Global Relevancy of Buddhism: Birthday of Buddha

by Mohan Nepali May 20, 2008

CELEBRATING 2552ND COMMEMORATIVE BIRTHDAY OF BUDDHA

The world is celebrating the 2552nd birthday of Gautam Buddha, the Nepal-born philosopher and spiritual leader of ancient times. The Nepalis and the Buddhists all over the world celebrate this day as World Buddhism Day.

It is surprising that world leaders afford little or no time to think about the meaning and relevancy of Buddhism in human society where there are serious problems. Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) Maoist Chairman Prachanda as the chief guest addressed yesterday a special ceremony organized in Lumbini by the International Buddhist Federation on the eve of the World Buddhism Day. Lumbini is the site where Gautam Buddha was born.

This article is dedicated to the World Buddhism Day so as to shed some light on the significance of Buddhism as a human philosophy that can scientifically improve human thoughts and behavior.

LITTLE BUDDHA VS YOUNG FRUSTRATED PRINCE

Gautam Buddha was born 2552 years ago in Nepal’s Lumbini area, a place recognized by the UNESCO as world heritage. Gautam Buddha’s pre-enlightenment name was Siddhartha Gautam. He was the prince and the son of King Suddhodan. When at the age of 29 he gave birth to his son Rahul, he got highly frustrated because he had seen old age and death that troubled his mind all the time. He questioned himself very hard and explored within himself regarding the underlying factors of human crisis.

Besides, he took interest in studying other religious philosophies to understand the meaning of life. Yet he was not satisfied with the preachings contained in different religious treaties. He therefore meditated for several years before his spiritual enlightenment. His post-enlightenment name became Buddha. Later, his follower Ashoka spread his knowledge in India as well.

BIG BUDDHA: HIS MATURE PHILOSOPHY OF HUMAN LIFE

Buddhism is not taken only as a religious philosophy but also as a way of good life. It has become a moral science, so necessary for humanity. Especially, this philosophy is highly relevant for leading an ethical life marked by honesty, thoughtfulness and wisdom.

Buddhism explains the purpose of human life by teaching people to combat inherent evils, the primary causes of suffering. Those who understand Buddhism understand that only material prosperity does not make human life truly happy. They will be able to discover that human actions are guaranteed to be bad so long as human thoughts are bad. According to Buddhism, thoughts are the seeds of actions. Therefore, this philosphy so much emphasizes on cultivating positive thinking in human psychology.

Moreover, Buddhism teaches human beings about scientific ethics. This philosphy is the cornerstone of human rights concept because it debates about human suffering and its underlying causes. This philosphy equally states that human beings suffer because of selfishness, inequality and injustice. To create a permanent peace in the world, Buddhism advocates justice. Thus, this philosphy is highly scientific as far as modern principles of democracy and human rights are concerned.

About 1.45 billion people around the world follow Buddhist faith. Buddhist thinkers say that human beings should try to be 'Buddha,' i.e., 'awakened'.

Although Buddha was born in Asia, his legacy (Buddhism) has now become world heritage. Buddhist philosophy is getting popular in Western Europe as well. The principal reasons behind its rapid popularity are its scientific foundations marked by a profound perception of human mind, psychonatural therapies, pragmatic ethical principles and the principles of peaceful co-existence.

The principles of peaceful co-existence have become vital components in the domain of international relations.

A true respect to Buddha and his contributions will be characterized by adherence to human rights norms and inter-ideological tolerance while practicing democracy.

Besides, Buddhism teaches people to be their own boss.This philosophy is obviously against mental slavery, a serious problem prevailing in many developing nations heavily dependent on foreign aid.

FORMULA OF PEACE AND JUSTICE

Indeed, what Buddhism teaches the world is not very complicated to understand. Phrases like 'don't speak lies,' 'don't steal,' 'don't harm others,' and others are simple, practical and scientifically justifiable. Can one count how many problems liars have to face? "Don't steal" means work hard and generate power. It means never get involved in corruption, fraudery and and irregular activities to earn money.

Today black business has harmed the world. Corruption has stolen the future of millions of people. Similarly, intentions of harming others in the process of seeking self-happiness have conflagrated violence and oppression on a global scale.

Will war-loving peace industrialists producing and selling weapons of mass destruction ever stop to think about their apparent demerits on the occasion of the 2552nd commemorative birthday of peace educator Gautam Buddha?