"প্রবারণা"--বহুজন হিতায়-সুখায় ও বোধিতে উত্তরণ
Friday, July 23, 2021
Good morning all. Today we are here to
address and inculcate a resolution on preventing religion-based discrimination
and follow the values of peace and harmony. Let us remember the words of
Rabindranath Tagore when he says in "The Religion of Man" that which
holds the essence of a man is religion. On the basis of that, we may safely
opine that the absolute formation of human identity depends upon the peaceful
and selfless religious exercise. To hold up boastfully one's own religion is to
devaluing the merit of other religions. If we take a brief survey of the
contributions of all religious preachers or leaders, moral of the story is that
all of them suggested to devote oneself for the cause of humanity. Only through
recognition of others, we may recognise ourselves and we get recognised by
others. So by causing pain to others, we are threatening our own existence
because violence begets violence. It is only through the practice of tolerance
and a sense of togetherness that we can transform hatred into harmony.
We are no longer in the same world
we used to live once. Covid19 changes the world. As per the guidelines conveyed
by the Governments, scientists and the doctors, we need to maintain a state of
isolation and separation in all social spheres just to prevent the spread of
the virus. Having said that, we should follow the instructions to make us safe
and to make others secure. We should maintain social distancing with a minimum
of six feet distance, and to materialise it, gatherings in any form must be
avoided, whether be it public space or religious place or institutional place,
failing which one may cause risk or threat to many lives.
The deadly Corona Virus
also known as Covid-19 has deeply affected the global system in all respects.
This outbreak does also affect the education sector globally. The Covid-19
pandemic forced many schools and colleges to remain closed for a long period. Several
areas are affected worldwide and there is a fear of losing this whole ongoing
semester or even more in the coming future. Various schools, colleges, and
universities have discontinued traditional or face-to-face teaching. It is
likely to be online since uncertainty to get back to normalcy remains. As
social distancing is preeminent at this stage, this will surely cause negative
effects on learning opportunities. Educational units are struggling to find
options to deal with this challenging situation. It becomes evident that
planning is an urgent need for both offline and online machine-learning system.
This is a situation that demands humanity and unity. There is an urgent need to
protect and save our students, faculty, academic staff, communities, societies,
and the nation as a whole.
Mostly, the world is on quarantine due
to Covid-19 outbreak. Therefore schools, colleges, and universities have
embraced abandonment. In such a crisis, this online teaching and online
learning can be regarded as the positive remedy for the crisis. This online
pedagogy makes the institutions adopt modern technology. This pandemic offers,
on the other hand, a lucrative side of online teaching and learning. With the
help of online teaching modes, we can congregate a large number of students at
any time and in any part of the world. All institutions now fall into internalizing
different methods of online pedagogical approaches. Many universities around
the world have fully digitalized their operations understanding the need of the
hour. Online learning is emerging as a modus operandi amidst this chaos.
Therefore, the quality enhancement of online teaching–learning is a much sought
after idea at this stage.
But anything new comes with problems,
and so does online system of teachings-learning. These difficulties and problems
associated with modern technology range from facing technical glitches to
welcoming monotony and reluctance. Sometimes student finds online teaching to
be boring and unengaging. Availability of online learning has to some extent
devalued the depth of studies. Online learning has so much of time and
flexibility that students never find time to do it. One on one becomes a
distant communication system in online method unless both the parties involve
in communication process sincerely. Personal attention is also a huge issue
facing online learning. Students want two-way interaction which sometimes gets
difficult to implement. The learning process cannot reach its full potential
until students practice what they learn. Sometimes, online content is all theoretical
and does not let students practice and learn effectively. Mediocre course
content is also a major issue. Way of demonstrating materials (concept of
'sharing' in the digital world) might mar the interest of the students.
Students are found to be not sufficiently prepared for classes.
To conclude, it is online education that
caters to immediacy in such times of crisis. Problems can be resolved so that
the system can run smoothly. Technical difficulties can be solved by having
lectures and presentation in prerecorded mode. Online courses should be made
dynamic, interesting, and interactive. Efforts should be made to humanize
the learning process to the best extent possible. Personal attention should be
provided to students so that they can easily adapt to this learning
environment. Social media and various group forums can be used to communicate
with students. Communication is the key to seek the attention of the students,
and online method offers this scope like the offline one. The quality of the courses
should be improved continuously and teachers must try to give their best.
