The suitable locality to live is the place where temples and monks available and it is also a factor for blessings or welfare according to Mangala Sutta. But where there is no confidence to Triple Gem there isn’t practice. Confidence with the wisdom is very beneficial for an individual to follow Buddhism on the right path. Buddhism comprises of noble eight- fold path namely the middle path and it is the only way to get rid of suffering and to attain Nirvana. Morality in eight- fold path consists of right speech, right action and right livelihood. Absorption consists of right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration and the wisdom consists of right view and right thoughts in the eight- fold path. Buddha said in His last breath “Appamadena sampadetha waya dhamma samkhara” That means do not hesitate to follow the teaching and do it heedfully to achieve Nirvana because everything is impermanent. Let us follow the Noble teaching of the Buddha and it is the greatest respect and gratitude to our Great Master Tathagata Samma Sambuddha.

The Eight Amazing Qualities of Dhamma and Discipline – In this Dhamma and Discipline, there is a gradual training, a gradual course, a gradual progression, and there is no sudden attainment of final knowledge. My disciples do not overstep the training rules I have laid down for them, even for the sake of their lives. The community of Bhikkhus does not accommodate an immoral person. They quickly banish him from the community. Those of the four castes—nobles, brahmins, merchants, and workers—having gone forth from home to the homeless life in this Dhamma and Discipline made known by the Tathagata, abandon their former names and identities and are called “recluses, the followers of the Sakyan son.” Although many Bhikkhus attain final Nibbana in the Nibbana-element with no residue left, no lessening or filling up of the Nibbana-element is evident. This Dhamma and Discipline has a single taste—the taste of liberation This Dhamma and Discipline contains many treasures of various kinds, which include: the four foundations of mindfulness, the four right endeavors, the four bases for successful accomplishment, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven enlightenment factors, and the Noble Eightfold Path. This Dhamma and Discipline is the abode of such mighty beings as the Stream-winners, the Once-returners, the Non-returners, the Arahants, and those practicing realizing the four Fruits of the Holy Life.

The Amazing Qualities of the Ocean – In the ocean, there are gradual slopes and inclines, and there is no sudden precipice. The ocean is stable and does not exceed the limits of its tideline. The ocean is not filled with dead bodies. Any dead body in the ocean quickly gets washed to the shore and cast up on dry land. All rivers, regardless of their greatness, lose their former names and identities upon reaching the ocean, and are simply known as “the ocean.” – Although the rivers of the world pour into the ocean, and rains fall from the sky, no swelling or diminishing in the ocean is discernible. The ocean has a single taste—the taste of salt. The ocean has many treasures of various kinds: pearls, sapphires, etc. The ocean is the abode of such mighty creatures as the Timi, Timingala, Timirapingala, etc. These creatures are 100 to 500 Yojanas in size. Many men in their fear betake themselves for a refuge to hills, woods, gardens, sacred trees and shrines. Such a refuge is not secure; such a refuge is not supreme. To such a refuge should one go, one is not released from all sorrow. He who takes refuge in the Lord Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha sees with wisdom the Four Noble Truths: Suffering, the Cause of Suffering, the Cessation of Suffering, the Noble Eightfold Path leading to the Cessation of Suffering.

Such indeed is a refuge secure; such indeed is a refuge supreme. To such a refuge should one go, one is released from all sorrow. Sandalwood, in the world, is pleasant; pleasanter is the light of the moon. Far pleasanter than sandalwood and the moon is the well-uttered discourse of the righteous. One of pleasant speech has many a friend; one of harsh speech few friends. In this matter, the illustration concerning the moon and the sun should be remembered. A man is not a Bhikkhu simply because he begs from others. By adopting householder’s manner, one does not truly become a Bhikkhu. Let him not despise his own gains. Let him not covet those of others. The Bhikkhu coveting the others’ gains, does not attain concentration. Though a recipient of tittle, a Bhikkhu despises not his own. Him of pure and strenuous life, Devas look up to high. Whether it is cold or hot, whether it is windy or sunny, whether there are gnats or mosquitoes, he who is unperturbed, who is undaunted by hunger or thirst,  who keeps on working night and day, and who does not let go  of a benefit when occasion arises, is favored by lady luck;  lady luck will reside with him. It is despicable to obtain your glory, acquire your wealth, and earn your living by lowering the value of your life or by conducting yourself wrongfully.

A man should sacrifice his wealth for the sake of his bodily organs, sacrifice his bodily organs so as to save his life, and sacrifice them all—his wealth, bodily organs, and life—in view of righteousness. The sandalwood, being dry, does not part with its fragrance; an elephant, on the march, ceases not to display its grace in the eyes of men; the sugarcane, being brought under a pressing-machine,  does not forsake its sweet taste; a wise man even under affliction,  does not abandon his virtuous conduct. A stone umbrella is weighty. Weightier is the utterance of the gods. The chiding of elders is weightier still. And weightiest are the words of the Buddha A man should admonish in what requires admonition; he should prevent the commission of an evil deed.  Such a one is beloved by the good, but disliked by the wicked. One should regard as a guide to hidden treasure someone who points out faults and who reproves. One should associate with such a wise person, the association with whom is only for the better, never for the worse at all. Associate with the good, form companionship with the righteous. It is good, not bad, knowing the goodly ways. May all beings be well and happy..!!

Buddhika Sanjeewa – Founder/Chairman/Chief Editor – Mettavalokana Buddhist Publications Centre

After visit to Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Official Photographs by – Wen Ching Yang