Buddhism is a way of life, rather than a religion, that teaches the laymen to live a righteous life, abstaining from all misdeeds. A follower of the teachings of the Reverend Buddha (Dhamma), is bound to lead a happy and successful life, and since Buddhism teaches of a life after death that continues for a long time in a life cycle called Samsara, he is bound to achieve emancipation with the help of righteous living. Life is full of suffering for all beings for all times. Emancipation - Nibbana - which is the ultimate goal of His teachings is a state of non-suffering that puts an end to the sorrowful life cycle. In the Doctrine, it is summarized in a stanza, in the canonical language – Pail - as follows:
''Sabba papassa akaranam - Kusalassa upasampada
Sachitta pariyodapanam - Etam Buddhanasasanam.''
In brief it means, 'Abstinanance from sinful (harmful / bad) deeds, engaging in meritorious (beneficial / good) deeds, maintaining a controlled (disciplined) mind. This is the teaching of the Buddha.' As such, Buddhism is a way of life that teaches the realities of life, and hence could be easily adhered to, and benefited, by any one, irrespective of his being a member of any religion. This state of affairs makes religious conversions unnecessary.
A new Buddhist Mission has arrived in London, with a view to propagating the teachings of the Reverend Buddha, comprising of two Buddhist Nuns, to start with, from Mahamewunawa Bhawana Asapuwa (monastery) in Sri Lanka. This Monastery is headed by Reverend Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero, the chief incumbent. This veteran Thero has a group of well trained and disciplined disciples, both male and female (monks and nuns) who too are all well versed in the Doctrine as well as the methods of teaching it, to attract the minds of laymen. They are providing an invaluable service in the form of sermons and other beneficiary undertakings in the mother country and as an extension of that service, now they have embarked upon a missionary service with a view to providing their valuable service to the suffering lives of foreign lands too.
Buddhism has two main divisions namely, Mahayana Buddhism practiced in Far Eastern Asian countries and Theravada Buddhism practiced in South Asian countries headed by Sri Lanka. What we practice in Sri Lanka which is the unaffected, unmodified, pure form of the original Doctrine. Hence, it is the original true Doctrine that is being propagated by our Buddhist mission of Mahamewunawa Asapuwa.
In carrying out this programme, they are equipped with all necessary materials of teaching the Dhamma (Doctrine), namely all relevant literature, both in Sinhala and English languages, in addition to audio and video provisions.Method of instructing would be, by way of sermons followed by intimate and uncontrolled discussions.
As a means of taming and disciplining the wandering minds of the listeners, regular Bhawana (meditation) cessions will follow, where the followers would be taught the methods of meditation. It is this practice that brings tranquility to the ever disturbed, wandering human minds and awakening and developing wisdom in those suffering minds, shall pave the way to achieving consolation in the form of Nibbana - cessation of suffering, hence of life - the ultimate goal of life. The following words of the Reverend Buddha himself will enlighten the reader on the need and benefit of following these instructions on the Buddhist way of life:
''One who studies but doesn't practice it, is like a ladle in a pot of soup. It lies in the pot all the time but doesn't know the flavour of the soup. If you don't practice what you learn, even if you study up to your death bed, you never shall experience the taste of freedom''
Mahamewunawa is a place where you could experience true and real happiness by way of realizing the realities of life, which is being convinced to you through the Four Noble Truths - the main theme of the Buddhist Doctrine. The Buddhist Nuns here are all out to help you, in achieving the benefits of the service of this organization.
This mission will commence with a special program comprising of Sermons, chanting of Pirith and Sathbudu Wandana (Offerings to the Seven Buddhas) on the 13th (Saturday) of this month at 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Thereafter, the meditation sessions will be held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays and 2nd and 4th Saturdays every month, at the Mahamewunawa Bhawana Asapauwa.
Kindly be mindful, not to lose this invaluable opportunity!
