{"id":247534,"date":"2026-05-28T05:49:33","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T00:19:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/?p=247534"},"modified":"2026-06-06T16:47:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T11:17:23","slug":"reflections-on-buddhas-spiritual-awakening-wisdom-boundless-humanity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/index.php\/reflections-on-buddhas-spiritual-awakening-wisdom-boundless-humanity\/","title":{"rendered":"Reflections On Buddha\u2019s Spiritual Awakening, Wisdom & Boundless Humanity"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Sarath Dissanayake<\/a> –<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"

Sarath Dissanayake<\/p><\/div>\n

It\u2019s Indeed an honour and privilege to pen this write-up on Buddha; The Enlightened One, and the essence of Dhamma, and his boundless compassion and loving kindness towards all beings – an epitome of humanity, peace and enlightenment.<\/p>\n

As the Buddhists commemorate and celebrate the Thrice Blessed Day of Vesak on 30th May, there’s absolutely no better time than now to reflect on Buddha’s infinite wisdom, spiritual awakening and timeless Buddhist teachings. Let me be clear at the outset that I approach this topic with utmost respect for all religious leaders and faiths, and hold absolutely no malice toward any religion or faith leader; nor do I intend to claim the superiority of any specific religion or leader.<\/p>\n

Buddhists in General are not What They Appeared To Be<\/strong><\/p>\n

Even-though a vast majority of people of my vintage call themselves die-hard-Buddhists, yet they continue to believe in mythical and misconceived perceptions of Buddhism – albeit sounding them prejudicial and hypocritical. Simply put, I can’t help thinking why on earth are they so engrossed themselves in seemingly flawed narratives of Buddhism as opposed to hallowed spiritual doctrine and dispensations. Aghast, their convoluted lopsided paradigms of ignorance and delusion stand fundamentally against the very foundations of Buddhism that is commonplace today among the ordinary temple-goers. Perhaps, it may well be the case that even a good majority of Buddhist followers in the country are supposedly in the dark, who would invariably fall into the category of Buddhist stereotypes with romanticized fixations of Buddhism. To my understanding, their emotional allegiance to Buddhism inter-alia, is driven by their natural instincts and desires towards (1) worshipping divine objects, symbols and idols, (2) patronizing overly obsessive acts of devotion and meritorious deeds (3) embracing community-spirited ethos, values and traditions. Needless to note, such mundane religious practices and divine offerings usually go hand-in-hand with temple-based merit-making endeavors.<\/p>\n

What It Means to be Buddhist<\/strong><\/p>\n

Interestingly, the obvious question that may ring in the minds of many would be “what makes someone a Buddhist\u201d. In Buddhist wisdom, a Buddhist is not measured by knowledge or success, but by one’s intention and conduct. Obviously, a calm mind, a gentle heart, and harmless actions are considered greater riches than gold. After all, humanity is best judged not by its power, wealth, or monumental achievements, but by its capacity for empathy, its resilience in the face of adversity, and how it treats its most vulnerable members. Ultimately, our legacy is measured by the enduring grace and compassion we extend to one another. In reality, being real means living honestly : not pretending, not performing, not hiding behind masks to be accepted, being humble means knowing your worth : without needing to prove it or place yourself above others, and being kind means choosing compassion : even when it\u2019s inconvenient, unrecognized, or unreturned.<\/p>\n

Buddhism – A Philosophy and Way of Life<\/strong><\/p>\n

Be that as it may, what the people in general haven\u2019t realized is that Buddhism is not a religion: but a philosophy and a way of life – meant to be understood literally, and not metaphorically. Buddhism is certainly not for the ordinary, but for those with extraordinary spiritual wisdom, wholesome virtues and moral high grounds. Taking refuge in Buddhism is the act of formally committing to the Buddhist path or Buddhist way of life. It is not asking for blind protection, but rather taking the Three Jewels as one’s guide: the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. It is simply the act of seeking sanctuary or blessings – not out of blind faith, but out of reasoned confidence in the path to enlightenment. There are approximately 41,000 Buddhist monks residing at over 13,000 temples scattered across the country. Oftentimes, these monks too can be seen accustomed to sentimental acts of religious depictions and reverence of spiritual symbols at temples. It goes without saying that such symbolic portrayals tend to be at odds with the very essence of Buddhism, thereby making the divine more relatable through personification rather than spiritual awakening.<\/p>\n

