Translation problems
It is frustrating for a practicing Buddhist to listen to lay western people describe Buddhist as fixated on suffering and other inconsistent ideas. Of course, it is our own fault that these misinterpretations have persisted for the last sixty years or so. There are many reasons why this has occurred but irrational adherence to strict interpretations of the written dharma is most of the problem.
Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, did not do this. The Buddha spontaneously interpreted his wisdom in accordance to the competence of each person or conditions. He spent a good deal of time doing this convincingly and comprehensibly.
Think about what translation actually does. First there is an insight or an idea that is translated into words that are vague at best. Then it is decided that; if you know the definition of the word - you actually understand the original insight or idea. Then we translate that word into another word in another language that has no connection to the original word either contemporary, historically, linguistically, grammatically, conceptually or intellectually. It is than concluded that - if you understand the definitions of this new word you, somehow, understand the original insight or idea.
The word suffering is an example of how the western mind completely misunderstands the meaning of the Pali word Dukkha. There have been hundreds of thousands of Pali words written about Dukkha such that it is unclear whether the Buddhist understand the insight or idea either. The word is a correct word and comprehensible or it isn’t; mostly it isn’t. Especially when dealing with abstract ideas.
The Buddha did not speak the translated Pali or Chinese, Japanese, Thai, English, Tibetan or any other known language. Every single word of the Buddha Dharma is a translation from a very formal and stylized oral tradition; which was not how the Buddha spoke to people, either.
We are encouraged to do what the Buddha had to do. First you have to take people from the new language, tradition or culture, get them to practice long enough to understand the original insights or ideas. Then have them discover words in their native language that best capture the original insights and ideas, thoughts and expectations. This, of course, is not considered academically rigorous merely nontraditionally comprehensible.
It is important to remember that, if you depend on words - vague is as good as it gets. It is up you to you take the final steps and figure out the original insight and ideas beyond the words.
15 August 2553 (2010)Wat Subchaom, Phra Phatthabat, Thailand
Yasha
Layman Ceremonies of the Buddha Dharma
For the western lay person one of the ways the inspiration of Buddhist thought can be appreciated is in ritual Ceremony, which can be utilized for daily practices or insightful meditations. These practices are a key to the unfolding of natural insights into the human condition that the Buddha Siddhartha Gautama explained during his enlightened life.
Traditionally, Buddhist Ceremony is performed on a clean uncluttered floor with a statue of the Buddha (however stylized or informal) on a raised platform. Mats, rugs, cushions or meditational seats are considerate with chairs available for those who prefer or need them. The following conditions are also encouraged;
- It is polite to be clean in body and appearance.
- It is considerate to have an open mind.
- It is appropriate to dressed in loose fitting comfortable clothing.
- It is encouraged to bring an offering.
- It is expected that you will be patient with yourself and others.
The Reasonable Voice begins the ceremony by leading all of the participants in performing three prostrations before an alter symbolizing the Buddha Nature in all of us, which can include lighting candles, incense and other offerings as an example of the Gift of Gratitude.
Ceremony for Honoring the Buddha
(Honoring the historical Buddha as well the Buddha Nature in yourselves and others)
A short contemplation of ten slow breaths - Breathe, in relax, and wait. The recitation should be clear, moderate and lyrical.
The Reasonable Voice --- Together
Honoring the Buddha who is kindly bent to ease us,The Buddha is my inspiration --- I honor the Buddha
The Dharma is the teaching --- I honor the Dharma
The Shanga is my friend --- I honor the Shanga
(Repeat 3 times)
Posture is the means --- I will discipline my body
Chanting a tool --- I will discipline my speech
Meditation is the process --- I will discipline my mind
(Repeat 3 times)
Enlightenment is the beginning --- I will begin
Wisdom is the vehicle --- I will learnLoving kindness is the objective --- I will endure
(Repeat 3 ties)
Taking Sanctuary in the Buddha
(Sanctuary is a choice hidden within your mind)
A short contemplation of ten slow breaths - Breathe, in relax, and wait.