Online programs should be designed in such a way that they are creative, interactive
and student friendly so that they do not lose any interest in learning.
Educators must spend a lot of time in making effective strategies for giving
online instructions. Effective online instructions need feedback from learners,
thereby making them an important section in this virtual mode of communication
process.
This new scope of unearthing technology
and using it to redefine education will surely help us to reformulate a
different concept of literacy in the near future.
ReplyForward |
Vipassana Meditation and Pandemic Situation (Treatment of Corona Virus)
Bhikkhu
Sumanapal
In
the past meditation and related matters were considered mystical but modern
research has proved that those things should be viewed with more respect. In
1977 American Psychological Association acknowledged this fact when it issued a
statement saying, “Meditation may facilitate psychotherapeutic process. At the
same time research was,” also encouraged, to evaluate its possible usefulness.”Kutz,
Borysenko and Benson, 1985, p1)1
But
at the same time in our modern era we have seen phenomenal growth in the field of
science and technology and as an effect of it man has become more logical and
practical. Now we are not going to accept anything without a solid proof. But
in the hoary past due to the absence of a proper healthcare system man had to
depend upon ritual and magical practices. But even in those days people took
the help of some techniques that truly helped them to maintain their physical
and mental well-being. The Buddhist meditation system of Vipassana was one of
them. Though human beings are living a comparatively comfortable life due to
this development of science and technology, the entire human race is facing a
serious challenge in the form of Covid 19 pandemic which has been threatening
human civilization around the globe for almost two years. It has been rightly
said that after the Second World War the attack of corona virus has become the
most devastating disaster for humans and the socioeconomic development of the
world.
Diseases
especially communicable diseases have a profound impact on mental health.
Communicable diseases poseeven a greater threat because in the cases of these
diseases the care giver himself is susceptible to the attack of the diseases.
Today our world is facing the threat of the attack of corona virus. Due to the
attack of this virus even the advanced nations of this world are suffering
miserably. It has virtually brought life on this world to a standstill, causing
a great loss of precious human lives and a great burden on the world economy. So
people from all walks of life are facing a real problem in their day to day
existence. People are facing psychological problems 2and in order to help them
in such a situation the practice of meditations like vipassana can be of great
use. The practice of vipassana meditation can support doctors, patients and the
members of the patient’s family in such a crisis like the attack of corona
virus.
The
main problem associated with the attack of corona virus is that self-isolation
and restrictions in movement are causing a great harm to the mental health of
the population at large. Mind and body have profound effects on one another.
The term psychoneuroumnology means the interrelation between various
psychological factors, and the central nervous system. Meditation has a profound
effect on our mental health especially stress management. When we are in mood
of anxiety and worry stress hormones are released and this creates a
psychological load, in other words tremendous mental pressure which causes a
great harm to our immune system.
Meditation strengthens our immune system in many ways. It helps the
practitioner by increasing the number of his natural killer (N.K.) cells and
Blymphocytes. N.K. cells are white blood
cells the function of which is to aim and destroy abnormal or stressed cells.2
Meditations
like vipassana are based on the use of stress reduction techniques. Such a
practice helps us to decrease the level of our tension and anxiety and even
pain. So in a pandemic situation the practice of vipassana will go a long way
to complement the treatment of the disease through medication by providing
support in the state of a terrible mental anxiety which invariably accompanies
physical discomfort resulting from the disease. The global pandemic situation
has brought a sea change in our life and work. Health care professionals are
having a very tough time and are abnormally overwhelmed and busy. Anxiety and
depression have become a part and parcel of their lives. The general public is
spending time indoors. Children are forced to spend time within the narrow
confinements of their houses, bereaved of the company of their friends and
teachers. People have lost their mental
balance due to the loss of their near and dear ones in the attack of the virus
or have lost their jobs or are being forced to work and getting very nominal
wages. Domestic violence is on the rise.
The situation has grown even worse sometimes due tothe presence of the
members of the family suffering from the disease. Senior citizens are the most
vulnerable groups. Many of them have got infected and have lost their lives
even though most of them have lived within the confinement of the four walls
because other people have infected them. So it has become obligatory to
maintain a calm and quiet environment in the house which is conducive in
maintaining a healthy atmosphere inside the house.
