The Wise Shall Realize A translation of A selection of Gautama Supreme Buddha’s discourses from the Pali Canon, delivered by Most Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera Dedication As there are lotuses that rise clear above the water and seek the nourishing beam of the sun, there are beings who seek the wisdom of the Supreme Buddha’s Dhamma. May they achieve the ultimate bliss of Nibbana. To the Reader Undeniably, most people in this world are desperately searching for peace and happiness. Yet apart from experiencing momentary pleasure or satisfaction, nothing can provide true liberation and bliss other than the Teachings of the Supreme Buddha, the Noble Dhamma. By compassionately teaching about suffering, the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path leading to the cessation of suffering, Supreme Buddha revealed the true nature of life, and illuminated the way to achieve ultimate happiness. Mahamevnawa is an organization of Buddhist Monasteries, established 13 years ago in Sri Lanka, for the purpose of spiritual development through Gautama Supreme Buddha’s Dispensation. Its founder, Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera, most affectionately known by his students as ‘Lokuswaminwahanse’ (Chief Monk or Teacher), has become a highly respected and cherished Buddhist monk all over the world. At a time when the true Doctrine of the Supreme Buddha was hardly known or practised, The Chief Monk endeavoured to learn the Noble Dhamma from the 18,000 original discourses – all of which have been protected for over 2,500 years within the Pali Canon. Having mastered the subtlety of the Dhamma, The Chief Monk began to teach it, honestly and clearly; using everyday simple language. The Chief Monk began with a small group of four eager listeners, and today pursues the same compassionate and genuine intention with crowds of up to 2,500,000. By sincerely teaching the Supreme Buddha’s Dhamma in its purest form, The Chief Monk has formed an era where faithful disciples can practise the Doctrine and realize the true happiness in this very life. There are now 60 Mahamevnawa Monasteries, with overseas branches in India, Canada, United States, Germany, Australia, England, and the United Arab Emirates (Dubai). Nearly 600 Monks have been ordained, and practise under The Chief Monk’s guidance. These Monks share the same humble ambition to teach the true and sublime Dhamma. This book represents a collection of sermons which explain several original discourses (suttas). The sermons were delivered by The Chief Monk and have been transcribed into print to allow for quiet reflection and wise consideration. Its rich content will help the reader to understand the extraordinary qualities of Supreme Buddha and thereby develop confidence in the Buddha’s wisdom, as well as gain an understanding of more advanced concepts like dependent-arising and mind training. “Mankind’s wonderful treasure of wisdom is the Teachings of the Supreme Buddha. This Noble Doctrine, the Dhamma, illuminates our lives, bringing happiness and joy. Go in search of this wonderful Dhamma, lead your life accordingly, eradicate suffering, and join that fortunate band of people who experience the Supreme Bliss.” Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monasteries compassionately offer noble friendship and guidance to all who earnestly seek knowledge and liberation in Gautama Supreme Buddha’s Dispensation. For all who read this book, may the word of the Supreme Buddha enhance your wisdom. Lokavabodha Sutta “Bhikkhus, the world has been fully understood by the Tathagata; the Tathagata is released from the world. Bhikkhus, the origin of the world has been fully understood by the Tathagata; the origin of the world has been eradicated by the Tathagata. Bhikkhus, the cessation of the world has been fully understood by the Tathagata; the cessation of the world has been realized by the Tathagata. Bhikkhus, the path leading to the cessation of the world has been fully understood by the Tathagata; the path leading to the cessation of the world has been developed by the Tathagata. Bhikkhus, in this world with its devas, maras and brahmas; with its recluses and brahmins, among humankind with its princes and people, whatever is seen, whatever is heard, whatever is smelled, whatever is tasted, whatever is touched, whatever is cognized, whatever is attained, whatever is sought, and whatever is comprehended, all have been fully understood by the Tathagata . Thus, the Blessed One is called the Tathagata. Bhikkhus, from the night when the Tathagata awakened to unsurpassed Supreme Enlightenment until the night when the Tathagata passes away into Nibbana, with nothing remaining, whatever the Tathagata speaks, utters, and explains, all that is just so, and not otherwise. Thus, the Blessed One is called the Tathagata . Bhikkhus, as the Tathagata says, so the Tathagata does. As the Tathagata does, so the Tathagata says. In this way, as the Tathagata says, so the Tathagata does. As the Tathagata does, so the Tathagata says. Thus, the Blessed One is called the Tathagata. Bhikkhus, in this world, with its devas, maras, and brahmas, with its recluses and brahmins, among humankind with its princes and people, the Tathagata is the conqueror, unvanquished, all-seer, wielding power. Thus, the Blessed One is called the Tathagata. This was said by the Blessed One. So, with regard to this, it was said: By knowledge of the whole world, the whole world as it truly is, the Blessed One is released from all the world, in all the world the Blessed One is unattached. The all-conquering heroic sage, freed from every bond is the Blessed One; the Blessed One has reached that perfect peace, Nibbana which is free from fear. Rid of taints, the Blessed One is enlightened, free from suffering, and free from doubts; has destroyed all kamma, and is released by the full destruction of clinging. Our Supreme Buddha, our Blessed One, is a lion, unsurpassed; for in the world together with its devas, the Blessed One set the Brahma-wheel in motion. Thus those devas and human beings, gone for refuge to the Supreme Buddha, on meeting the Blessed One, pay homage – the Greatest One, free from diffidence. i. Tamed, the Blessed One is unsurpassed in taming others. ii. Calmed, the Blessed One is unsurpassed in calming others. iii. Freed, the Blessed One is unsurpassed in freeing others; iv. Crossed over, the Blessed One is unsurpassed in helping others to cross over. Thus, they pay due homage to the Blessed One, the Greatest One free from diffidence, by saying: “In the world together with its devas, there is no other equalling you, our Supreme Buddha.” Khuddaka Nikaya Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammā Sambuddhassa Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Supremely Enlightened One “All have I overcome, all-knowing am I; with regard to all things, unattached. Having renounced all, and released in the end of craving; having fully comprehended on my own, whom shall I call ‘my teacher’? The gift of Dhamma surpasses all gifts; the taste of Dhamma, all tastes; delight in Dhamma, all delights. One who has destroyed craving, vanquishes all suffering. Gautama Supreme Buddha Dhp 353-354
Posted on: Sun, 19 Oct 2014 01:31:32 +0000
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