The Reasonable Voice --- Together
Remember Sanctuary that is kindly bent to ease us,The Buddha, as Sanctuary --- Please remember me as I remember the Buddha
The Dharma, as Sanctuary --- Please remember me as I remember the Dharma
The Sangha, as Sanctuary --- Please remember me as I remember the Sangha
(Repeat 3 times)
The Four Noble Truths
(These Truths are a summary of the first words of the Buddha’s realization)
Version 1
The Reasonable Voice
Recite the Noble Truths that are kindly bent to ease us,
Together
Before discovering true knowledge I cycled around within my births.
Each new birth brings new suffering Craving and ego are the builder of my house.
I know the builder I cannot be imprisoned anymore.
My mind enters Summate and cannot be stirred I have arrived in the Peace of Nirvana.
Version 2
The Reasonable Voice
Recite the Noble Truths that are kindly bent to ease us,
Together
There is much confusion in this world Confusion is a personal choice
Many people choose to be confused I occasionally choose confusion
There are other possible solutions There is a solution to my confusion
Confusion is no longer necessary I reside in insightful awareness
Version 3
The Reasonable Voice Recite the Noble Truths that are kindly bent to ease us,
Together
The Truth is unnoticed I am lost in the darkness
The Truth is not hidden I can choose to be Truthful
The Truth eventually catches on The Truth is unavoidable
The Truth is enduring I am not separate from the Truth
The Reasonable Voice
Recite the Noble Truths that are kindly bent to ease us,
Together
Before discovering true knowledge I cycled around within my births.
Each new birth brings new suffering Craving and ego are the builder of my house.
I know the builder I cannot be imprisoned anymore.
My mind enters Summate and cannot be stirred I have arrived in the Peace of Nirvana.
Version 2
The Reasonable Voice
Recite the Noble Truths that are kindly bent to ease us,
Together
There is much confusion in this world Confusion is a personal choice
Many people choose to be confused I occasionally choose confusion
There are other possible solutions There is a solution to my confusion
Confusion is no longer necessary I reside in insightful awareness
Version 3
The Reasonable Voice Recite the Noble Truths that are kindly bent to ease us,
Together
The Truth is unnoticed I am lost in the darkness
The Truth is not hidden I can choose to be Truthful
The Truth eventually catches on The Truth is unavoidable
The Truth is enduring I am not separate from the Truth
The Eight fold Path
(Proposals for reasonable choices in the laypersons world)
The Reasonable Voice --- Together
Remember the Eight Fold Path that is kindly bent to ease us,
Right Understanding --- I wish to be free of conditional suffering
Right Thought --- I wish to be free from cruelty and ill will
Right Speech --- I wish to be free from lying, slander and gossip
Right Action --- I wish to be free from misconduct
Right Livelihood --- I wish to be free from destructive labor
Right Effort --- I wish to be free from unwholesome choices
Right Mindfulness --- I wish to be free from the materialism of the world
Right Concentration --- I wish to be free from sensual objects and unwholesome thinking
Honoring the Precepts
(Precepts are a way of honoring yourself and others)
The Reasonable --- Voice Together
Honor the Precepts that are kindly bent to ease us,I do not want to be killed --- I will not kill
I do not want to be robbed --- I will not steal
I do not want to be deceived --- I will not lie
I do not want to be befuddled --- I will not be intoxicated
I do not want to be unwell --- I will eat consciously
I do not want to be misused --- I will be sexually polite
I do not want to be confused --- I will be mindful
…
A short contemplation of ten slow breaths - Breathe, in relax, and wait.
Blessings
(Is the willingness to take responsibility)
Blessings are traditional within the Buddhist spiritual community and represent a spiritual bond between the supplicant and their enlighten selves. The conditions that establish blessing behavior are loving kindness and deep emotional caring applied with insightful competence. Without these conditions there are no realizations in any direction. To Bless is to be enlightened in that way.
The Reasonable Voice --- Together
Practice Blessings that are kindly bent to ease us,
Are you asking for a Blessing --- I am asking for a Blessing
(Repeat 3 times)
I am here to give a Blessing --- I am here to receive a Blessing
I have received Blessings in the past --- I have received Blessings in the past
I have given Blessing in the past --- I have given Blessing in the past
We are together in this Blessing --- We are together in this Blessing
I see you and you are not alone --- I am seen and I am not alone
What is the application of this Blessing?
Examples (can be done silently);
- Compassion for my family
- Guidance for my health
- Wisdom in my choices
- Caring for others
- Understanding of my actions
- Healing my confusions
- ...
