This past Sunday, Rev. John Turner, a minister's assistant from OCBC, was our guest speaker. During the early family service, he spoke to the Dharma School kids on Bodhi Day. Most of the western world, thinks of linear terms, i.e., crossing themselves, usually in a north-south, east-west. The Buddha before he became the Buddha ventured outside of his father's palace in a circular order - he first went out the East Gate, then the South Gate, so on. Therefore he went out East, South, West and North. But it is this symbol of circleness that is emphasized, the cycle of birth and death.
He continued this theme in the adult session. The Buddha was enlightened, but after his death, who would be able to take his place? There were four disciples that were closests to the Buddha, Sariputta, Mogallan, Kasyapa and Ananda.
Sariputta was brilliant and probably the closest to the Buddha. Mogallana was innately spiritual and is the subject of our O-Bon observances. Kasyapa was very disciplined, akin to a Marine. Ananda was not at a high level of any one thing, but was eminent in many disciplines. He was able to attain this by "listening." Mogallana and Sariputta passed away quickly after Buddha, leaving only Kasyapa and Ananda behind.
Interestingly, they did not get along. However, it was Ananda that won over because he was good at many things. Learning and listening is what he advocates and does very well.
On this Bodhi Day, we may not be exceptional to attain Enlightement, however, we may do well to listen to the teachings and be good at many things.
Namu Amida Butsu.
