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I was a waiter at an exclusive private club in Phoenix, Arizona. I was 18 years old and had just graduated from high school. It was a great job, or at least it was supposed to be.
Every day, I would serve lunch and dinner to the wealthy and elite of Phoenix. I would pour their drinks, take their orders, and make sure they were happy. I was good at my job, and I made good money.
But I wasn’t happy.
I was bored. I felt like my life was going nowhere.
I had a lot of friends, but I didn’t feel like I really connected with anyone. I felt like I was an outsider, looking in on a world that I didn’t belong to.
I started to feel like I was losing my faith. I had been raised in a religious family, but I started to question everything I had been taught.
I felt like I was lost and alone.
Then something terrible happened.
My best friend was murdered.
I was devastated. I couldn’t believe it. He was the last person I would have thought something like that would happen to.
I didn’t understand why it had happened. He was a good person. He didn’t deserve to die.
I was thrown into an existential crisis of faith. I didn’t know what to believe anymore. I didn’t know if there was a God, or if there was any point to life.
I was lost.
Chapter 2.
I was questioning the 'meaning of life' and my place in it. Why people suffer, get sick, and die. I had read several books on Buddhism, in general, and I found I identified with the concepts, and the way it explaining one ought to live their life. I made a drastic, but extremely life changing decision. I purchased a round-trip ticket to Colombo, Sri Lanka. A country whose state religion is Buddhism. I found myself on an 24 hour flight from Phoenix to Columbo.
The plane ride was long and arduous, but I was strangely at peace. I was on a journey of self-discovery, and I was excited to see what the future held.
As I landed in Colombo, I was immediately struck by the beauty of the country. The lush green landscapes, the vibrant colors of the people's clothing, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere were a stark contrast to the dry, desert landscape of Phoenix.
I was fascinated by the people of Sri Lanka. They were so friendly and welcoming, and they always had a smile on their faces. I was also struck by their deep sense of spirituality. Buddhism was everywhere I looked, from the temples and shrines that dotted the landscape to the everyday lives of the people.
I spent my days exploring the city, visiting temples, and talking to the locals. I was learning so much about Buddhism, and I was starting to feel a sense of peace and tranquility that I hadn't felt in years.
One day, I was walking through a park when I came across a group of monks meditating under a tree. I sat down with them and joined their meditation.
I closed my eyes and focused on my breath. I felt my mind start to clear, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me.
After a while, I opened my eyes and looked around. The world seemed brighter, and the colors seemed more vibrant. I felt like I had just woken up from a long sleep.
I thanked the monks for their guidance and continued on my way. I knew that I had found something special in Sri Lanka, and I was determined to learn more about it.
Chapter 3.
The tuk-tuk ride to the Na Uyana Aranya Monastery was long and winding, but it was also beautiful. I passed through lush green hills and valleys, and I saw small villages and temples along the way.
The tuk-tuk driver was a friendly man who spoke a little English. He told me about the history of the monastery and the surrounding area.
After two hours and thirty-nine minutes, we finally arrived at the monastery. It was a peaceful place, surrounded by trees and mountains.
I knocked on the door of the monastery, and a monk answered. He was a tall, thin man with a shaved head and a serene smile.
I asked him if I could stay at the monastery for a few days. He said that I was welcome to stay, and he showed me to a small room where I could sleep.
I was grateful for the monk's hospitality. I was tired from the long journey, and I was looking forward to a few days of peace and quiet.
I spent the next few days exploring the monastery and the surrounding area. I learned about Buddhism from the monks, and I meditated and prayed.
I also had the opportunity to talk to the other guests at the monastery. They were from all over the world, and they had all come to Sri Lanka to learn about Buddhism.
I felt a sense of peace and tranquility that I hadn't felt in years. I was grateful for the opportunity to have this experience.
Chapter 4.
The achariya (Teacher) was an elderly man with a gentle face and wise eyes.
I sat down across from him and explained that I was interested in learning more about Buddhism. I told him about my disillusionment with my life in the United States and my search for meaning and purpose.
The achariya listened patiently to my story. When I had finished, he smiled and said, "The Buddha taught that suffering is an inevitable part of life. But he also taught us that there is a way to end suffering. This path is called the Noble Eightfold Path."
He went on to explain the principles of the Noble Eightfold Path, and I was deeply moved by his words. I felt a deep sense of peace and tranquility wash over me, and I knew that I had found what I was looking for.
I asked the achariya if I could become a novice monk. He looked at me seriously and said, "This is a decision that should not be taken lightly. It is a commitment to live a life of simplicity, discipline, and spiritual growth. Are you ready for this?"
I nodded my head. "I am ready," I said.
The achariya smiled and said, "Welcome to the Sangha."
Chapter 5.
As a novice monk at the Na Uyana Aranya Monastery, I embraced a life of simplicity, discipline, and spiritual growth. The Vinaya texts, the scriptures governing monastic life, guided my every step, instilling in me a profound respect for all living beings.
My days were marked by the rhythmic cadence of monastic routines. I rose before dawn, the first light of day painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson. The air was crisp and still, infused with the sweet scent of blooming jasmine.