(Repeat 3 times)
The Silent Hand
(Everyone is familiar with the Silent Hand. No one has ever explained it - ever)
To begin, strike a bell or gong three times.
A period of contemplation of 100 slow breaths - breathe in, relax, and waitStrike a bell or gong (softly) one time, to finish.
This time could also include recitation of a mantra, spiritual chanting, reading of a Sutra, any other inspirational or spiritual effort.
The Wish-fulfilling Gem of the Buddha Dharma
(Any wish can be fulfilled. This does not make it easy.)
A spiritual wish (or appeal) is an agreement between yourself and the Insightful Awareness of Buddha Nature and constitutes an obligation to a Mystical-Spiritual Pilgrimage. Remember - beginning is a lot easier than finishing.
The Reasonable voice
The Wish-fulfilling Gem is kindly bent to ease us,Together
I come to the First Awaken Moment as a window into the possible,
(Repeat 3 times)
I desire the Wish-fulfilling Gem of the Buddha’s loving kindness as a guide,
I walk in the Footsteps of the Buddha and take the pilgrimage into the unknown,
I endure the changes that must take place to proceed to the next Insightful Realization,
I perceive the Domain of Human Existence is in turmoil,
I am overwhelmed and cannot find my way,
I am distracted by Delusion, Desire and conflicted Emotions,
I see, through the Inner Eye - the clarity of the middle way,
I see, though the Outer Eye - the option of my mind in the present,
I see the pilgrimage itself as a condition for Enlighten Awareness,
I see the Stir Stick of Reason and use it to discern the Truth,
I see that all Buddhist rely on the Wish-fulfilling Gem and are comforted,
Knowing;
The Wish-fulfilling Gem of the Buddha’s loving kindness binds us together regardless of our conflicts.
The Hart Sutra
(Summate is the objective of all Mystical-Spiritual practices)
The Reasonable voice
The Prajna Paramita Sutra is kindly bent to ease us,
Together
Avloceytesvara Bodhisattva when practicing deeply the Prajna Paramita perceived that all five Skandas were empty and is saved from all suffering and distress.
Sariputra all Dharma’s are marked with emptiness, they do not appear nor disappear, are not tainted nor pure, do not increase nor decrease, therefore, in emptiness, no eyes, no ears, no nose, no tong, no body, no mind, no realm of mind consciousness and no extinction of it and no attainment with nothing to attain, and no old age and death and no extinction of it.
Therefore all Buddha’s depend on the Prajna Paramita and attain Summate mindfulness.
So proclaim the Prajna Paramita mantra, proclaim the great bright mantra, proclaim the mantra the says;
Ga-te, Ga-te, Paraga-te, Parasamga-te, Bodhi Soha
(Repeat 3 times)Dharma talk, Debate or Discussion
(Traditional time for spontaneous sharing)
Possible topics, which are endless;
• The Buddha did not believe in belief, faith, or opinions.
• The Buddha did not believe in sin.
• The Buddha did not suggest an objective, external heaven or hell.• The Buddha did not believe in sin.
• The Buddha did not propose a temples be built nor a permanent place to meditate.
• …
Thank You
A short contemplation of ten slow breaths - Breathe, in relax, and wait.
Dedication of Intention
(If I am only for myself what am I? If I am not for myself who will be?)
(If I am only for myself what am I? If I am not for myself who will be?)
The Reasonable Voice
I dedicate the Practice of Intention that is kindly bent to ease us,Together
The Wish-fulfilling Gem of the Buddha’s loving kindness binds us together regardless of our conflicts.
I am guided by the hands of the Buddha The Buddha is my friend
I walk in the footsteps of the Buddha The Buddha is my guide
I am influences by the mindfulness of the Buddha The Buddha is my inspiration
Because I am comforted I am able to comfort others.
I dedicate the intention of this practice to myself and others with consummate adoration (Repeat 3 times)
I am guided by the hands of the Buddha The Buddha is my friend
I walk in the footsteps of the Buddha The Buddha is my guide
I am influences by the mindfulness of the Buddha The Buddha is my inspiration
Because I am comforted I am able to comfort others.
I dedicate the intention of this practice to myself and others with consummate adoration (Repeat 3 times)
Perform three prostrations as a Gift of Realization.
Thank You,
