..續本文上一頁is country forgot the essence of the true teaching of the Buddha. Gradually this country also lost the entire original related literature and, worst of all, it lost Vipassana, which is the technique of practicing the essence of that teaching. The technique of Vipassana, which was the practical aspect of the Buddha”s teaching and by the practice of which, breaking all the artificial barriers of caste, race, class and religion, humanity gained benefit, was the direct proof that the Buddha”s teaching was universal. When the technique of Vipassana was lost, the original teaching of the Buddha was lost, and this was a very big loss not only for our country but also for humanity as a whole.

　　The teaching of the Buddha which was for everyone, became "Buddhism" and became limited to those people who called themselves "Buddhists". Because of the loss of Vipassana, most people forgot the universal and eternal importance of the Buddha”s teaching pertaining to all countries. As long as it was "Dhamma", people did not hesitate to practice it but as soon as it began to be called "Buddhism", the delusion naturally spread, "This is the dhamma for Buddhists, not for us". That which the Buddha called appamano dhammo, (unlimited Dhamma) became confined by the narrow bounds of an organised religion, became pamanavatti (limited) and unfortunately was placed in the shallow row of the different religions of the world. Because of this, people remained ignorant of its universally beneficial nature, and were deprived of the benefits obtained from it.

　　Fortunately because a few wise people in the neighbouring country of Myanmar preserved this universal technique of Vipassana in its pure form for centuries, from generation to generation, it has arisen again. It has returned to India. It has arisen again in the world. In the past nearly three decades through its practice, it has been completely proved that the original teaching of the Buddha is not meant to be confined within the bounds of a religion. It is universal. People of all religions, races, castes and communities of the world can take advantage of this beneficial technique, they are already benefiting from it. One can believe that by the spread of Vipassana, the strife, aversion and ill-will between different religions and communities will end and mutual love and affection will be produced in all people in this country and in the world.

　　Vipassana is a very ancient meditation technique of India. Any person who becomes a Buddha attains enlightenment by rediscovering this lost technique. In the Vedic literature before the lifetime of the Buddha, there is abundant praise for this technique. But it is only praise. The India of that time had completely forgotten the practical application of this technique. Sakyamuni Siddhattha Gotama rediscovered this technique by exerting much effort. Feeling great compassion for suffering humanity, he distributed it for the benefit of all. Unfortunately after only a few centuries, India forgot this historical Buddha and once again lost the ancient technique of Vipassana. India lost the beneficial technique because of which its past had been very prosperous and the world had saluted it in the form of a vishwa-guru (Teacher of the world).

　　This huge stupa (a round or domed monument, usually containing a sacred relic) will prove to be a bright light-house of that ancient prosperity and prestige. It will again bring to light the ancient eternal universal tradition of Dhamma for the benefit of the world. This golden stupa will herald the second coming of that golden age when India was the leader not only in the field of spirituality but also in material prosperity. This sky-high stupa, raising its lofty head, will give a call not only to India but to all the people of the wo…

《Why the Grand Vipassana Pagoda

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