HOW A BUDDHIST THERA VIEWS CHRISTMAS, email sent by Buddy Reid

A good reminder of ONE  of the important meanings of Christmas. He does remind me as a Christian that Jesus was both Human and Divine. I have highlighted the relevant sentence How a Thera views Christmas by Ven. Prof. Bellanwila – Wimalaratana Thera Chancellor – Sri Jayewardenepura University Christmas Day is the holiest day for all Christians, and Christians all over the world celebrate this Holy Day in pious solemnity and religious grandeur. The significance of Christmas is such that it is now generally considered a time that induces and encourages all to rise above petty divisions and bonds, for people to live in harmony and peace. But none of these features really highlights the true significance of Christmas. We have to give thought to find out what really is the true significance of Christmas. As a Buddhist I see Christmas Day as the day on which we have to ponder what exactly is humaneness. To Christians Jesus, born on Christmas Day, is the Son of God. But I see him as a great noble human being. The services rendered by him for the good and well-being of human kind is immeasurable. Having been born among human beings, living and growing-up among them, he spent all his life to serve human beings. If we consider his teachings from a rational perspective, we would see it not as a revelation but as an the expression concerning the true state of affairs prevailing in society, expressions voicing the experience he gained from society. He denounced injustice and inequality and always upheld and fought for justice and equality. His criticism aimed at oppressive acts done in the name of God and condoned by the prelates of the traditional Jewish ecclesiastical hierarchy clearly demonstrates his humanistic attitude. The following quote from Mathew (23) is a good example for this; Jesus said: “Woe to you, the teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs which look beautiful on the outside – but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” “You give a tenth of your spices – mint, dill and umin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the Law – justice, mercy and faithfulness.” The whole life of Jesus Christ was dedicated to bringing about an ethically good society, where the people would find peace and happiness; to free the average people from oppression of the privileged class. He said that poverty facilitates this meeting with God. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew: 5) He said: “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to entire the Kingdom of God.” (Matthew: 19) With such bold expressions Jesus tried to drive the point that a life of poverty founded on morality, is better than a life of affluence acquired through corrupt practices and illegal means. It is true that he had to pay with His life for been truthful and bold to speak up against evils and corruptions. Yet, through his noble life and conduct we see the glittering example of his incomparable humaneness. Therefore, the true significance of Christmas Day should be considered as connoting the sublime nature of humaneness. Christmas becomes beautiful not merely because of the attractive saleable items such as clothes that fill the shops; not because the roads are adorned with colourful electric bulbs that are lit along them. Churches do not become attractive on Christmas Day merely because of the Psalms sung in them. Homes do not become pleasant merely because of the delicious food items prepared in them to celebrate Christmas. Christmas Day becomes beautiful when the mind is freed from anger and revengeful feelings; when people are able to go beyond petty divisions of caste, creed and race; when corruption and injustice are shattered and when morals, justice and equality reign. With the end of terrorism that lasted almost for three decades Christians now celebrate Christmas throughout the island unhindered and with great pomp and solemnity. The message of Christmas is peace. But it should go deeper than mere superficial peace. Christmas Day will be more meaningful if we emphasize the importance of transgressing petty differences and co-existing peacefully. The most sublime and noble manner in which we could honour the great being born on this day is by turning ourselves into good human beings.