THE CULTURED BUDDHIST
To bring ourselves closer to the ideal of a well- balanced man or
woman, we need to acquire, at least in outline, what is called a
cultural grounding in the Buddha-Dhamma. Culture reveals to ourselves
and others what we are. Culture comes
from a word meaning “to grow.” In Buddhism the Arahant is the perfect
embodiment of culture. He has grown to the highest possible limit, of
human evolution. He has emptied himself of all selfishness, all greed,
hatred, and delusion and embodies flawless purity and selflessness
compassionate service. Things of the world do not tempt him, for he is
free from the bondage of selfishness and passions. He makes no
compromises for the sake of power, individual or collective.
In this world some are born great while others have greatness thrust on them. But in the Buddha Dhamma one becomes great only to the extent that one has progressed in ethical discipline and mental culture, thereby freed the mind of self and all that it implies. True greatness, then is proportional to one’s success in unfolding the perfection dormant in human nature.
Therefore we should think of culture in this way: Beginning with the regular observance of the Five Precepts, positively and negatively, we gradually reduce our greed and hatred. Simultaneously, we develop good habits of kindness and compassion, honesty and truthfulness, chastity and heed-fulness.
Steady, wholesome habits are the basis of good character, without which no culture is possible. Then, little by little, we become great and cultured Buddhists. Such a person is rightly trained in body, speech, and mind – a disciplined, well-bred, refined, humane human being, able to live in peace and harmony with him and others. And this indeed is Dhamma.
To bring ourselves closer to the ideal of a well- balanced man or
woman, we need to acquire, at least in outline, what is called a
cultural grounding in the Buddha-Dhamma. Culture reveals to ourselves
and others what we are. Culture comes
from a word meaning “to grow.” In Buddhism the Arahant is the perfect
embodiment of culture. He has grown to the highest possible limit, of
human evolution. He has emptied himself of all selfishness, all greed,
hatred, and delusion and embodies flawless purity and selflessness
compassionate service. Things of the world do not tempt him, for he is
free from the bondage of selfishness and passions. He makes no
compromises for the sake of power, individual or collective.In this world some are born great while others have greatness thrust on them. But in the Buddha Dhamma one becomes great only to the extent that one has progressed in ethical discipline and mental culture, thereby freed the mind of self and all that it implies. True greatness, then is proportional to one’s success in unfolding the perfection dormant in human nature.
Therefore we should think of culture in this way: Beginning with the regular observance of the Five Precepts, positively and negatively, we gradually reduce our greed and hatred. Simultaneously, we develop good habits of kindness and compassion, honesty and truthfulness, chastity and heed-fulness.
Steady, wholesome habits are the basis of good character, without which no culture is possible. Then, little by little, we become great and cultured Buddhists. Such a person is rightly trained in body, speech, and mind – a disciplined, well-bred, refined, humane human being, able to live in peace and harmony with him and others. And this indeed is Dhamma.
In order to grow we also have to be active and energetic, diligent in wholesome conduct. There is no place for laziness and lethargy in Buddhism. We must be diligent in cultivating all aspects of the Dhamma in ourselves at all times. If we become good individuals, we automatically become cultured members of our society. Therefore a true lay Buddhist will aim at personal progress in worldly matters only on the foundation of the Noble Eightfold Path…………..
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