We
have already said that the shock or trauma which we all are experiencing is
causing great losses in our lives. So every type of meditation should teach us
how to face loss or bereavements with mental calm and peace of mind. But even
in such situation there is a ray of hope which is promoting a sense of
compassion and togetherness.
Vipassana
is a kind of mediation which means to see things as they really are, is one of
India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. Gotama Buddha rediscovered it
and circulated it by teaching to his disciples. Vipassana mediation in reality
is a school which prepares us for the struggle called life. Its nature is
non-sectarian and so people from all caste creed and belief can practice it in
order to get rid of their own defilements. In this way we can attain the
fullest liberation which will result in supreme bliss and happiness.
Vipassana
system of meditation teaches us to attain self-transformation by way of
self-observation. It teaches us to observe our thoughts and emotions without
judging or being emotionally involved with them.3 We can start the practice of Vipassana with the aim to
concentrate our mind with the observation of our breath. In this the practitioners are advised to
achieve a deep interconnection between the mind and the body. One can
experience it by paying orderly and controlled attention on the sensations that
arise and disappears in his body. These sensations are the signs of life in our
body and this ultimately connects with and conditions the life of the mind.
This journey from the physical to the spiritual dissolves all our mental
impurities which give birth to a balanced mind in which love and compassion are
harmoniously blended. Vipassana helps us to purify our mind and at the same
time it helps the practitioner to get rid of many psychological problems.4
We
know that corona virus is highly contagious and so is fear. Fear, if not
controlled can give rise panic which takes away the power of thinking
rationally in man. Vipassana meditation, if properly practised, can rid us of
our fear of being a carrier of the disease. This is surely a very important
contribution of vipassana meditation.
Media
is worsening the situation. It is publishing real and imaginary news of death
and destruction by the virus. Common people who are not in a position to verify
them properly are being a victim of mass hysteria. Such propaganda takes away
our ability of taking the right decisions. And this paralyse of thinking
endangers our lives as well as the lives of our near and dear ones. This
increases our anxiety and distress.
A
brief introduction to Vipassana: According to the Buddha’s teaching it is
ignorance which is principally responsible for our suffering. Vipassana is the
most potent technique which we can apply to get rid of our sufferings.
Vipassana is based on scientific technique which is designed to enable the
practitioner to reach the ultimate goal of human life i.e. nirvana. For this we
should start and continue the practice of sila or moral conduct, the aim of
which is to attain Samadhi or concentration of mind which purifies it through
panna or the wisdom of insight. So by means of Vipassana we can attain panna or
experienced anicca, dukkha, and anatta through the practice of vipassana i.e.
Buddhist Meditation.
The
following are the pancashila (5 precepts) essential for vipassana.
1. To
abstain from killing any being
2. To
abstain from stealing
3. To
abstain from all unlawful sexual activities
4. To
abstain from telling lies
5. To
abstain from all intoxicants
The
Buddha told us about for noble truths and the noble eight fold path. They are
right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right
livelihood, right effort, right concentration, and right mindfulness.
On
the whole Vpassana meditation increases our self-awareness and by applying this
awareness judiciously we can observe the changing nature of body and mind and
gain the experience of impermanence, suffering, and non- substantiality. We can attain the experience impermanence
through feeling i. e. by contact of visible form with the eye, by contact of
sound with the ear, by contact of smell with the nose, by contact of taste with
the tongue, by contact of touch with the body.
In
Vipassana there are ten levels of knowledge. They are sammasena, (theoretical
appreciation of impermanence, suffering and non-substantiality), udayabbaya(
direct observation which enables the practitioner to experience the
dissolution of nama and rupa), bhanga(
observe clearly the phase of dissolution),bhaya( awareness of the dreadfulness
of our present existence), adinava( being conscious of the fact that this existence
is full of evil), nibbida( knowledge that this very existence is very
disgusting), muncitakamyata( Knowledge of the fact that we urgently need to
wish for an escapade from this life), patisankha ( being aware of the fact that
we should immediately start working for our deliverance), sankharupekkha(
awareness of the fact that the time has arrived to be detached from all
conditioned phenomena), anuloma( knowledge that would increase our speed of
reaching the goal).