What Buddha Said of Him – Why Buddha is Eternal\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Buddha is neither superior or inferior to other religious leaders. This is exactly what Buddha said of himself. He did not proclaim himself to be a god, a prophet, or any divine being. Instead, he presented himself as an ordinary human being who achieved ultimate spiritual awakening on his own through meditation, mindfulness and moderation, which is unparalleled in the realm of humanity. He did not engage in holy wars, conquest, violence, or discrimination against others, and he held progressive views for his time, such as rejecting the caste system. Most importantly, Buddha’s teachings can help Buddhist followers to end suffering, rid oneself of rebirth and death, and reach the ultimate bliss of Nibbana while alive, and not after-life. Buddha was indeed a model of perfection in motivation, in conduct and the doctrine he taught. He was fully realized and the perfect teacher. There is none parallel to him and his teachings. Buddha also said that he should not be worshipped.<\/p>\n

Doctrine of Dhamma – Timeless and Unparalleled<\/strong><\/p>\n

Buddha’s teachings are universal, and applicable to all – just like the laws of nature, gravity, cause and effect etc; irrespective of whether the reader believes it or not. Buddha’s teachings have never been found to be wrong, illogical, flawed or incomplete thus far, and his teachings are secular, not sectarian, treats followers and unfollowers alike, and not based on belief or blind faith, but based on logic, and can be practised and experienced. For 2500 years, Buddha’s noble doctrine of dhamma remains eternal and unparalleled in the realm of Buddhist era since Parinibbana in 544 BCE<\/p>\n

A defining feature of Buddhist philosophy is its insistence on Ehipassiko; the invitation to “come and see”. Followers are actively encouraged to test the teachings for themselves rather than accepting them out of blind faith or social obligation. The Buddha compared this to a goldsmith testing gold: one must scrutinize, verify, and apply the principles firsthand. This empirical approach naturally resonates with skeptics and modern thinkers alike. The Buddhist philosophy stands out – because it operates primarily as a non-theistic, practical framework for self-transformation rather than a set of dogmas. Instead of demanding blind faith in a creator or focusing on salvation, it emphasizes direct personal experience, individual responsibility, and empirical investigation into the nature of reality.<\/p>\n

Theravada Buddhism – A Profound Beacon of Hope for Spiritual Awakening<\/strong><\/p>\n

For over two millennia, Theravada Buddhism has remained the principal religion and cultural bedrock of Sri Lanka, anchoring its society in values of peace, compassion and loving-kindness – a beacon of hope and spiritual awakening for humanity. At its core, the true ethos of Buddhist doctrine is the universal, natural law of truth and reality. Buddhism is at the heart of mindfulness, compassion, and ethical living to end suffering and realize ultimate enlightenment. That is precisely why Buddha said, Buddhism is mind-centric, and that mind is the foremost in understanding dhamma and Buddhist way of life. It is an entirely practical path of self-transformation and self-transcendence designed to permanently eradicate suffering by purifying the mind of defilements like greed, hatred, and ignorance. For individual practitioners, patronage and reverence go hand-in-hand. True devotion in Buddhism requires more than worship; it is the active practice of the teachings that serve to cultivate inner qualities of peace, wisdom and compassion.<\/p>\n

Core Buddhist Teachings<\/strong><\/p>\n

The core of Buddha\u2019s teaching is the Four Noble Truths, which have to do with the (1) arising of suffering through ignorance and delusion, and (2) the cessation of suffering by clarifying one\u2019s perception of reality. Buddha taught his followers that desire is the fundamental problem of human life, and dhamma enables people to end personal suffering by cleansing the mind of delusions and falsehoods. In essence, Buddhist philosophy is all about personal experience, rationalism, practice, morality and insight. Simply put, salvation comes from inner awakening and personal practice, and not from superficial \/ blind devotion. The Buddha proclaimed that understanding his teachings (the Dhamma) and cultivating wisdom ought to be more important than worshipping his physical presence. He exhorted to accept nothing, but to find out for oneself, to treat his teachings as a boat needed to cross a river, and when finished, leave the boat behind.<\/p>\n

