Four Noble Truths and Eight-fold Path to Nirvana

Buddhism is considered a ‘Religion’ in a traditional form and understanding. 26 centuries ago, when people became devotees of The Buddha, it continued as a religion from generation to generation.

- By Dr Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe President’s Counsel

There exists a question as to in fact and in true sense, whether it is a religion.

The English term ‘Religion’ has been originated from the Latin word ‘Religio’. Some say it has several etymological roots such as ‘Religare’ which means “to tie-back” or “to re-bind”.

Summarily, it could be defined as “the proper performance of rites in veneration of Gods”. In general, all the followers of a religion shall have faith and trust in the God or gods believed by the devotees of such religions.

The Buddha’s first admonition to the first 60 Arahants demonstrates that his teaching was converse of the teachings of all the other religions.

“Caratha bhikkave carikam, bahujana-hitaya, bahujana-sukhaya, lokanukampaya, atthaya hithaya, sukhaya devamanussanam”

Which means “O’monks, go on your ways, and preach the Dhamma, with the compassion to all beings in the world and for the benefit of the masses of gods and human being”.

During that period, the common feature of all the religions that existed was the belief that beings and the world were a creation of the God or all beings are at the mercy of the God or gods.

When The Buddha admonished the monks to extend the compassion not only to human beings, but also to gods, clear message was communicated that human beings were not slaves or depending on the God or gods, who were considered as supra-natural beings.

The path was opened for men and women to realize that they are unique and far excellence.

The Dhamma preached by The Buddha is meaningful and beneficial in the beginning, in the middle and at the end and it leads to a noble life.

One should have his own reasoning and engage in mindful observation and reflection to gain a deeper understanding of himself and the world.