Since
in vipassana the practitioner strives to attain the realization of anicca they
can successfully do it by concentrating on their bodily feeling. We can divide
Vipassana into four classes namely Kayanupassana or continuous mindfulness of
the body, vedananupassana or continuous mindfulness of the feelings, cittanupassana
or continuous observation of the mind,
dhammanupassana or continuous mindfulness of the mental processes, 5
1. Kayanupassana
This
type of meditation advices the learner to concentrate his mind on two objects
namely the breathing process and on the rising and falling of the abdomen. The
learner also gets the training to observe the functions of the sense organs of
the body. This will give us the impression that everything is impermanent and
there is very little to suffer for theimpermanence of things or of something
that we love and cherish.
Vedananupassana
or Continuous Mindfulness of Feelings:
Three
kinds of sensations namely pleasant, unpleasant and neutral sensations can be
found in our mind. The purpose of vedananupassana is to make the practitioner
to be conscious and mindful of these feelings because they give rise to action.
Cittanupassana
or Continuous Observation of the Mind:
This
sort of Vipassana makes the practitioner aware of the appearance and
disappearance of thoughts and emotions such as anger, joy, frustration, hatred,
live, etc..
Dhammanuppasana
or Continuous Mindfulness of Mental Processes)
This
type of Vipassana teaches the learner the art of concentrating on the negative
traits of the mind namely lust, doubt, anger, sloth and the clinging nature of
the mind.
Benefits of Vipassana:
Vipassana
meditation can help the life and professional skill of a healthcare give in the
following ways: It gives them job satisfaction, resilience from stress, and
increases their self-compassion. The practice of Vipassana enhances their
capacity to fight and reduce stress as well as contributes to a better sleeping
habit which is part and parcel of stress reduction.6 Brain researchers too have identified this
capacity of the human nervous system. It is said that if Vipassana is practised
for a long time the practitioner can achieve a higher state of consciousness. (Mason
et all 1997). Vipassana can work simultaneously with conventional psychotherapy
without harming its efficacy in any way. Vipassana meditation can be used as a
means to broadening our consciousness and make life more meaningful and
pleasurable. In this way we can attain all the results of psychotherapy from
Vipassana. We can get relief from pent up anxiety and tension by the practice
of Vipassana. At the same time Vipassana helps us to get rid of old fears.7 Through the practice of
Vipassana we can realize that the mind operates on a far larger territory than
it was thought by the modern psychologists. By the recent researches on the
operation of brain it has been discovered that human nervous system has an
enormous capacity. Though psychotherapy is very effective in curing anxiety
related mental problems, it is expensive, time consuming and available only in
cities. Vipassana meditation can be applied everywhere to cure as well as
prevent mental problems. Vipassana should be made a part of the treatment of
mental problems for several reasons:
1. It
teaches us the way to observe things in a disinterested manner.
2. It
makes us aware of the fact that every sensation and feeling is impermanent.
3. Our
tension and anxiety are diminished considerably.
4. The
tendency towards anger and violence is considerably reduced.
5. Helps
us to remain calm and cool in a difficult situation.
6. Encourages
us to do constructive work.
7. Helps
us to introspect.
8. Teaches
us to enjoy life by being free from stress. It may help people getting rid of
alcoholism and drug abuse.
9. Improves
our communication skill.
10. Helps
us to get deep and sound sleep.
11. Makes
us fresh and alert in body and mind.
12. Increases
in us a sense of joy and inner happiness.
13. It
helps us to keep our mind and body strong which is very essential for fighting
the virus.
14. It
improves our power to concentrate and this enables us to observe all the
sensations that are going on in our mind more minutely and from a distance as
if the practitioner is witnessing the events as a distant observer as a third person.
15. It
encourages in the patient a positive ethical and outlook about the disease and
his future life.
16. By
providing a means to overcome psychological, emotional, physical, and mental
problems it will enable the patient to be more successful in managing his
personal affairs.
17. The
practice of Vipassana will make us more skilful in handling whatever is taking
place in our lives.
18. The
practice of Vipassana will encourage us to solving the problems of our life
more efficiently instead of escaping from them.
19. It
has a cleansing effect on our mind as it helps us to get rid of negative
emotions like anger, hatred, and greed.
In
this way the practice of Vipassana Meditation helps us to face any mental shock
by the adverse situations caused by Covid 19 by increasing our energy, vitality
and stability. Thus we become better equipped to fight against virus infection.
Covid
19 has proved that everything in this world is impermanent and ever changing.