Rather than blinded by selfish egos, myths and delusion – driven by cravings, greed, desires et-al, the Buddha urged people to be rational minded, and test his teachings for themselves through personal wisdom, knowledge and reason. He advocated self-reliance, understanding and mindfulness, and emphasized the impermanence nature of all things and beings on the one hand, while exhorting that individuals are ultimately their own refuge, through mindful living and disciplined action on the other. The Buddha also spoke of the importance of adhering to the middle way, a practical path avoiding extreme asceticism and sensual indulgence, for overcoming suffering, freeing the mind, and achieving enlightenment (Nirvana).<\/p>\n

Mindfulness, Mediation and Moderation (3Ms)\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Buddha, the Fully Awakened One or the Enlightened One, with his infinite wisdom (pragna) discovered what is called the fundamental nature of human mind, and the unsatisfactory nature of all phenomenal existence. It was he who raised the veil and showed us the world as it is, the unending suffering and pain all men are heir to. The Buddha taught that the mind is the primary creator of human experience and the ultimate source of both suffering and liberation. Rather than treating the mind as a permanent “soul” or a physical byproduct of the body, early Buddhist texts analyze it as a dynamic, ever-changing stream of mental activity<\/p>\n

The very first verses of the Dhammapada establish the supreme importance of mental states: “Mind precedes all mental states. Mind is their chief; they are mind-made.” The Buddha explained that our intentions, thoughts, and attitudes act as a filter for how we perceive reality. As articulated by the Buddha, 3Ms (Mindfulness, Mediation and Moderation) are at the heart of Buddhist teachings and Buddhist way of life, and resonate well and truly with Buddhist practitioners. In Buddhism, mindfulness is the practice of maintaining a non-judgmental, present-moment awareness of one’s thoughts, bodily sensations, and environment. Practicing mindfulness allows anchoring one’s attention on the breath or body so as to help prevent the mind from spiraling into anxiety about the future or rumination on the past. Furthermore, meditation translates ancient wisdom into tangible habits that manage stress, and cultivates resilience amid one’s busy schedule of life.<\/p>\n

Essence of “I, Mine and Myself” Interpretations\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Buddha also exhorted the followers on the right way to view various things. Everything is empty of substance; everything is an illusion. The real self is not the body, and it is also not inside the body. When someone thinks of \u201cI”, \u201cmine\u201d or \u201cmyself\u201d, that is ego. When someone thinks of wanting to possess (either material wealth, fame, sensual pleasure, or leisure), that is greed. Ego and greed lead to “like” and “dislike”, which then lead to jealousy and hatred, and all kinds of suffering, mentally and physically. The thought of \u201cI” being superior or inferior to others will both lead to suffering, to oneself and others. When someone said to the Buddha: \u201cI want happiness.\u201d The Buddha replied: \u201cTake away \u201cI\u201d; that’s ego. Take away \u201cwant\u201d; that’s greed. You will then have only “happiness” and nothing else<\/p>\n

Five Aggregates Make up the Illusion of a Permanent-Self\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

In Buddhism, an individual is defined not by a permanent soul, but by the five aggregates (Skandhas) of clinging, or the five material and mental factors that take part in the perceptual process of craving, clinging and aversion due to ignorance (Avijja). These five ever-changing components of physical and mental existence combine continuously, driven by the laws of Karma (intentional actions), to create the illusion of a continuous “self”. Since every matter is composed of energy, and since energy cannot be destroyed, only transformed, it is only conceivable that a karmic life, the particular arrangement of matter, feeling, perception, mental states, and consciousness, could continue after death. This can be thought through scientifically, just as psychologists and geneticists try to articulate human behaviour by explaining genes, traits, organic variables, and memory power. Most scientists are reportedly not willing to venture into the realms of spirituality, although modern quantum physics does seem to approach such matters with a sense of rationality and reason.<\/p>\n

Why Karma Matters\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Karma is one of the most frequently discussed, complex and misunderstood topics in Buddhism. Karma is the fundamental universal law of cause and effect, dictating that every thought, word, and action sets a chain of energy in motion. It acts as a natural, self-sustaining system of truth, rather than a system of punishment\u2014where our choices shape our current reality and future experience. In Buddhism, karma (or kamma) literally means “action”. It refers specifically to intentional or volitional actions – those driven by intention, whether done physically, mentally, or verbally. It’s not fatalistic, nor is it a system of cosmic reward or punishment; it is often described as the undeniable “law of cause and effect” (Dependent Origination), or natural law of justice in metaphorical terms, literally serving as a cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy. In other words, nothing can come into being without a cause, and that certain causes bring about certain effects. In dhamma, karma originates from one’s thoughts and feelings – often driven by compulsions such as desires and attachments. When repeated, these actions form habits that can either reinforce positive outcomes through virtue, or lead to negative results if non-virtuous. This is a law of nature, and applies to all actions which have a moral content, and to all beings whether they are Buddhists or not.<\/p>\n

