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6 EASTERN HORIZON | LEAD ARTICLE
we need to look within ourselves to see how we are also
subject to suffering. Through reflection externally and
internally, we will get a better idea of what Dukkha is
about. First we learn to observe superficially, then we
need to go deeper. The true meaning of Dukkha will only
unfold when we meditate and begin to experience the
emptiness or the fleeting nature of the Five Aggregates
(Pañca Khanda), comprising form, feeling, perception,
mental formations and consciousness.
The Pāli term, Yoniso Manasikāra refers to ‘careful
consideration’ or ‘wise reflection’. Manasikāra refers
to thinking or discerning. Yoniso is derived from the
In reverence of his late teacher Venerable K Sri Dhammananda
Nayaka Maha Thera, Ven Mahinda and members of Maha word ‘Yoni’ or the place of birth. When we put these
Sangha at the Memorial Service at Buddhist Maha Vihara on two words together we will get the idea that we need to
Aug 31, 2018. consider the origin or root cause of the problem. What
is implied is that we need to think or reflect deeply, not
just superficially. To go deeper we need calmness and
clarity of mind. That is where we need to meditate, to
develop calmness and insight so that we can dwell on
the Dhamma at a deeper level.
The Pāli Canon is obviously the best sources for
us to study the Dhamma. But the Pāli Canon is so
voluminous. Where and how should we start?
The Dhamma or teachings of the Buddha cater for the
needs of individuals at different levels of development.
There are two aspects of the Dhamma.
The first aspect is that of Lokiya Dhamma which refers
to the teachings at the mundane or worldly level. Those
who are leading a worldly household life need to know
how to maintain peace and harmony within the family
and the society. The Sigālovāda Sutta, DN 31 outlines
the duties and responsibilities between children and
parents, pupil and teacher, husband and wife, employer
and employee, and religious teacher and disciple. It
also teaches us how to recognize true friends and how
to avoid downfalls in life, as well as how to maintain a
Signing the visitors’ book upon visiting the K Sri balanced livelihood keeping track of one’s income and
Dhammananda…His Legacy Lives On Exhibition at Buddhist
Maha Vihara in August 2018 expenses.
There are three other discourses (suttas) that
are relevant to the worldly way of life. They are the
Vyagghapajja Sutta, AN 8.54, Parābhava Sutta, Sn 1.6,
and the Mahā maṅgala Sutta, Sn 2.4. Of these, the Mahā
