Browsing by Author "Peiris, H.R.N."

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Buddhist point of view on married life
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Peiris, H.R.N.
Role of husband and wife in the main society has become more complicated in the modern society. As a result, tendency to separate and divorce is becoming a common factor. Most religions are discussing about the married life in their teachings. Some religions are having separate laws regarding this aspect. According to Buddhism one who want to attain Nibbana should abandoned all the worldly bonds he may have. Therefore there may be a misunderstanding that Buddhism does not give much attention to the stability of the married life. But study of Tipitaka clearly shows that Buddhism is having broader point of view regarding married life. Purpose of this research is to find out the Buddhist point of view on married life. Buddhism advices its followers, the Sangha community as well as the lay community, to respect and obey the law and value system of the society. Regarding the married life also it is having the same application. Many incidences in Tipitaka show that, Lord Buddha advised to obey to some practices in the society regarding married life, even though they do not match with the Buddhist teachings. Therefore, according to Buddhism marriage means, the way it is practiced in the society. Hence it dose not have separate rules and regulations for marriage. But it gives different interpretations to the existing practices. Buddhist teachings on married life can be summarized into following sub topics:  The qualities of the ideal married life  Limitations of married life - focusing to physical and mental disciplining  Relationship between married life and spiritual development of the person Study of teachings on married life in Buddhism makes it clear that it is focusing the spiritual development of the person.
Buddhist view of other Religions
(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Peiris, H.R.N.
Religions make individuals more social friendly as its teachings mainly focusing on social responsibilities. Yet, conflict among the devotees of different religions can be seen very commonly in the modern world. Misunderstanding of one’s own religion is the main reason for these conflicts. The purpose of this research is to understand the Buddhist point of view on other religions. Documentary study is the method used in this research. The religion of a person can be defined as ones point of view on self and the world. Buddhist teachings name these views as ‘Dhitthi – viewpoint. According to Buddhist teachings, individual viewpoint on self and world can be categorized under sixty two types. Based on the effect each viewpoint is having on the individual, these sixty two types can be divided into two main groups. Without bias to any of the two groups, Buddhist teachings are encouraging individual to follow the middle path which is not leading to any extreme. For that, individual should become independent and open minded regarding the concepts of self and the world. Buddhist teachings even give the freedom to test and criticize Buddha, Doctrine, and also the followers, and also encourage individuals to check on whether the criticisms are true or false. Buddha discouraged one’s blind faith even on Buddha, Doctrine and the Disciples. He encourages to be more critical and test before to check on whether to have faith in Buddha, Doctrine and the Disciples. On the other hand, Buddhist teachings give ten reasons which should not be used to follow a religion to have faith on anything. And also gives indicators to identify the positive aspects of any religious teaching based on the outcome. The Buddha advises his followers to respect to other viewpoints. He also emphasizes that each individual has the right to have one’s own viewpoint. Others should not disturb the right.
Social impact of Buddhist Meditation and Mental Development
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Peiris, H.R.N.
Buddhist meditation is just not meant for attaining Nibbana. This could also be employed to improve life of a secular person. Sangarava Suttha in Samyutta Nikaya and Anguttara Nikaya explain how can secular person improve his life. These suttas shows that if one dwells with a mind that is obsessed and oppressed by sensual lust, ill will sloth and torpor, restlessness and worry, and doubt, neither knows nor sees as it really is or one's own good or the good of others; or the good of both. Aranna N agopama Satta inAnguttarna Nikaya explains how one can clear his mind from five hindrances and what the benefits he gains by it are. Lord Buddha said in Samadhi Bhavana Sutta in Samytta Nikaya "Develop concentration. One who is concentrated understands things as they are." There are three ways of making merit according to the Punnakiriyavatta sutta. They are 1. Making merit by giving alms 2. Making merit by virtue 3. Making merit by development of meditation According to the Sutta it is clear that mediation is one of the three which will help making merit. And it shows that giving alms, virtue and developing meditation are interconnected. According Visuddhimagga there are forty meditation subjects which came under seven I categories. If we take the first four catergaries for example, 1. There are ten kasinas, which develop concentration 2. There are ten foulness, which helps to understand the nature of the body and the world 3. There are ten recollections, which helps to understand the reality of the world 4. Four abodes will helps to develop healthy relationship with others. All these subjects are focus on the person's mental development which help him to maintain a proper social life. Therefore Buddhist meditation can be used as a tool to manage organizations which have to manage people; such as schools, universities, and work organizations.