Understanding Karma<\/strong><\/p>\n

Understanding karma also helps people stay mindful in the present moment. Sometimes people worry about things they did in the past. They think, \u201cI did this and that, so my whole life is ruined.\u201d But the truth is, no one cannot change the past. No one also cannot stop the results of actions already performed. What one can change is this present moment. If one is mindful now, he \/ she can create good karma instead of unwholesome karma. There are certain actions performed in one’s daily life, such as talking, writing, sleeping, and traveling, but these actions are not necessarily wholesome or unwholesome in a moral sense. There are neutral karmas that one performs in everyday life. There are certain experiences in one’s life that arise due to past karma. According to Buddhism, people have been traveling through a long cycle called samsara. In this long journey, they have performed both good and bad karmas. In this life, they experience some of the results of the past actions. The present moment is within one’s control and that’s what one ought to focus on. If one truly understands the law of karma, it becomes easier to be compassionate toward others and toward one-self. In other words, “mind precedes all mental states. mind is their chief; they are all mind-wrought. If with an impure mind a person speaks or acts, suffering follows him like the wheel that follows the foot of the ox”.<\/p>\n

Latest Trends – Gen Z Embracing Buddhism\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although Buddhism continues to inspire people for over 2500 years, a vast majority of Buddhists across the world lack the philosophical and ethical foundations of the tradition. Defying the hitherto prevalent trends among the youth, Gen Z, or those born between late 1990s and 2000s; has shown remarkable resilience and tendencies in embracing Buddhism, specially in India, China, Japan, Korea, in Europe and the West. For them, the Buddhist doctrine appears to be tremendously appealing viz-a-viz cognizant of its openness and freedom for practitioners, and its practical nuances (3Ms) : middle-path (moderation), mindfulness and meditation for everyday life experiences. Paradoxically, the middle-aged and the elderly, appeared to be apprehensive and cautious, amidst their perceived blind faith in the dhamma. Needless to note, Buddha’s sacred teachings are essentially meant for people of faith and wisdom, and are certainly not for god-fearing, idol-worshipping, and the prejudiced-minded.<\/p>\n

Buddha’s Most Inspiring Quotes – First, Last Words, Dos and Don’ts’\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

During his 45-year long Buddha-hood, Buddha has spoken of certain mandatory do\u2019s and don’ts for followers. In the name of Buddha, the following 3 proclamations are noteworthy.<\/p>\n

1. Buddha delivered a famous exhortation to the first 60 enlightened monks (arahats) before sending them out into the world to spread the Dhamma (Mah\u0101vagga of the Vinaya Pi\u1e6daka) said \u201cCharitha bhikkhave charikan bahujanahitaya bahujana sukhaya lokanukampaya atthaya, hitaya, sukhaya devamanussanam\u201d. \u201cO Monks! Move around everywhere for the well-being of everyone, for the happiness of everyone, showering compassion on the entire world; for the good, for the welfare, for the happiness of the divine and human\u201d.<\/p>\n

2. Buddha asked monks to not even worship Buddha himself. Buddha’s stanza ” Yo dhammam passati : So mam passati” which translates into – “One who sees the Dhamma (the universal truth) sees me; and one who sees me sees the Dhamma.” which goes without saying that ” understanding the teachings is far more important than just physically looking at the teacher. Accordingly Buddha abhorred worshipping him and any idols.<\/p>\n

3. Before his passing (Parinibbana) at Kusinara (Mah\u0101parinibb\u0101na Sutta) Buddha spoke to monks – \u201cHanda d\u0101ni, bhikkhave, amantay\u0101mi yo – Vayadhamm\u0101 sa\u1e45kh\u0101r\u0101 appam\u0101dena samp\u0101deth\u0101” which literally means – \u201cBehold now, Bhikkhus, I exhort you : All compounded things are impermanent and subject to decay : Strive with earnestness and work out your own salvation with diligence”<\/p>\n

