31st October 1999

The good have divine thoughts

The Noble Eight Fold Path cannot be compared with any other religion in the world because it is founded upon the three factors, 'anithya', 'dukkha' and 'anathma' (impermanence, sorrow and selflessness).

Every other religion in the world is founded upon the belief that God created the world, that the world is composed of 'nithya' (permanence), 'sukha' (happiness) and 'athma' (self) and upon the belief that God will help you.

Buddhism states that the world was not created by anyone but was made through the interaction of 'dathu' (elements) and 'svarupa' (forms). What is signified by 'dathu' is not something created or made by anyone but a force of nature. For example, the 'patavi dathu' (earth element) is not a thing that can be touched or seen, but possesses the characteristic of roughness. 'Apo', (water) 'thejo', (fire) and 'vayo' (air), bear their own characteristics.

Everything created through cause is in a constant state of change, and is impermanent, and thinking of objects with desire, as being me or mine causes sorrow. These objects are beyond the control of anyone. And since nature cannot be controlled by any person, nor referred to as me or mine, it is known as 'selfless', (anathma).

This teaching is unique to Buddhism. Although other religions speak of refuge through God, the Buddha preached 'kamma pati sarana', that kamma is one's refuge. According to Buddhism if gods possess power, that too was gained through karma, and can be changed by no being, and therefore there was no all powerful being.

The concept of gods in Buddhism teaches that there is no all powerful being. Gods are just another group of beings, whose bodies are more beautiful, sensitive and radiant than human beings.

Humans are not governed by gods. However, good comes to people who receive the blessings of the gods. Not everyone can receive the blessings of the gods.

To receive these blessings the person must have an inherent fear and shame of committing sin. Thus gods love people who refrain from sin and are humane. There is a scientific foundation to this too. Those who avoid committing sin, and follow the five precepts and other forms of righteousness and possess compassion and loving kindness, have serene and contented minds. When the mind is happy, the hormones will be activated and the power of the hormones which are linked to the blood cells will cause a special power and purity in the blood.

The aura generated by a good person's body possesses magnetism. The gods who see this virtuous person's behavioral patterns are drawn to bless this person.

Then as the blessings of the gods encircle him he becomes a person liked by others, a charismatic person even non-human.

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