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Lankomumo reitingas Версия для печати Spausdinti
Global Buddhism

By Linda Tomlinson and Yann Lovelock

Even while he was on his deathbed, the Buddha continued giving his followers advice. He was already preparing himself for the final moment when he told his monks not to bother themselves about the disposal of his remains. These could safely be left to the devoted care of lay followers. His ashes might be housed in a stupa built in his honour and there 'people will make offerings of flowers or incense or scented powder, or will pay homage, or will feel reverence in their minds. To such people benefit and happiness will accrue for a long time.' (Mahaparinibbana Sutta, 76)

The ashes were originally divided between eight stupas. Those built by his Sakyan relatives in Kapilavathu and by his royal patrons in Magadha remained undisturbed until modern times. Following investigation of the sites by archaeologists in the newly independent India, the remains discovered there were deposited in museums. The Sakyan relics are presently contained in a suitable casket and on show in Delhi Museum. To cater for the growth of Buddhism, however, the Emperor Asoka is said to have had the remaining stupas opened and the ashes divided into smaller portions between many thousand stupas.

Asoka's activities on Buddhism's behalf included sending missionaries to surrounding countries, with the result that there was an increased demand for relics of the Buddha and the growth of stories that the Buddha himself had travelled East and preached his message in the states involved. Rather than simply ashes and bits of charred bone, some relics became rather more specific. An eye tooth of the Buddha was claimed at Sri Lanka's Anarudhapura from early times. Some of his hairs are said to be enshrined in Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda.

Now in these days of globalisation, relics are travelling even further afield. Amaravati monastery has some; Dhammatalaka Peace Pagoda was built for relics once belonging to the royal family of Myanmar… and has recently been given some of Sariputta's into the bargain. Buddhavihara, yet another temple in Birmingham, has also recently acquired relics from Thailand and is enshrining them on its tenth anniversary.

One more sign of Buddhism's globalisation was the resolution by the United Nations Assembly on the very eve of the new Millennium to declare Buddha Day a day of international celebration for itself and all its agencies. In recognition of this, the Thai Supreme Patriarch had a golden memorial stupa made in 2000 and requested relics from the three main Theravadin countries – Sri Lanka, Myanmar and his own. These were then presented to the UN for eventual enshrinement in their New York headquarters. In the meanwhile they are in the care of two Thai custodians and are touring the world.

On Buddha Day, 2002, Secretary-General Kofi Annan acknowledged Buddhism's contribution to the world in these words: In this time of global uncertainty, the Buddha's vision of peace and of humanity's highest potentials may be more relevant than ever before. Indeed, if we want to have a chance of overcoming the many challenges that face us today – in the fields of peace and security, development and the protection of our global environment – we must think beyond our narrow, short-term interests and raise ourselves to a universal perspective from which the wellbeing of the broader human community appears as important as our own wellbeing. Each of us shares the hope of a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable future. Our actions – as individuals and as members of our communities –must be guided by that common dream.

On this day of Vesak, let us remember that whatever our origin, our race, our culture or our belief, we are not essentially different. Above all, we share the same home, a shrinking planet on which we are bound to live together. So let us work together towards the common good and the harmonious and peaceful coexistence of all the world's people.

The rule for the exhibition of the UN Relics is that they may only visit any country once. We in Birmingham have the honour of hosting their visit to Britain; our pagoda has been given the responsibility of hosting the ceremony of veneration and those there have worked hard to see that the good news has been spread as widely as possible to all schools of Buddhism. That work brings its own reward and is shared by the many who have been assisting us in one way or another, a number that goes far beyond our own limited manpower.

As the Buddha pointed out, it is the state of mind in which one approaches the relics from which benefit is reaped. In the present circumstances, we should remember Kofi Annan's inspiring vision of the Buddha's teaching as something that brings people together in peace and harmony. Let us approach their coming with this in mind and rise above questions of school and of personal benefit. Let us work for the good of all in this instance and continue to do so in everything to which we put our hand for the benefit of Buddhist and non-Buddhist alike. This, as the Buddha also pointed out in his final moments, is the true way to serve and honour him. May the veneration we feel inspire us to greater diligence in cultivating the wisdom and compassion of which our world stands so greatly in need.

         

Lankomumo reitingas

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1. Далай-лама XIV
2. Буддизм как культурно-исторический феномен
3. Религия Тибета
1. Буддизм как культурно-исторический феномен
2. Религия Тибета
3. Далай-лама XIV
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