Sambodhi 2014 Vol 37

Author(s): J B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 51

Vol. XXXVII, 2014
Ethical Aspect of Buddhism "Sabba pāpassa akaranm kusalassa upasampadā. Sacitta pariyodapanam etam Buddhānuśāsanam." [The giving up all evil, The cultivating of the good, The cleansing of the one's mind,
This is the Buddha's teaching. Dhammapada-183]
This stanza should be understood, reflected and recited whenever your mind is disturbed. Some times in the beginning you might even have to recite it in hundred times to get rid of an unhappy thought, but as you progress, you will be able to let go of unpleasant thou will help you in getting rid of upapeedaka karma felt by your mind. THE FOUR IMMEASURABLES [Love, Compassion, Joy and Equanimity]:
Love, Compassion, Joy and Equanimity are four immeasurables which are known as the Brahma Vihāras in Buddhism. These four immeasurable must be cultivated and practiced by one and all to be happy, to make others happy.
Love - wanting others to be happy is real love in Buddhism. This love is unconditional and it requires a lot of courage and acceptance. It is something quite different from the ordinary terms of love which is usually about attachment, more or less successful relationships and sex, all of which are rarely without self interest. In Buddhism it refers unselfish interest in others welfare. It is motherly love. If there is a love, there is a hope that one may have families, real brotherhood, real equanimity, and real peace. If the love within your mind is lost and you see other beings as enemies, then no matter how much knowledge or education or material comfort you have, only suffering and confusion will ensue.
According Buddha love represents a warm hearted concern foi wellbeing of others, feeling of friendship, affection towards whole creation. He says love must not be restricted to one's nearest and dearest, it should ideally be extended outwards in ever increasing circles to ultimately embrace totality. This love is the basis for the faith towards each other in society. The lack of faith leads to suspicion, which ultimately leads to ill-feeling, hatred and war. Therefore Buddha says hatred never cease by hatred but by love. - [Nahi verena verāni sammantidha kadacana-Dhammapada-5]