Ray of Hope for Advanced Scientific Applications\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lately, Buddhism offers solutions in modern scientific applications in the fields of psychology, biology, and physics. It is supremely practical and profound at the same time. In Buddhist teachings, a sound mind is likened to a calm pond, undisturbed by the constant ripples of desires and dislikes that can make one feel upset or restless. Central to achieving this calmness is – Buddhist meditation. Through meditation, Buddhists learn to observe their thoughts and feelings without getting entangled in them, leading to a clearer, more peaceful mind. The Buddha delved deep into thinking patterns and how<\/p>\n

they could be harnessed for a happier life. Fast forward to today, and one could see his profound insights echoing in the corridors of cognitive therapy and mindfulness seminars. The beauty of Buddhism and its philosophy lie not just in the grand spiritual ideas but also in its practical applications in daily life.<\/p>\n

Vesak Celebrations at the American University<\/strong><\/p>\n

Given that I have already done a write-up on the Vesak celebrations at the American University on 23rd April at which the writer delivered brief remarks on the “Significance of Vesak & What It Means to Buddhists in Sri Lanka and around the World”; let me just confine this piece only to highlight the essence of Buddha’s life and his sacred teachings etc, for the benefit of CT leaders on the occasion of Vesak. The link for my write-up appeared in the Colombo Telegraph on 26th April titled “Vesak Commemorated At The American University In Washington DC Amid Global Peace Walk In Sri Lanka<\/a>“.<\/p>\n

A Paradigm Shift is the Need of the Hour\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Humanity is at a crossroads today, facing an unprecedented crisis which is manifold and multi-dimensional. While scientific innovations and technology advancements including AI have progressed in leaps and bounds, it’s a pity that the world seems to be at significant odds – in the face of heightened chaos and unimaginable calamities never seen before, leading to human misery, distress and suffering. Besides profound setbacks to the rule-based world order in this day and age, the status-quo in the ME, Europe and Far East poses increased risks to world peace and humanity, with far-reaching consequences to global supply lines, at the risk of spiraling the current situation out of control. These unhealthy and unpalatable crises brought about by greed, anger, ignorance and the selfish conduct on the part of certain world players, is further compounded by the seemingly lack of understanding, compassion, tolerance and goodwill among all stakeholders. The need of the hour therefore is a paradigm Shift : to resolve all disputes and misunderstandings as amicably as possible, through negotiations and discussions, albeit with due regard and respect to the spirits of humanity, peace and stability of all nations and peoples at large. Let’s give peace a chance viz-a-viz over war of words, threats and coercion. At the end of the day, it is the innocent civilians and the unborn who would pay the ultimate price for the sins and fallacies of the few as proven time and again.<\/p>\n

Closing Remarks<\/strong><\/p>\n

It can be said that the Buddha was one of the most revolutionary thinkers and pragmatic leaders who lived an exemplary life worthy of humanity, to the truest sense of the word, and whose legacy and destiny have championed millions of people throughout the world, being liberated from the shackles of suffering, greed and ignorance et-al, thanks to the Buddha’s unparalleled message of dhamma, infinite wisdom, boundless compassion which continue to inspire, invigorate and empower people in thousands everyday across the world. His profound message of truth, peace, harmony, compassion, selflessness etc. is as relevant today as it was in the past. His advocacy of pursuit of wisdom, and practice of meditation and vision of selflessness with everyone, and zealous longing for eradication of suffering of others transcending religious, ethnic, caste, creed and geographical barriers indeed ushered a new era in the annals of human history – amidst a paradigm shift for Buddhists and the like-minded. His benevolent teachings of spiritual awakening, liberation and mindfulness, his emphasis on noble virtues of maitri, karuna, mudita and upekka known as Brahmaviharas (in the name of, and for the sake of totality, and for the whole universe) continue to serve as a beacon of hope for the present-day distraught and distressed humankind suffering from exhaustion of spirit and languishing in the narrow and rigid confinements of ego-centrism, parochialism, and disastrous materialistic consumerism, perverted modernism etc. Let’s all rededicate ourselves to the cause of peace, humanity, loving kindness-ness, and spiritual awakening among mankind in the name of Buddha on this Thrice Blessed Day of Vesak. May all beings be happy, kind, peaceful and compassionate toward one-another and each-other.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything because it is found written in religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.\u201d – Buddha<\/p>\n

*The writer is a retired Ambassador and Foreign Ministry Spokesman. He can be reached at schandrad@hotmail.com<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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