Thursday, February 17, 2011

Honour those worthy of honour ( ပူေဇာ္ထုိက္သူကုိ ပူေဇာ္ပါ)

3. Puja ca pujaneyanam -Honour those worthy of honour

Who are worthy of honour? In Buddhist teachings there are ten types of person regarded as the worthy ones. They are known as “ the Ten Benefactors of Gratitude and Nobility”

(1) The Buddha - who is the Most Glorious Fully Enlightened One or simply as the Blessed One. He had discovered the Four Noble Truths and Eight Noble Paths that could lead all beings of universe to Nibbana, for freedom from sufferings of life.
(2) The Dhamma (represented by Sangha as holders)- Teachings of the Buddha that show the Path to Freedom, is preserved by Sangha the faithful followers who are also its custodians and promoters.

(3) The Paccekabuddhas - self enlightened Individual Buddhas as the Holy Ones who could find the Path to Freedom by their own effort out of the period of Buddha-Dhamma.
(4) Aggasavakas - the Chief Disciples of the Buddha who had noted their master’s teaching during his lifetime, consolidated these and passed it on to generations of Sangha. If not for their great effort, the Buddha’s teachings could have been lost forever soon after the Great Demise of Buddha (Mahaparinibbana).
(5) Holy Ones (Arahants) - those who became purified and fully enlightened by following the Path to Freedom to attain Nibbana.
(6) Noble Ones (Ariyas) - those who are partially purified and already in the Stream of Enlightenment to attain Nibbana. They will attain full enlightenment in course of time to become Holy Ones.
(7) Mother - who brings one to life after pregnancy and childbirth; provides love, care and protection in upbringing of her children.
(8) Father - who is part of procreation, and provides security and necessities with love and care in upbringing of his children
(9) Family Breadwinner - when one has to be raised under the care of someone else, the breadwinner of that family becomes the chief provider of necessities and protection, taking the role of a father.
(10) Mentor - who becomes indebted to someone by his teaching or guidance leading one to security, freedom or success.
One should not ignore and neglect an act of gratitude. Showing gratefulness, even in small ways, is a moral duty and politeness. Such persons are always praised by the wise and honored by many, including deities of the higher realms.

Offending the Benefactors is a serious sin of Akusala kamma that can send someone to hell for a long term in punishment. Retributions as Vipaka vatta is seen in human beings as - sickly, killed or brutalized, shortened lifespan, loathsome features, insanity, poverty etc. This is the most dangerous of all sins.
To be able to honour those worthy of honour is blessing.

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