What would be the future of Buddhism ?

Here I would like to go back to some points on the prophecy of Buddhism given by the canonical commentaries. In the prophecy it is told that the decline of Buddhism begins with the decline of three aspect of true doctrine; i.e. learning or the textual aspect of the true doctrine, practice or the practical of true doctrine, and realization or the attainable aspect of the true doctrine. When these three aspects of Buddhism degenerate it is considered to be the decline of Buddhism. Conversely, the development of Buddhism can be measured by the development of these three aspects of Buddhism as well.

(1) Pariyatti or learning in Buddhism means to study the Tripitaka or Caninical scriptures. When we put this aspect into the modern perspective it is an entire education system of Buddhism. There are various Buddhist education systems both for monks and laities differ from country to country. However, the core of the study should be the Tripitaka or Pali Canon. However, one may add more supplements, commentaries and modern interpretation for clearer descriptions and as a guide. At present, the aspects of Buddhism is still strong.

In addition to systematic Buddhist Education, for the present and future society we cannot overlook the dominant role of the mass media in inducing and influencing social values and the views of the general public. The media and all kinds of information technology can be of great help to humanity in the solution of the current global problems and the development of human beings if their potential is directed towards encouraging the right views along with their compatible social values, instead of their currently predominant expertise in inducing and intensifying greed, delusion and all manner of undesirable social values.

For the future of Buddhism, if the learning aspects of Buddhism is ill directed or not developed in the right direction and does not keep up with the development of society it might negatively affects the future of Buddhism.

(2) Patipatti or practical aspects of Buddhism. The Buddha clearly declared that the essence of Buddhism or to be a Buddhist is not to be an expert in Buddhist scriptures but to practice or live up to it. Moreover, the Buddha says, those who practice the Dhamma will see me…. So if people do not practice the Dhamma, them Buddhism is effectively threatened ! To those who say that conditions are not right to practice Buddhism, let us remember the story of the Buddha. Although Buddha lived in a beautiful palace, he did not know what truth is. He went out and encountered adversity to find it…. So Buddhist today cannot wait until conditions are perfect before practicing the Dhamma. Adversity is not an obstacle but a challenge that will enable you to develop your mind. To practice dhamma in sum means to cultivate one’s mind in the Threefold Training i.e. training in morality (silasikkha), training in higher mentality (citta-sikkha), and training in wisdom (panna-sikkha). This is generally known as morality, concentration and wisdom (sila, Samadhi, panna).

Therefore, as long as there are persons who keep Buddhist precepts, who cultivate their mind and strive constantly to purify their thoughts and actions, the future of Buddhism will not be threatened.

(3) Pativedha or attainable aspects of Buddhism. In the six attributes of the Dhamma the Buddha declared that the Dhamma is well proclaimed, it is to be seen for oneself, not delayed with the results of practice, it stands against any inspection, it is worthy to realizing and it is directly experience able by the wise. So what will one attain by following Buddhist teachings ? It is explained in the Buddhist text that by following the Dhamma one will attain the Four Paths, the four fruitions, and the Unconditioned State of Nibbana. This is also known as the nine super mundane state (lokuttaradhamma). (The Four Paths and the four Fruitions are already mentioned earlier on the unique qualities of of Buddhism). The Buddha assures the final liberation in Buddhism but whether one will attain there or not purely depends on the self practice and realization as the Buddha explains it in the Ganakamogallana sutta.

At the time of the Buddha, the Ganakamogallana Brahman asked, “Why do some people, having been taught, have attained Nibbana, and why others, having been similarly taught, have not attained Nibbana ?” In reply, the Buddha said that this was like pointing out to the way farers the way to the city of Rajagaha. If they preferred to go another way rather than the pointed direction, then they could not reach their destination. It was when they followed the way pointed out to them that they would reach to the city of Rajagaha.” Therefore, it is not the time, which determines whether the aim is achieved, but it is the willingness and the practice of the Dhamma.

Finally, The timeless quality of Buddhism only can be realized by our own action; it is our actions today that determine the future of Buddhism. Do not let pessimism divert our pure intentions of practicing the noble Dhamma of Buddhism.
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