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IN SEARCH OF ENLIGHTMENT

By Debasish Tarafdar

The motto of all religions is to enlightenment and develops their followers in to a true human being. Tolerance, nonviolence, sacrifice of all earthly attraction and complete faith in god is the main features of all religions. Buddhism, one of the ancient religions, has been enlightening and developing their followers through ages with these teaching.Monasteries, the home of Buddhism, not only preach religion but also enlighten their inmates through religious teaching, hard labors, regular prayers and discipline. Lamas or the Buddhist monks have to go through a discipline life since their initiation. There is a convention at some places that at least one member from every Buddhist family must be sent to the monastery for being a Lama.

Since their initiation at an early age the “Lamas” have to lead a disciplined life from dusk to dawn. At the very beginning they are made aware of their duties and responsibilities to man and society and build up themselves likewise. It is obligatory for them to join the religious formalities while the warship of Lord Buddha is in progress. A Lama is trained to be self dependent like a student in a hostel. He must take an active part in all sorts of indoor and out door works in the monastery. He may have to peel vegetables for cooking or wash utensils along with other works. The life of the Lama is not stripped of extra curricular activities. They often take part in ordinary games with great joy and excitement. Education brings proper enlightenment and development in human beings and the Lamas are not exceptions. They have to go through the religious books and also the general books on science, history etc. besides attending prayers regularly.

Thus through years of hardships, disciplines, prayers and education a Lama becomes enlightened and establishes himself as a true bearer of Buddhism.