Understand why we study Dhamma
We should know the purpose for learning Dhamma. It is not for obtaining something for ourselves, it is not for improving our good fortune, it is not for honour or fame and it is not so we can be admired as a clever person who has wisdom. For these are desires for the false concept of self.The purpose is for knowing the true nature of reality, which brings wisdom of the Four Noble Truths
dhammahome~
1- What did the Buddha utter soon after His Enlightenment?
He uttered a Paean of Joy (Udana).
2- Recite His first Paean of Joy?
- Throâmany a birth in Samsara wandered I,
- Seeking, but not finding, the builder of this house.
- Sorrowful is repeated birth.
- O house-builder ! Thou art seen.
- All thy rafters are broken thy ridgepole is shattered.
- The mind attains the unconditioned.
- Achieved is the end of craving.*
*Udana in Pali :
Anekajati samsaram sandhavissam
anibbisam Gahakarakam bavesanto
dukkha jati punapunam Gahakaraka ditthoâ
si puna geham na kahasi
Sabba te phasuka bhagga
gahakatam visamkhitam Vesamkharagatam
cittam tanhanam khayamajjhaga.
3- How did the Buddha live soon after the Enlightenment?
The Buddha fasted for seven weeks.
(Christ fasted for forty days)
4- Did he feel hungry?
No, He was enjoying Nibbanic bliss.
5- How did He spend the first week?
Throughout the first week He sat under the Bodhi Tree enjoying the Bliss of Freedom.
6- What did He do on the seventh day?
He meditated on the âWheel of Lifeâ (Paticcasamuppada).
7- How did He spend the second week?
He stood at a certain distance gazing at the Bodhi Tree with motionless eyes.
(On the spot where the Buddha stood a Chedi has been erected by King Dharmasoka [King Asoka]. This was named Animisalocana Chedi and is still to be seen in Bodhgaya, India.)
8- Why did He do so?
He did so as a mark of gratitude to the tree.
9- In what way was the Bodhi Tree helpful to the Buddha?
The Tree gave Him shelter during His struggle for Buddhahood.
10- What was the first lesson the Buddha taught to the world?
The great lesson of Gratitude.
11- How did He spend the third week?
He walked up and down a promenade (Ratana Camkamana) practicing Walking Meditation.
12- How did He spend the fourth week?
Sitting in a chamber, He meditated on the Higher Dhamma (Abhidhamma).
13- How did He spend the fifth week?
He sat under the Ajapala Banyan tree.
14- Who came to tempt him at this time?
The three daughters of Mara came to tempt Him.
15- Mention their names.
Tanha, Arati and Raga.
16- Could they tempt Him?
They couldnât because this happened after the Enlightenment.
17- Where did He spend the sixth week?
Under the Mucalinda tree.
18- What happened during this week?
It rained heavily and a serpent king sheltered Him.
19- What happened on the 50th day?
Two merchants named Tapassu and Bhallika offered Him dried flour and honey.
20- What did they do after the Dana?
They sought refuge in the Buddha and the Dhamma.
21- How did they seek refuge?
By reciting Buddham saranam gacchami, Dhammam saranam gacchami.
22- Why didnât they seek refuge in the Sangha?
Because there was no Sangha then.
23- Did they want anything from the Buddha?
Yes, they wanted something to worship.
24- What did the Buddha give them?
The Buddha touched His head and gave them some hair relic.
25- Where are they enshrined now?
They are enshrined in the Shve Dagon Pagoda in Rangoon.
26- Who were the first Upasakas of the Buddha?
Tapassu and Bhallika were the first Upasakas.
27-Who is an Upasaka?
An Upasaka is a lay follower of the Buddha.
