Categories: Cosmic Messengers
May the blessings of the Triple Gem be with you all!
Through this reflection, I hope to offer you a way to understand and identify those who genuinely speak and act for the good of our nation, our culture, and our spiritual heritage. How can we recognize if someone is a true advocate, or merely wearing a disguise? This teaching is intended to be a helpful guide in discerning the true character of those who claim to work for the collective good.
The reason this is so important is that, as I have mentioned in previous teachings, there are groups sent by Mara the universal force of temptation and delusion who come to us disguised as patriots. These individuals often appear deeply dedicated, and it can be difficult to see their true nature. This exploration is designed to help you develop the wisdom to see clearly.
The Spiritual Heritage of a Nation and the Foundation of Harmony
To understand our present, we must look to our past. For 2,500 years, the island of Sri Lanka has been intrinsically linked with the Sinhala heritage and the teachings of the Buddha. This is not a matter of debate but a historical and archaeological fact known to all. This land’s primary identity has been shaped by a culture rooted in Buddhist principles.
This is why our very constitution mandates that every government, regardless of its political alignment, must give foremost place to Buddhism and ensure its protection. This isn’t a new idea; it is a continuation of a legacy from our ancient kings. They recognized this land as a spiritual heartland and dedicated themselves to protecting its people and their guiding philosophy.
There was a time in our history when spirituality was far more developed, a time when people lived with a greater sense of contentment than they do now. I know that people from many different backgrounds and faiths engage with these teachings, and they do so with a practical and balanced mind. If you have studied history with an open heart, you have the capacity to think impartially.
It is precisely because of the non-extremist nature of the Sinhala Buddhist culture that all other communities have been able to live here in harmony. If an extremist ideology from any group were to rise, could we all continue to live together in peace? Look at other countries in the world and you will find your answer. You can decide for yourself if you could live with the freedom to practice your chosen faith and live as you wish in such an environment.
Anagarika Dharmapala: An Emblem of True Spiritual Leadership
Today, I want to introduce a paramount figure who dedicated his life to our nation, culture, and religion: the great Sir Anagarika Dharmapala. You have likely learned about him in school and through your own reading of history. It is because of this noble person that we can now go on pilgrimage to the sacred sites in India and Nepal associated with the life of Prince Siddhartha from his birth to his enlightenment as the Buddha, and all the way to his final passing, or Parinibbana.
He journeyed to these places, like Dambadiva (Jambudvipa), negotiated with the Indian government, and worked tirelessly to reclaim and protect these archaeological treasures from those who had occupied them. The merit from this incredible act of service rightfully belongs to him.
However, there is an unseen side to his story that many may not know. This noble man came to the human world from a heavenly realm, a divine plane or Deva Loka. He was sent by a council of divine beings to fulfill a specific duty for the preservation and flourishing of the Dispensation of the Gautama Buddha.
The late, most venerable Balangoda Ananda Maitreyan Nayaka Thero also spoke of such missions, hinting that his own arrival, and that of Anagarika Dharmapala, were of a similar divine nature. Anagarika Dharmapala was a great Bodhisattva a being aspiring to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all. Upon arriving in the human realm, he dedicated his entire life to fulfilling the duties required to perfect his virtues, or paramitas.
The Unseen Power: How Virtue Becomes a Shield
Now, let’s explore the source of his immense strength. As you may know, he was not a married man. He was a person who fiercely protected the Pancasila, the Five Precepts of ethical conduct. Central to this practice was his commitment to Brahmacharya, which can be understood as spiritual celibacy or the conduct of the divine. It is a profound practice of conserving one’s vital energy for a higher spiritual purpose.
Because he preserved his Brahmacharya, he was able to face countless obstacles, hardships, pressures, and even threats without any fear or hesitation. He stood firm and accomplished his mission for all of us. The primary source of his power was this profound virtue, his Sila. His commitment to Brahmacharya was his greatest strength.
As I have taught before, this practice is like a powerful weapon, a potent source of wholesome merit (kusala), and a catalyst that quickens one’s spiritual journey. It was this inner power that enabled him to accomplish what was needed for the world and for the continuation of the Buddha’s teachings.
The First Trap of Spiritual Leadership: The Lure of Sensual Desire
Let’s consider a hypothetical scenario to understand this better. Imagine a person who claims to work for the good of the nation, but does not protect the Five Precepts or practice Brahmacharya. When such a person begins to speak out and risk their life for a cause, they become a target for the forces of Mara, the tempter. Mara’s agents, those who oppose the good, will begin their work.
The first and most common trap they set is to create obstacles using women. They will send beautiful, charming women to ensnare this person. If the leader falls into such a relationship, becoming attached and entangled, can they possibly continue with their primary mission? Of course not. They will become consumed by this connection, lost in sensual and lustful pursuits. They become greedy, attached, and their noble purpose is destroyed. This is the first point of failure.
Now, look at the difference. For someone like Anagarika Dharmapala, who protected his virtue, if faced with such a temptation, what comes to mind? ‘I am practicing Brahmacharya. I am upholding my Sila. I am making a great sacrifice for my people and my heritage. It is not appropriate for me to engage in this.’ This thought arises automatically. Why? Because of the foundation of virtue he has already built.
For someone without that foundation, the result is total ruin. I have also mentioned before that Mara’s agents have even infiltrated our Buddhist order in the guise of monks. If such a person, whether lay or ordained, pretends to be a great patriot and is then targeted by Mara’s agents with this temptation, both sides are now aligned with the forces of delusion. Imagine the scale of the destruction that would follow.