By the practice of Vipassana we shall be able to accept the change that will
take place in our lives during this pandemic situation. This meditation teaches
us that no one can escape from this and in this way our life will become
bearable to us. Our aim in life is to understand ourselves and Vipassana gives
us an opportunity to realize this aim.
Two thousand and five hundred years ago with
the help of Vipassana meditation the Buddha attained enlightenment which taught
him the way to eradicate all human suffering. Since Covid 19 is a great source
of human suffering it can be cured by the practice of Vipassana meditation. Though
the physical and mental health can be achieved by the practice of Vipassana,
its ultimate aim is the attainment of enlightenment. So the practice of
Vipassana will help us a great deal to follow the teachings of the Buddha and
for our mental and physical well-being.8
We
can also say that the aim of our life is to live in harmony with ourselves and
our surroundings. So we should learn to be friendly with our environment. In
this pandemic situation we can be benefitted by the practice of Vipassana in a
number of ways.
Notes and References:
1. Importance
of Vipassana (Buddhist Meditation) In the Pandemic of Covid19 : A Review by
BalajiPothbare, R. Govind Reddy, PrashantShinde,
VanmalaWakode
2. E.
Hedderman1, V. Doherty, S. O’Connor, Mindfulness Monents for clinicians in the
midst of a pandemic, Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, p 1-4
3. Emily
A Holmes, Roy C O’Connor, et al, Multidisciplinary Research Priorities for the
Covid 19 pandemic: a call for action for mental heath science, www. The
lancet.com/psychiatry volume 7 June 2020
4. Kirsten
Nunez, The Benefits of Vipassana Meditation and How to get Started
5. Vipassana
Meditation, Available from: https;//www.dhamma. org/en-US/about/vipassana
6. Vipassana
Meditation, Available from:
http//www.buddhistvipassana.com/vipassana-basics/the –four-types-of-vipassana-meditations
7. McEwen
BS Stress, adaptation and disease. Allostasis and allostatic load. Ann N.Y.
Acad Sci. 1998: 840: 33-44
8. Jyoti
Doshi, Vipassana and Psychotherap, Vipassana Research Institute, Igatpuri,
Nashik, Maharashtra, https// www. Vridhamma. Org/ research/
Vipassana-%26-Psychotherapy
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
BUDDHISM IN RAKHAIN : PRACTICE AND PERCEPTS
Bhikkhu Sumanapal
(The
Rakhine people or Arakanese people are a Southeast Asian ethnic group. We do
not have any particular data about their number; most probably they constitute
5.53% or more of Myanmer's total population.) They also dwell in Bangladesh
particularly in Chittagong and Barishal Division. We can also find Rakhain
people in Tripura. In North East India Arakanese people are known as
Maghs.
(The
Rakhain people are predominantly Tharavada Buddhists. Due to its close
proximity with the Indian subcontinent Arakense culture shows a very strong
Indian influence. The Arakanese language is closely connected with Burmese
language.
The
ancient city of Dhanyawadi is now completely in ruins. During the period
580 B.C.to 326 A.D.
the Buddha makes his first appearance in Dhanyawadi. The period During the
reign of King Nga Tone Mun the civilization Dhanyawadi reached its peak. It was
at the zenith of its glory and had trade relation with many foreign
countries.
In
Arakan there were three Golden Maruk periods. The first one started in the year
1430 and lasted till 1530, the second started in the year 1531 and lasted upto
1638 and the final period started in 1638 and continued till 1784. The second
golden period in which Rakhain attained supremacy in the field of national
integration and became the supreme in the adjoining areas.
In
Marak U we find many archaeological remains such as inscriptions, Buddha
images, and his footprints, and great pagodas, and these remind us of the Gupta
age of India. All these things exerted a great spiritual influence in the
people of that country.
Among
the historical relics of that period we may mention coins, inscriptions, Buddha
image etc..
In
Arakanese coins we find the image of the ruler on one side and the logo of the
sun and the moon on the other. One such coin made during the reign of king Niti
chandra in 8th century can be seen in British Museum.
The.famous
archaeologist Forchhammer discovered a stone inscription written in Nagari
character.
It
was a hilly region and according to Burmese tradition the Buddha himself had
visited the place some 2500 years ago. Apart from this archeologists have also
discovered a Buddha image in the dharma chakra mudra, relef sculpture made in
4th century A.D, red sandstone slabs, etc.
From
these testimonies it is conclusively proved that Buddhism entered Burma in the
ancient period.
