A Radiant Sun

In this world of storm and strife, hatred

and violence, the message of the Buddha

shines like a radiant sun. Perhaps at no

time was that message more needed

than in the world of the atomic and

hydrogen bombs.Two thousand five hundred years

have only added to the vitality and truth

of that message. Let us remember

that immortal message and try

to fashion our thoughts and actions

in the light of that teaching.

We may face with equanimity even the terrors

of the atomic bombage and help a little

in promoting right thinking and

right action.

Sri Nehru - Former Prime Minister of India

A Religion To Practice

This is a religion for one
to come and practice
but not just
to come and believe

The Four Reliances

First,

rely on the spirit
and meaning of the teachings,
not on the words.

Second,
rely on the teachings,
not on the personality
of the teacher.

Third
rely on real wisdom,
not superficial interpretation.

Fourth
rely on the essense of
your pure Wisdom Mind,
not on judgemental perceptions.

First Missionary

Buddhism is the first missionary religion
in the history of humanity with a
universal message of salvation for all
mankind. The Buddha after his
Enlightenment sent out sixty-one
disciples in different directions asking
them to preach the doctrine for the weal
and welfare of mankind.

Dr. K. N. Jayatilleke, "Buddhism and Peace"

Ehipassiko

Do not believe in anything (simply)

Because you have heard it

Do not believe in traditions because they

have been handed down for many generations

Do not believe in anything because it is spoken

and rumored by many

Do not believe and anything (simply) because it is

found written in your religious books.

Do not believe and anything merely on

the authority of your teachers and elders.

But after observation and analysis, when you

find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive

to the good and benefit of one and all

then accept it and live up to it.

(Buddha, Anguttara Nikaya, Vol I, 188-193 P.T.S. Ed.)

A Pictorial Biography of Sakyamuni Buddha

India before the time of the Buddha, was called Jambhudvipa. It was divided into many kingdoms, large and small, some of which were ruled by kings and some of which were ruled jointly by several royal tribes.

1. One of these many small kingdoms was called Kapilavastu, which was located on the north bank of the Rapti river, on the rim of the himalayas. The Ruler of this kingdom was King Suddhodana of the Sakya clan. His family named was Gautama, and his Queen

2. After they were married, King Suddhodana and Queen Maya lived very happily together. After many years the queen became pregnant. She asked the King to permit her to return to her home of Devadarsita to give birth to their child. King Suddhodana readily consented and ordered the troop of royal attendants to prepare for the trip and to clean up and beautify the roads the Queen would travel on.



3. At the junction of Kapilavastu and the city of Devadarsita was a place called Lumbini Park. Every Summer, People of the two cities flocked to this park to rest or to play under the Sala trees. They Enjoyed the beautiful flowers blooming all over the tree-branches and the melodious twittering of birds and the humming of the ever-busy honeybees.

to be continue ...