ArkA wrote:I see... I thought that kind of a sangha-sannipata should be on May celebrating the Tathagata. However, I have seen in some other traditions too putting more weight on celebrating the founding figure of the "tradition".
Thanks, anyway.
these excerpts prove that the buddha never entertained celebrating the tathagata:
Then the Blessed One said to Ven. Ananda, "Ananda, the twin sal-trees are in full bloom, even though it's not the flowering season. They shower, strew, & sprinkle on the Tathagata's body in homage to him. Heavenly coral-tree blossoms are falling from the sky... Heavenly sandalwood powder is falling from the sky... Heavenly music is playing in the sky... Heavenly songs are sung in the sky, in homage to the Tathagata. But it is not to this extent that a Tathagata is worshipped, honored, respected, venerated, or paid homage to. Rather, the monk, nun, male lay follower, or female lay follower who keeps practicing the Dhamma in accordance with the Dhamma, who keeps practicing masterfully, who lives in accordance with the Dhamma: that is the person who worships, honors, respects, venerates, & pays homage to the Tathagata with the highest homage. So you should train yourselves: 'We will keep practicing the Dhamma in accordance with the Dhamma, we will keep practicing masterfully, we will live in accordance with the Dhamma.' That's how you should train yourselves."
"And, lord, what course should we follow with regard to the Tathagata's body?"
"You are not to be concerned about the Tathagata's funeral. Please, Ananda, strive for the true goal, be committed to the true goal, dwell heedful, ardent, & resolute for the sake of the true goal. There are wise nobles, brahmans, & householders who are highly confident in the Tathagata. They will conduct the Tathagata's funeral."
-Digha Nikaya 16, Mahaparinibbana Sutta
When The Buddha declared his final passing away in four months' time, Ven. Attadattha, having resolved to become an arahant during the lifetime of The Buddha, was meditating alone. However, common worldling bhikkhus who were worried and kept themselves close to The Buddha. Not understanding Ven. Attadattha, they took him to The Buddha and said: “Venerable sir, this bhikkhu does not seem to love and respect you as we do, and he only keeps to himself.” And upon hearing Ven. Attadattha's resolution to become an arahantduring the lifetime of The Master, The Buddha said to bhikkhus: “Those who love and respect me should act like Attadattha. You are not paying me homage just by offering flowers, perfumes, and incense and by coming to see me. You pay me homage only by practising the Dhamma I have taught.”
-Commentry to Dhammapada 166
may all be happy!
Power can make things disappear, so does me
Then the Blessed One said to Ven. Ananda, "Now, if it occurs to any of you — 'The teaching has lost its authority; we are without a Teacher' — do not view it in that way. Whatever Dhamma & Vinaya I have pointed out & formulated for you, that will be your Teacher when I am gone.
-Dīgha Nikāya 16, Mahāparinibbāna Sutta
__________________________________
gO tO wORK, gET mARRIED, hAVE sOME kIDS;
wATCH yOUR tV, fOLLOW fASHION, aCT nORMAL;
pAY yOUR tAXES, pAY yOUR bILLS, oBEY tHE lAW;
aND rEPEAT aFTER mE: "i aM fREE."