|
|
|
 |
This excerpt, dated 25th December, 2013 in my notes, is from "A History of Hinduism and Buddhism" (Volume 1). It was a response by an ailing Buddha to a request by Ananda to leave behind instructions for the Sangh ('brotherhood') to follow. I believe the reason I made the noting was because it was a poignant moment to see a genius and enlightened human being act as a human being (and not proclaim divnity for himself, which he rightfully could). Secondly, Buddha at the end of the day fostered a temper of individuality and self-enlightenment leaving the door open for all to achieve what he had achieved. And thirdly, what the Buddha said as he approached his death was absolutely consistent with his doctrine. That is, it was an indication that a person who had discovered the truth had practised it so fully till the very end of his human life. That is, even those who would find faults with Buddha and his doctrine, would find it hard pressed to take away the perfection of integrity & honesty that he had achieved.
"What does the order expect of me Ananda? I have preached the truth without distinction of the esoteric or exoteric, for in respect of the truth, there is no clenched hand in the teaching of the Tathagata. If there is anyone who thinks 'it is I who will lead the brotherhood' or 'the order is dependent on me', it is he who should give instructions. But the Tathagata does not think that he should lead the order or that the order is dependent on him. Why then should he leave instructions? I am an old man now, and full of years, my pilgrimage is finished, I have reached my sum of days, I am turning eighty years; and just as a worn-out cart can only be made to move along with much additional care, so can the body of the Tathagata be kept going only with much additional care. It is only when the Tathagata, ceasing to attend to any outward thing becomes plunged in meditation, it is only then that the body of Tathagata is at ease. Therefore, Ananda, be a lamp and refuge to yourselves, seek no other refuge. Let the Truth be your lamp and refuge; seek no refuge elsewhere. And they, Ananda, who now or when I am dead shall be a lamp and a refuge to themselves, seeking no other refuge but taking the Truth as their lamp and refuge, these shall be my foremost disciples --- these who are most anxious to learn.
P.S.: In Pali the second to last sentence will be read as: Attadipa atta-sarana, annanna-sarana : dhammadipa, dhammasarana.
1. Attadipa atta-sarana [Be ye lamps unto yourselves. Be ye a refuge unto yourselves]
2. annanna-sarana [Betake yourselves to no external refuge]
3. Dhammadipa [Hold fast to the truth as a lamp]
4. Dhammasarana [Hold fast to the truth as a refuge]
To the lay reader, a conscientious student, or a scholar delving into the meaning of Buddha's teaching, no better words of encouragement could have been said by Buddha in his role as a teacher. Effectively, the Buddha left behind a legacy of "Wrought for yourselves what I said. I can only show you the way, you have to understand it and follow it. Don't expect molly-coddling from me." This kind of freedom is what every student's mind would strongly yearn for. Imagine a teacher of mathematics in school telling you: I will not judge you by your scores. I have shown you the axioms. I have shown you the proofs. It is for you to make sense of it all. Take whatever time you need. But till you make sense of it, don't rest. Any questions you have you can approach me at any point of time. I am here for clarification, simplification, correction and encouragement. Not for judgement, evaluation, analysis, criticism, or appreciation.
Wouldn't the outcome of such a learning process be fantastic for an intent mind?
| |
|