarity and
stability, preparing us for higher states of consciousness. By embracing these
principles, we transform ourselves and our surroundings, contributing to a more
compassionate and enlightened world.
To illustrate the application of these abstract
concepts, let me relate a parable. Once upon a time, a young monk named Kassapa
lived in a secluded monastery nestled between towering cliffs. He spent years
meditating, studying the scriptures, and practicing asceticism. One day, a
severe drought struck the region, causing widespread famine and distress.
Kassapa realized that his pursuit of enlightenment had isolated him from the
sufferings of others. He left the monastery, venturing into the parched countryside,
where he used his knowledge of agriculture to teach farmers innovative methods
for conserving water and increasing crop yields. Through his efforts, Kassapa
brought relief to countless families, demonstrating that true enlightenment
involves not only personal transformation but also service to humanity.
Just as Kassapa found purpose beyond his solitary
pursuit of enlightenment, so too must we recognize the interdependence of our
journey. We cannot walk alone; our footsteps echo throughout eternity,
influencing the lives of those around us. In embracing the Eightfold Path and
the Four Noble Truths, we commit ourselves to a greater cause, striving to
uplift the world with every step.
The shrine at the deer park in Sarnath, Benares, India, marks the spot
of the Buddha’s enlightenment, which took place over 2500 years ago. (Image
Credit: Digital artwork by the Editor).
The Gospel of Buddha: Compiled from Ancient Records by Paul Carus
Chapter 100: “Praise of All the Buddhas”
All the Buddhas are
wonderful and glorious.
There is not their equal
upon Earth.
They reveal to us the
path of life.
And we hail their
appearance with pious reverence.
All the Buddhas teach the
same truth.
They point out the path
to those who go astray.
The truth is our hope and
comfort.
We gratefully accept its
illimitable light.
All the Buddhas are one
in essence,
Which is omnipresent in
all modes of being,
Sanctifying the bonds
that tie all souls together,
And we rest in its bliss
as our final refuge.
The Penultimate Stanza of The Light of Asia (Book 8)
By Sir Edwin Arnold (1832-1904)
Here endeth what I write
Who love the Master for
his love of us,
A little knowing, little
have I told
Touching the Teacher and
the Ways of Peace.
Forty-five rains
thereafter showed he those
In many lands and many
tongues and gave
Our Asia light, that
still is beautiful,
Conquering the world with
spirit of strong grace.
All which is written in
the holy Books,
And where he passed and
what proud Emperors
Carved his sweet words
upon the rocks and caves:
And how — in fulness of
the times — it fell
The Buddha died, the
great Tathagata,
Even as a man 'mongst
men, fulfilling all,
And how a thousand
thousand crores since then
Have trod the Path which
leads whither he went
Unto NIRVANA where the
Silence lives.
·
The Dhammapada, Translated by F. Max
Mueller @ https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2017
·
The Light of Asia by Sir Edwin Arnold @ https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/8920
·
The Gospel of Buddha:
Compiled from Ancient Records by Paul Carus @ https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/35895
The Bardic Gorsedd
A Reflection by Viviana Rivera, Staff Writer
“Omnism: A Universal Philosophy of Religion”
Omnism is a fascinating and relatively unknown religious philosophy that
values all religions as having equal worth and sees all religious paths as part
of the same whole. It recognizes the shared wisdom and beauty found in the
teachings of Jesus, Rumi, Buddha, and Lao Tzu, among countless others.
The term “Omnism” comes from the Latin word “omne,” meaning “all.”
Therefore, an Omnist believes in the truth and validity of all faiths and
creeds, recognizing the interconnectedness and universality of spiritual truth
across all religions and cultures.
Omnists recognize that each faith has valuable lessons to offer and that
no single religion holds all the answers to life's mysteries. They believe that
there is truth and wisdom to be found in all paths and that these paths
ultimately lead to the same ultimate destination, which can be called God, the
Tao, or whatever else one chooses to name it.
Omnism is not confined to a set of beliefs or practices but encourages
followers to draw from and appreciate the wisdom of multiple faiths. In
essence, an omnist sees the world's religions as facets of the same jewel, each
reflecting one aspect of the truth.
