Buddhist Communication Center

  ..:: Vandana Quarterly ::..

What is Buddhism? This simple question has puzzled any people who often enquire is Buddhism a philosophy a religion or a way of life. The simple answer is that Buddhism includes philosophy religion and perfect way of life. However, it goes beyond these categories.

The categories or labels give to Buddhism are like signboards to let the people know what is being presented. If we compare Buddhism to a medicine shop, it will be crystal clear that the signboard on the medicine shop will not care a person of their sickness. If the medicine is effective then you can use it to heal yourself without being concerned as to the signboard that merely gives a label for the medicine, likewise, if the teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha is effective, then use it and do not be concerned about the label or signboard. Do not try to slip Buddhism under any signboard.

Some intellectuals see Buddhism as a product of its Indian environment or as a outgrowth of another kind of religious teaching this, it is an intellectual approach to reality.

Today Buddhism remains as great civilizing force in the modern world. As a civilizing force, it awakens the self-respect and feeling of self-responsibility of countless people of the world and stirs up the energy of many a nation. In short, Buddhism simply produces the feeling of self-reliance by teaching that the whole destiny of man lies in his own hand and that he himself possesses the faculty of developing his own energy and insight in order to reach the highest goal of his own.

For over 2.5 thousand years Buddhism has satisfied the spiritual needs of nearly one third (1/3) of mankind. Today the appeal of Buddhism is as strong as ever. On the other hand, it is the religion of humanity, whose founder was a man neither god nor messenger of god who gave religious and social freedom to woman in the society for the first time in the history of mankind (world). Thus, due to great contribution of Lord Buddha woman’s position in Buddhism is very unique than in other religions, even the Buddha gave women full freedom to participate in a religious activities he could be the fist one who gave religious freedom to woman. Before the Gautam Buddha was born women’s duty had been restricted only to the kitchen and housework, thus they were regarded as a machine, which produces child and so on. Even they are not allowed to enter the temple or to recite any religious scriptures. When the Buddha gave freedom to woman, he was criticized by the religious leaders. His move to allow women to enter the holy order was extremely radical for the time. Let this Lord Buddha allow women to prove themselves and to show that they too had the capacity like made to achieve the highest position in the society and Arahat-hood. Every women in the world must be grateful to the Buddha for showing them the real way of living and or giving freedom for them for the first time in the world. A perfect illustration of the prevailing attitude towards women during the Buddha’s time in found in these words.

Once king Kosala was very disappointed when he heard that his lovely queen gave birth to a girl. Unfortunately, he had expected a boy. To console the sad king, the Buddha said his words.

“O King, A female child, may prove even a better off spring than a male.” She may grow up wise and virtuous, true wife her husband’s mother reverencing. The boy that she may bear may do great deeds, and rule great realms, yes, such a son of noble wife becomes his country’s guide. (Salyut Nikaya)

The Shakyamuni Buddha has confirmed that man is not always this only wise one; woman is also same as man. “A female child may prove even to be a better off spring than a male”

Nowadays many religionists like to claim that their religions give women equal rights. When we look at the world around us today to see the position of women in many societies, For example;

1. Mrs. Bandaranayake : The first prime minister in the world.
2. Mageratte Teacher : The prime minister of England.
3. Benazir Bhuto : The prime minister of Pakistan.
4. Indira Gandhi : The first prime minister of India.