65. An artificial tree being carried round by a happy crowd in celebration of a charity, during the days of Myanmar Kings
In the days of the Myanmar Kings, the rulers were just administrators and most of the ministers also dispensed justice well. Officers under their control were also prevented from doing any injustice or wrong. The people were law abiding and until not very long ago rains were regular, and even in dry zones agricultural land could be cultivated with success. Textiles, consumer goods and fancy goods were not imported into this country from foreign places in these days as at present. Consequently there was no drainage of the country’s resources to foreign lands. Paddy, rice and oil were produced in profusion and there was more than enough for local consumption. Scarcity of thefts and robberies kept the people happy and contented. They celebrated pagoda festivals and other charitable functions, and used to go round with an artificial tree laden with native cakes, sweet meats and fruits, such as plantains and coconuts, in a carefree and joyous mood of charitable display.
THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF BUDDHISM
by ASHIN JANAKA BHIVAMSA (Aggamahapandita)
Artist: U Ba Kyi | Link to this post
TAKE HEART
But also
take comfort, healing, rest and love
Leave sorrow
amongst the rocks and woods who most of the time
are far stronger
better able to handle such loads
Take courage
But also,
take honesty, courtesy, empathy and patience
Leave doubt
amidst the deep ocean waters
watch it sink there
until you cannot cling to it any longer
Take faith
but leave with an open mind, an open hand, open arms
Take whatever you need to make it through
leave what keeps you from going on
Tears only go so far
Fear only holds so long
Though your feet may bleed and your hands, tremble
Take deep compassion for the suffering of another
and journey on
~by Jennifer Edwards
Through the virtues I have collected
By practising the stages of the path,
May all living beings find the opportunity
To practise in the same way.
May everyone experience
The happiness of humans and gods,
And quickly attain enlightenment,
So that samsara is finally extinguished.
Source: kadampa.org
Compiled from traditional sources by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Friendship is a language spoken by heart…
Not written on paper, nor given by pledge…
It is a promise renewed every time we keep in touch…
Care is the sweetest form of love.
When someone says ‘take care’ it really
means that you will stay in their hearts.
So take Care of yourself always.
~sms modified
64. Stone inscriptions of King Mindon
King Mindon, who founded the city and the palace of Mandalay, was a great supporter of the Buddhist religion. He used to confer titles upon, and offer the four necessities of monks to venerable monks distinguished for their learning in the Scriptures. He built huge monasteries in the eastern part of the city and donated them for occupation by large numbers of monks.
He was not satisfied with such measures taken by him in support of the religion. He, therefore, had the Scriptures of the Buddha inscribed on stone slabs under the direct supervision of Maha Theras who were the most learned of the lot of ecclesiastical dignitaries on whom titles had been conferred for proficiency in the Scriptures. With reference to this act of having the Scriptures inscribed on stone slabs, King Mindon is known today as the “Royal Convener of the Fifth Buddhist Council”.
THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF BUDDHISM
by ASHIN JANAKA BHIVAMSA (Aggamahapandita)
Artist: U Ba Kyi | Link to this post