The Buddha was a unique religious teacher who lived a simple
but busy and active life. He devoted his full day to the tasks of his religious
mission taking minimum time for rest ablution and collection of alms-food
observing with unfailing regularity a fixed daily routine. During every movement
of his dedicated time the Buddha was either engaged outwardly in the scared
tasks aimed at moral upliftment of mankind or absorbed, inwardly, in
experiencing the bliss of Nirvana/Nibbana.
Daily routine of the Buddha comprised five periods, two
spanning the day time and three spanning the right, Forenoon Session lasted
from dawn (6.00 a.m.) to noon and the Afternoon Session lasted from noon to
dusk (6.00 p.m.). The night was divided into three watches each of four hours
duration.
1. Forenoon Session
Rising early before daybreak the Buddha enters into the
Ecstasy of Grate Compassion and surveys the world to see whether there was any one
to whom he could be of service. There world invariably be someone calling for
Buddha’s sympathy. The Buddha would proceed to the presence of such person and
extend necessary comfort and solace. Returning to the monastery Buddha would
either visit the residence of a devotee on invitation or if there was no such
invitation set out on customary round for collection of alms-food either alone
or accompanied by Bhikkhus. Alms-giving at a devotee’s house is always followed
by a Dhamma sermon and conferment of merits to the donors and their departed
relatives.
2. Afternoon Session
After partaking of the noon meal Buddha would preside over
the Assembly of Bikkhus at the monastery and deliver a discourse either based
on a subject of discussion or any other relevant topic. On conclusion of Dhamma
session the Buddha would take a short rest. During the balance period of the
afternoon the Buddha would give instructions and subjects of meditation to
Bhikkhus practicing meditation or receive any devotee calling on the Buddha.
3. The first Watch of the Night
The first watch of the night (from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) is set
apart for dhamma Discussions with Bhikkus to explain and clarify intricate
points of Dhamma to those Bhikkhus seeking such explanation or clarification.
4. The Middle Watch
Bhikkhus leave by the close of the Middle watch. Thereafter the
deities of the Universe come to the presence of the Buddha and raise questions
on various topics related to their individual interests and personal desires.
The Buddha answers the questions comprehensively, often expanding them into
profound discourses which eventually became Suttas.
5. The Last Watch
The Last watch comprising the early hours of the morning was divided into four parts. The Buddha spent the first hour pacing up and down (cankamana) as a form of light exercise. During the second hour the Buddha sleeps lying on his right side(lions resting Posture). During the third hour the Buddha enters the state of Arahatship and experiences Nibbanic Bliss. During fourth hour the Buddha attains the Ecstasy of Great Compassion (Maha Karuna Samapatti)and radiates thoughts of loving kindness towards all beings. The Buddha surveys the world to see whether was any one in distress who could be relived. The Virtuous who merit Buddha’s attention appear in the vision of the Buddha. The Buddha betakes to such person and provides the necessary solace and comfort and guidance for spiritual progress. Except for one hour’s rest the whole day of the Buddha was dedicated to the cause of his religious mission and welfare of Humanity.
Post by Admin from 'Guide to the study of Theravada Buddhism'
[Note : We know
Buddhism is not a religion. But when we read this article at the beginning we
can see ‘unique religious teacher’. Don’t get misunderstand about it. Those words
have similar meaning like holy/spiritual. Click here to know ‘What is Buddhism’ - ADMIN]