It
was King Dvan Chandra who founded the city of Vesali, during 327 A.D. King Dvan
Chandra carved a Buddha image in 327A D and on it a Pali incription can be
found. If it is translated into English it will be like this, "Of these
dhammas which arise from cause/ The Tathagata has declared causes/ Lord Buddha
preached about the causes and that which is the ceasing of them /And that which
is the ceasing of them, Nirawada Thitesa/ This the great ascetic declares. This
verse shows that when it was composed theravada Buddhism was at its zenith in
Burma."
There
were also many stone inscriptions in different scripts and languages. Scholars
like Dr E.H.Johnston have made an analysis in which we are provided with a list
of kings. Those many of the pagodas and inscriptions are now in ruins they
amply prove that Buddhism in those days was highly popular among the masses in
Burma.
Now
we can discuss the Buddhist Councils that took place in Rakhain. It happened in
638 under the joint venture of Ceylon and Rakhain. The council was organized by
king Dhamnawizaya who was its chief patron. Hundreds of monks from Ceylon and
Rakhain took part in the council.
To
commemorate the occasion pagodas, statues and inscriptions were made, the
Tripitaka was inscribed. Another Budhist Council was organized by King Mim Yin
Phru in the year 847 A.D The Council was attended by 800 arhats. The practice
and development of Buddhism was never hampered and there was no lack of royal
patronage.
In
architectural style this region shows influence of India, particularly that of
east India. Dr. Forchhammer claims that "in durability, architectural
skill, and ornamentation the Maruk.U temples far surpass those on the banks of
Arrawaddy".
The
Vesali kings started making coins around the fifth century A.D. On one side of
the coin we find the name of the ruler during whose rule the coins were made
and on the other side we find inscriptions written in Persian and Nagari
language.
Various
foreign powers like the Mongols, Mon, Bamar and Poruguese invaded this country.
In the year1784 the crown prince of the Konbaung dynasty attacked western Yoma
(Arakan Mountains) and then annexed Rakhaine. The Rakhain people fought for
decades and their leader was Nga ThannDe and Chin Byan.
In
the year 1826 Rakhine was annexed by the British and Sittwe or Akyab became its
new capital. In 1852 Rakhain became a part of lower Burma. Some monks like U
Ottama and U Seinda became the leaders in the freedom struggle against the
British.
During
the Second World War Arakan Defence force turned to the allies and fought
against the Japanese. After became independent Rakhine was made a division
within the Union of Burma.)
Though
in 1974 the Ne Wins government gave Rakhine Division state status it was
useless in effect. We find a group of Rakhain people living in the coastal
areas like Cox's Bazar, Borguna, and Patuakhali. Before the two countries
Myanmar and Bangladesh were formed they had migrated from Myanmar to
Bangladesh. In 2020 there are 16000 members in their community.
History
says that the Rakhains migrated from Myanmar during the eighteenth century and
Cox's Bazar and Patuakhali district. When Arakan was annexed by Burma in 1784
the refugees went to Cox Bazar for shelter. The place received its name from
Captain Hiram Cox who was entrusted with the task of allotting land to the
refugees. The Rakhain people and the local Bengali population communicate
in a very unique dialect. The Rakhains managed to keep intact their culture,
religion, and language to a great extent. Schools imparting instructions in
Rakhain language used to exist in that area till the year 1998 but they had to
be closed down due to lack of funds.
Myanmar
is predominantly Buddhist country where the faith of the Buddha is practised by
nearly 90% of the population. Most of the citizens of the country belong to the
Theravada tradition. Various tribes like the dominant Bamar people, Shan,
Rakhain, Mon, Karen, and Chinese are well integrated into Burmese society.
Among them the Rakhains are a South East Asian ethnic group in the country who form the majority community along the coastal region of
present day Rakhaine state (formerly officially called Arakan.) (The Arakains
are approximately 5.53% of the total population of Myanmar but we cannot be
certain as there is no accurate census figure. Rakhaines are among the four
principal ethnic groups of Burma and they claim to be one of the earliest
groups who started following the ideals of the Buddha in South East Asia. Though Rakhaine culture is predominantly
Buddhist it shows some Indian elements because it is not very far from the
Indian subcontinent. The music, literature and culture of Rakhaine are strongly
influenced by their Indian counterparts. The people of Rakhaine practise
Theravada Buddhism like most other tribes in Myanmar along with nat worship
which means worshipping spirits that are believed to be in control of the
worldly affairs of the people.
