EDITORIAL
It is evident that the Buddhist community in Sri Lanka is treading in a different direction by casting away their inherited scientific, rational and evergreen principles of Buddhism. It is conspicuous that they are more inclined towards following superstitious beliefs and are more driven by slogans. Although many people in Sri Lanka proudly claim that they are pious Buddhists, they hardly possess knowledge or clear understanding of the teachings of the Buddha. They have not accurately comprehended the basic principles of Buddhism. Their intention is to portray themselves as “true Buddhists” by doing things contrary to the teachings of the Buddha.
Some Buddhists seem to be abusing this evergreen Dhamma. Their objective is not to end the Cycle of Samsara by attaining Nirvana as preached by the Buddha, but to abuse their religion to gain various other benefits such as political and societal. Today, Buddhism has become an indispensable tool for some politicians to gain and remain in power. People who are neither pious nor following the principles of Buddhism and do not have a correct understanding of the Buddha’s philosophy act as the supreme guardians of Buddhism in their attempt of showing off. Misusing this noble religion will only contribute to its decline.
It is pathetic no note how some Bhikkhus in Sri Lanka have abandoned their noble mission of treading in the path of Buddhism and promoting political ideologies. They clad in sacred Cheevara and engage in politics for their selfish gains. We understand that this scenario should come to a halt.
Some Buddhist monks “sell” the sacred Dhamma preached by the Buddha for free. The Buddha has said, “Dhamma Danan Sabba Danan Jinathi which means Giving (educating) Dhamma to people (for free) is the most noble charity a person can do. Instead of spreading the word of the Buddha, some monks engage in business by “selling” the Dhamma. Some monks preach absolutely crap and sometimes filth under the guise of Dhamma sermons. People love to listen to such Dhamma sermons that are full of unwarranted jokes, filth and politics.
Some monks claim to have attained Arhantship while others distort and propagate misconceptions of Buddhism. Some people have become monks to destroy Buddhism in the long run. Unfortunately, the majority of Buddhists are blindly following such monks who are actually being “paid” by some extremists groups.
Furthermore, media sensationalizes incidents involving some undisciplined and immoral Bhikkus. This damages the entire Bhikku Sasana as people tend to think of all the Buddhist monks the same way.
It is apparent that many Buddhists follow their religion as a fashion as well to show off to the society that they are pious. Buddhism has also become a tool in the struggle of power in Sri Lanka. There is an increasing trend of violence in the name of Buddhism today which has been created by a few individuals for selfish gains. Innocent youth blindly follow them and contribute to the decline of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
In such a context, as responsible Buddhists, it is a matter of urgency to educate the people of correct teachings in order to achieve the lofty goal of preserving Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka. The objective of Sathipattana Buddhist Magazine is to guide and educate the Buddhists in following and practicing the accurate and noble principles of the Buddha. It is also expected that this magazine be an authentic source of correct information regarding Buddhism. Among our other objectives is the refuting misconceptions relating to Buddhism.
Buddhists in Sri Lanka lack proper guidance of Buddhism. And they are often misguided by funded groups who are paid to disfigure Buddhism. Majority of Buddhists today follow such wrong teachers of Buddhism whose agenda is to eliminate Buddhism from this soil. Unfortunately, a large number of innocent Buddhists get trapped in such things and are led astray. We publish Sathipattana magazine with the aim of guiding such groups of Buddhists towards the correct path.
Sathi is mindfulness. Pattana means to establish properly. Accordingly, Sathipattana means to “act with mindfulness”
“Satipattna” or acting with mindfulness is required for any activity that a person is engaged in may it be mundane or supramundane. Living a life with mindfulness is more important today than ever before. It is important to understand Buddhism with a clear mind by avoiding false beliefs to uplift the Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka.
CHIRAN THITTATHU LOKASMIN SAMMA SAMBUDDHA SASANAN!
