Who the Buddha is
- Part 1 -

Priya Thangjam *

A Buddhist temple at Tamu, Myanmar :: Pix - WT

1. How to see the Buddha

One of the disciples of the Buddha named Vakkali had a habit of gazing upon him every day.

The Buddha having noticed this asked, "What are you doing here?"

Vakkali's reply was "Venerable Sir, when I look at the serene features and good complexion of your body, that itself gives me a lot of satisfaction."

The Buddha then asked "What do you expect to gain by admiring this body which is dirty, ugly, impermanent? One who sees the Dharma, sees the Buddha."

This should help you to understand how to see the real Buddha. If you indeed want to see the real Buddha, then you must reflect on that Buddha in your mind through the realization of his teaching - the Dharma

2. The Buddha had no teacher for gaining enlightenment

All have I overcome. I know. From all am I detached! All have I renounced. Wholly absorbed am I in the destruction of craving. Having comprehend all by myself. Whom shall I call my teacher?

3. In support of human dignity

The voice of the Buddha is the most powerful voice that has been ever heard in human history in support of the dignity of woman or man and of the principle that woman or man is the maker of her or his own destiny , and that woman or man is not for religion but that religion must serve woman or man.

That means : without becoming a slave to any religion, woman or man must try to make us of religion for her or his betterment and liberation.

4. The voice that entertained everybody

Thanks to this voice, ordinary people are able to develop their faith and confidence, educated people have food for thought, and intellectuals have enriched their vision.

Those who were misguided had their views corrected. Those who have not relied on blind faith have received a clear vision of the Truth. Sceptics were persuaded and won over by the voice of reason. Devotees gained confidence, understanding and liberation from suffering.

5. Who are you?

One day, a Brahmin happened to meet the Buddha and he could not believe that he was a human being. He asked, "Are you a god?"

The Buddha said, "No."

He then asked, "Are you a supernatural being?"

The Buddha said, "No, I am very natural !"

In the end he asked, "Are you an ordinary human being?"

The Buddha said, "No."

The confused Brahmin asked, "Then who are you?"

The Buddha answered, " I am the Awakened One (Buddha)."

6. The Buddha's self - introduction

Known are the things to be known.

Cultivated are the things to be cultivated.

Destroyed are the things to be destroyed.

Therefore, Brahmin, I am the Buddha.

To be continued..