Practicing as an Omnist often involves exploring different faith
traditions and synthesizing what resonates with one's own spiritual journey. An
Omnist may, for example, incorporate prayers from Christianity, meditation
practices from Buddhism, and mindfulness rituals from Native American
spirituality, creating a unique personal belief system that blends elements
from various sources.
Omnism's openness to diversity and its rejection of religious dogma
often lead to a higher degree of tolerance and acceptance of others. By
recognizing and valuing all faith systems, an Omnist embraces the rich cultural
and spiritual plurality of our existence. In doing so, they become a part of a
broader movement of interfaith understanding and cooperation, working together
to create a more harmonious and peaceful world.
Omnism's inclusive and flexible nature also allows it to adapt to the
changing needs and situations of the individual. As the world and our
understanding of it evolve, an Omnist can embrace new insights and
philosophies, knowing that they do not have to discard what came before but
build upon it. This ever-expanding and growing worldview reflects the true
meaning of spiritual evolution and adaptation.
In many ways, the practice of Omnism can be seen as a spiritual journey
toward a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. It
invites us to look past the superficial and dogmatic differences between
religions and to recognize the universality of truth and wisdom found in each.
In doing so, we can begin to realize that we are all part of the same divine
journey, walking different paths but ultimately heading in the same direction.
In a world where religious strife and discord seem to be rampant, the
philosophy of Omnism offers a unifying beacon of hope. By recognizing and
celebrating the spiritual truth in all belief systems, an Omnist can help
bridge the divisions between people and work towards a world of understanding,
acceptance, and love. Therefore, as we move forward on our spiritual journey,
let us remember the wisdom found in all religions and work together to create a
more harmonious and unified existence.
Catena Aurea (The Golden
Chain)
By Tamsin Lambengolmo, Staff Writer
Welcome to Catena
Aurea, a collection of excerpts from the Golden Chain of ancient
Western philosophy, accompanied by commentary by Tamsin Lambengolmo. We hope
these stories and insights spark joy and inspiration.
"Orpheus
was the first to shed a little light on the true nature of things"
(Plato: Phaedo 114B). This quote from Plato highlights the
importance of Orpheus as an early philosopher who sought to bring wisdom and
understanding to the people. Orpheus, as a central figure in Greek mythology,
is regarded as a prophet and poet, as well as the inventor of music and a
master of the lyre.
The Dharma Corner
By Lisa Romenor, Staff Writer
"All the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas come into the world with
the sole intention of relieving the suffering of sentient beings. Their
compassion is like a boundless ocean that encompasses all beings and their
blessings are like the radiant sunlight that chases away the darkness."
(The Heart of Understanding: Commentaries on the Heart Sutra
by Thich Nhat Hanh, 1996)
This quote
from Thich Nhat Hanh highlights the compassion and blessings of the Buddhas and
Bodhisattvas, who come into the world to alleviate suffering and to offer their
wisdom and guidance to all beings. Their compassion is depicted as boundless
and expansive, like the vastness of the ocean, encompassing all beings in its
embrace. Similarly, their blessings are likened to the bright sunlight that
dispels darkness and illuminates the path towards enlightenment. This quote is
particularly applicable during the Wesak festival.
Bushido
Wisdom
By Toni
Thorvald, Staff Writer
Introducing
the new Bushido Wisdom column by your very own Toni-sensei! Each
installment will showcase a renowned proverb from the Bushido philosophy,
accompanied by a brief commentary and insights from the sensei. Stay tuned for
more wisdom and discover the timeless wisdom of the "Way of the
Warrior."
Here's a
renowned Bushido proverb, known as "Hito ni shiru koto tsuna koto
ya," which loosely translates to "There is nothing more important
than to understand things." Here's a brief commentary: This Bushido
proverb reminds us of the importance of awareness and understanding. It
encourages us to go beyond superficial knowledge and to delve deep into the
essence of things. By understanding the fundamentals, we can navigate life with
greater wisdom, awareness, and resilience.