The Second Trap: The Poison of Intoxicants and Distraction
Now, let’s assume the leader does not fall for the first trap. They are not ensnared by sensual desire. The next obstacle is then presented: intoxicants. They are offered alcohol and drugs, often in strange new forms, and provided completely free of charge. This is the second test.
The person speaking for the nation and its values is given these substances. They are given free access to nightclubs, sponsored foreign trips, and other lavish distractions, often facilitated by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This is the second barrier. Many fall at this stage. If someone succumbs to this trap, think about the devastation it causes to their forward momentum and their entire mission. I don’t need to explain it in detail; it is clear that their journey comes to an abrupt halt. All their future work is destined for failure. This is the second critical point of downfall.
The Third Trap: The Corrupting Influence of Money and Wealth
If the leader overcomes the first two traps, a third is presented: money. For the person who is ready to sacrifice their life for a noble idea and a great task, the next offering is wealth. If they live in a poor hut, they are shown how they can build a mansion. If their parents or siblings are sick, they are offered the money to cure them.
If they lack a vehicle, they are given one. Desires naturally arise in their mind: ‘Others drive nice cars and live happily, but I have nothing.’ The opposing forces, Mara’s agents, plant these seeds of poison in their mind, trying to bend them to the will of money. Often, these funds come from the same NGOs I mentioned earlier, who also provide the foreign trips. They work to ensnare the person through wealth, causing their noble mission to fail and paralyzing their efforts. Mara succeeds in derailing them completely.
The Bodhisattva Ideal: Leadership Forged in Compassion and Strength
Anagarika Dharmapala was someone who did not fall for any of these traps. And he was not alone. There have been other great figures who sacrificed their lives for their nation and heritage. Our ancient kings were such people. I often mention kings like Dutugemunu, Parakramabahu I, and Valagamba. They were leaders who acted without getting entangled in these temptations.
These kings were endowed with the positive qualities I have described. If you look at the history of King Dutugemunu, when he fought against Elara, he never surrounded his enemy to attack from all sides. He allowed those who fled the battlefield to escape, fighting his war directly and honorably over many years. Look at the humanity in that action! You can see how profound their sense of compassion was.
When you see such qualities, I see characteristics akin to a great Bodhisattva. The true leaders are those who embody these traits. They try their best not to harm even those who do wrong, but if harm is persistent, they act decisively but gently, like a light tap on the head, to repel the threat while protecting the greater good. This is what I personally believe constitutes a true leader.
Your Path Forward: Past Mistakes and Present Virtue
This teaching may have become quite long, but please take these points and reflect on them. Look at the people who represent you in your community, your political party, or your organization, whether it’s governmental or non-governmental. Think about these principles. If you are hearing this message today, then starting today, begin to cultivate these qualities in yourself. Start to act in this way and see what happens.
Anyone can have faults in their past. Even the great Arahant Angulimala had a terrible past as a layperson; he committed murder. But after he followed the Buddha and became enlightened, he never returned to those actions. A person’s past, man or woman, is not what matters. What is important is how they live in the present moment. If someone commits to living according to these teachings for the rest of their life, we can place our trust in them. I encourage you to develop yourself to that state. That is the most crucial thing.
The Power of Patience and Your Unseen Allies
When you live with this kind of integrity, you will begin to receive immense energies from the universe. The vast mental abilities and strengths you cultivated in previous lives will begin to reawaken. I will speak more on these energies in future teachings.
Until then, I must say again before I conclude: be patient until your time comes. Do not get swept away by the current political or social waves. Let a few more of these waves pass. Among those who appear as patriots today, some are real, and some are not.
Sometimes, those who are not genuine do not want true leaders to step forward, perhaps because it threatens their livelihood or income I am not making a blanket accusation, but such people exist. They may try to obstruct you or attack you. So until your time comes, remain silent. Quietly build these qualities within yourself.
Become like a warrior armed with all things not with weapons, but with skill, virtue, and wisdom. Become an ‘all-rounder,’ excellent in every wholesome way. Men and women of all ages, prepare yourselves in silence. When the opportunity arrives, you will know it instinctively.
You will feel, ‘The time has come; I must do this now.’ Even if not, as I have taught before in the talk about being an agent from the universe, your guardian deities the righteous devas, yakshas, nagas, and other divine beings will deliver the right message at the right time.
They can draw near to you because of what we call the ‘sil suwanda’ the beautiful fragrance of virtue. Because of your pure mind and heart, they are drawn to you. It is said that even Sakka, the king of the gods, bows down to virtuous, meditating humans on Earth. You may have heard monks tell these stories from the scriptures. This is how you will begin to receive their help. There are people alive today who have these experiences. If you are one of them, I encourage you to share your experiences in the comments to inspire others.
Understand these things and act accordingly. I believe I have now covered all the necessary points on how to prepare yourself before you act for the good of the nation, culture, and religion.
A Final Blessing for a Compassionate Future
I will conclude today’s teaching here. By the power of the Triple Gem the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha, if you dedicate yourself to the Buddha’s way, if you dedicate yourself to your people and heritage with true humanity, may you be blessed with the strength to create a truly compassionate society and a spiritually awakened land. May you follow this path steadfastly.
We invite you to walk this path with us. Read our teachings, and most importantly, apply them practically in your own life. as you practice, questions will naturally arise. Please feel free to share your experiences and questions in the comments section below, via email or contact form. I will do my best to offer guidance in future talks based on your progress. For now, begin this practice with an open heart and a mind free from expectation. Cultivate it correctly, and may you find the clarity and peace you seek.
Thank you for joining us. We hope this blog will be of great benefit to your spiritual journey.
May you all be well and happy.
May the blessings of the Triple Gem be with you all!