For
the devout Buddhists of Rakhaine as well as for the Buddhists of Myanmar there
are two very popular practices, namely merit making, and Vipassana. For the
Buddhists of Rakhaine the most common path adopted is the path of merit making.
Merit making chiefly consists of the following five
precepts and doing good deeds like charity and dana. The main objective of
these acts is to ensure rebirth in a favourable condition. On the other hand
Vipassana meditation which became popular around the early twentieth century.
According to popular belief, by participating in vipassana meditation
enlightenment can be attained.
Like
the Buddhist of the other parts of the country the Buddhists of Rakhain are
devout in their belief and practice and the influence of this religion is all
pervasive over there. It was king Anawratha who founded first Burmese empire in
the 11th century. He took significant steps for the simplification
of the spiritual and religious beliefs of the country. But he was unable to get
rid of the animistic ideas held fast by his countrymen and as a result of it
the worship of countless gods and goddesses or nats is still continuing among
the masses. We can find the image of at least one nat in every Burmese Buddhist
temple.
The
efforts of the missionary monk Shin Arahan is primarily responsible for the
establishment of Buddhism as the state religion. His achievement becomes more
creditable when we consider the fact that it was the period in which it was
declining in other parts of Asia. Like the Buddhists of the other parts of
Myanmar, the Buddhist of Rakhaine, monks and householder alike, recites three
times a day, ‘The Three Jewels’ or the Triratna or in other words taking refuge
to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. The
formula of the triple gem offers solace and peace to the Buddhists, this
recitation gives them strength. Besides, there is also the understanding of the
Four Noble Truths which teaches them the following: 1.There is always an
element of suffering in life. 2. Desire is the cause of suffering 3. If we can
give up desire and attachment all our suffering will come to an end. 4. If we
can follow the Noble Eight Fold Path all our suffering will come to an
end. By Noble Eight Fold Path we mean
right view, right intent, right conduct, right speech, right livelihood, right
endeavour, right mindfulness, and right meditation. These Eight Noble means can be divided into three categories namely wisdom,
morality and mental discipline. Right view and right intent come under the
category of wisdom, speech, conduct or action and livelihood are included
within morality, and endeavour, mindfulness and meditation are the qualities
which originate from mental discipline.
Now
we can mention some Buddhist terms that are used in Rakhaine
Gyo
daing: Small Buddha shrines found in temples.
Kyaung:
A Buddhist monastery
Pagoda:
A Burmese Buddhist temple.
Parabaik:
folded palm leaf manuscript
Paya:
generic form of a Buddhist temple
Pahto:
another word for a temple generally referred to the hollow Indian style temples
(with minor shrines as opposed to temples constructed around a solid stupa.
Pongyi:
a Buddhist monk. Pyat -that multi roofed pavilions, usually made of wood,
Samsara:
cycle of birth and death (rebirth)
Sayadaw:
Tazaung:
A Buddhist shrine
Thabeik:
Thilashin:
a Buddhist nun
Zedi:
a stupa
The
monks provide the people of Rakhaine the way to salvation by playing a model
for them. Most of them are novices or students who become monks only for a
stipulated period of time. The monks has to vow for abandoning all material
possessions except the following items: three robes, a
razor for shaving, a needle for sewing, a strainer to ensure that no living
being is swallowed , a belt, an arms bowl. Secondly, the monk takes the vow not
to kill any living being or to injure anyone. Finally, the monk has to observe
complete sexual celibacy throughout his life. The monk makes his livelihood
through begging from door to door. The food collected from house to house is
the only source of food for the monk.
A
Buddhist is not considered civilized until and unless he undergoes the ceremony
shin-pyu which is the ceremony by which he is initiated into the order
of the monks. Here the Buddha is his ideal because he left his family in search
of spiritual life and enlightenment. Before the night of shin-pyu a grand feast
is organized in which all the monks of the monastery as well as the young boy
participates. In the weeks before the ceremonies, the boy would have been
familiarized with the language and behaviour befitting a monk. During the
initiation ceremony the novice prostrates himself three times, and then he is
accepted in the community that originated with the Buddha. During his time in
the monastery, his parents must address him in honorific terms. He
will call them Upasaka-Upasika, which is not
applicable to his fellow monks in the order.