Sunday we are celebrating the birth of the Buddha Shakyamuni. The story goes that the then bodhisattva was residing in Tushita Heaven teaching the gods. He deemed the time was right to again take human birth and manifesting as a white elephant (auspicious symbol) in his mother’s dream, he entered her womb. Ten lunar months later, his mother was returning to her parents’ home when halfway there, she gave birth. The newborn took seven steps and proclaimed “In heaven above and on earth below, I am the most honored one. I shall dispel the suffering that fills the world.” As he said this he pointed up and down with his hands. He then started acting like a baby.
Although this day is celebrated in all Buddhist countries, in east Asia they often have a small statue of the baby Shakyamuni standing and pointing up and down. This is placed in a bowl and tea is poured over the statue as if you were washing a newborn. Offerings of flowers and incense are also presented.
The only teachings in this world that can liberate you from samsara is called in Asia “Buddha Dharma”. When we say the “Dharma” this is just a short form. However in the west, we call it Buddhism. These words really have a different connotation. “Buddha Dharma” can be understood as meaning the Dharma or support system taught by a buddha. There are many buddhas. Even the Theravada school recognize that there are different buddhas. Some of the teachings we have come from the Buddha Shakyamuni and some come from other buddhas like Amitabha or the Medicine Buddha. Many of the tantras followed by the Tibetans are teachings from buddhas other than Shakyamuni. Of course, most of our teachings come from Shakyamuni because he is the buddha for our place and time.
When westerners first encountered Buddha Dharma, their way of thinking was completely influenced by the western religions. In that manner, Christ is the central figure for Christians and Muhammad is the central figure for Muhammadanism (an old term). So, they gave the name Buddhism thinking that Shakyamuni is like the Christ. Actually, 19th century and even early 20th century literature on Buddhism often drew parallels between Christ and Shakyamuni. Almost all of this was nothing more than the fancy of western intellectuals.
Be this as it may, the role of a buddha even Shakyamuni, is not at all the same as either Christ or Muhammad. Christ made being saved to heaven possible after the original sin tainted all of humanity according to Christianity. Muhammad was the last profit of Allah according to Islam. Shakyamuni or other buddhas are not saviors or prophets. They teach a means for gaining liberation. Each teaching is suitable to a place and time. Further, the sutras repeatedly inform us that whether a buddha appears or not, the underlying truth of the teaching is universal and timeless. Further, in our teachings at the centre, we emphasis that all have the Buddha-Nature and so awakening is something inherent in you and not something that is added later to your mind stream.
We celebrate the Buddha Shakyamuni’s birthday and other events because he was the greatest teacher, wise and compassionate to such an extent his teachings have been efficacious for two and half millennia. There are some in the larger Buddhist community who take the various stories of Shakyamuni literally and others who understand them metaphorically. This does not matter. Things can have more than one understanding.
This Sunday, please layout offering on your home alter. And try to make the day a special remembrance. It is rather like you are a monk/ nun in a cave and so you are connecting with the tradition in a different way.
Peace and stay healthy,
Shirfu