After a simple breakfast of rice and fruit, I would join my fellow novices for morning meditation. We sat cross-legged on mats, our eyes closed, our breaths echoing in the stillness of the meditation hall. The gentle chanting of the monks, their voices harmonizing in a sacred melody, filled the space, creating a cocoon of tranquility.
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As the sun ascended, casting its warm glow upon the monastery grounds, we would engage in our daily chores. Sweeping the temple floors, tending the garden's vibrant blooms, and assisting with the preparation of meals were tasks not merely of duty but of spiritual practice. Each action was performed with mindfulness, transforming the mundane into an act of devotion.
The afternoons were dedicated to study. We delved into the profound teachings of the Buddha, his words illuminating the path to enlightenment. The Five Precepts – abstentions from harming living beings, taking what is not given, engaging in sexual misconduct, speaking falsely, and consuming intoxicants – served as our moral compass, guiding our interactions with the world around us.
As dusk settled, casting long shadows across the monastery grounds, we would gather for evening prayers. The chanting of sutras, their ancient verses echoing through the stillness of the night, filled me with a sense of profound peace.
Life as a novice monk was a journey of self-discovery, a path of transformation that stripped away the layers of worldly desires and revealed the true nature of my being. The daily routines, the strict adherence to the Vinaya texts, and the unwavering dedication to spiritual practice were not merely obligations but opportunities for personal growth.
I learned to appreciate the simple joys of life, to find contentment in the present moment, and to cultivate compassion for all living beings. The monastery became my sanctuary, a place of refuge where I could shed the burdens of the past and embrace the possibilities of the future.
Chapter 6.
Each morning, as the sun rose over the Na Uyana Aranya Monastery, I would join my fellow novice monks in the traditional alms collection ritual known as Pindacāra.
Dressed in our saffron robes, we would walk silently through the streets of the village, our alms bowls held respectfully in our hands. The villagers, many of whom were devout Buddhists, awaited our arrival with eager anticipation.
As we approached, they would line the streets, their hands filled with offerings of cooked food and fresh fruit. With a smile and a humble nod, we would accept their gifts, our hearts overflowing with gratitude.
As we walked through the village, I would often catch glimpses of the villagers' faces. They were filled with joy and reverence, their eyes sparkling with devotion. I could sense their deep respect for the monastic order and their gratitude for the teachings of the Buddha.
The alms collecting ritual was a daily reminder of the interconnectedness of all beings. It was a reminder that we are all interdependent, and that we rely on each other for our survival. It was also a reminder of the importance of generosity and compassion.
I was deeply grateful for the loving and willing Sanga that gave us alms each day. Their kindness and support were essential to our monastic training. I knew that I would never forget the generosity of the Sri Lankan people.
The Loving and Willing Sanga
The Sanga, or Buddhist community, is an integral part of the monastic lifestyle. It is a network of support and guidance for monks and nuns on their spiritual journey.
The Sri Lankan Sanga is known for its warmth and generosity. The villagers were always eager to offer support to the monks, both materially and spiritually.
I remember one day, during the alms collection ritual, I was approached by an elderly woman. She was frail and bent with age, but her eyes were bright and intelligent.
She placed a small banana in my alms bowl and smiled. "This is all I have to offer," she said, "but I give it to you with all my heart."
I was deeply touched by her generosity. I knew that the banana was more than just food. It was a symbol of her faith and her devotion to the monastic order.
I bowed my head respectfully and thanked her for her gift. "May you be blessed with good health and happiness," I said.
The woman smiled again. "May you too be blessed," she said. "May you find the path to enlightenment."
I continued on my way, my heart filled with gratitude for the loving and willing Sanga. The Sri Lankan people had taught me so much about the importance of generosity, compassion, and faith.
I knew that I would carry their lessons with me for the rest of my life.
Chapter 7.
After 4 years I was ordained.
The Unlikely Buddha
As I sat cross-legged on the mat in front of the achariya, waiting to be ordained, I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. The achariya, our head teacher, had a reputation for giving his monks unique Buddhist names, and I was curious to see what he would choose for me.
The achariya looked at me for a long moment, his eyes twinkling with wisdom. Then, he spoke.
"Your name," he said, "will be Sabbapatihe Buddha."
I was taken aback. Sabbapatihe Buddha means "Unlikely Buddha" in Pali. It was an unusual name, and I couldn't help but wonder why the achariya had chosen it for me.
Later, the achariya explained that he had given me the name Sabbapatihe Buddha because of my Western mind and my unusual journey to Buddhism. He said that he had been impressed by my willingness to question everything I had been taught and to seek out a new way of life.
"You are an unlikely Buddha," he said, "but you have the potential to achieve enlightenment."
His words filled me with a sense of hope and determination. I knew that I had a long way to go on my spiritual journey, but I was confident that I could reach my destination.
And so, I became Sabbapatihe Buddha, the Unlikely Buddha.
The Ordination Ceremony
I sat cross-legged on a mat at the front of the hall, surrounded by my fellow novices and senior monks. The achariya, my teacher, stood before me, his face serene and his eyes filled with wisdom.
He spoke to me in Pali, the ancient language of the Theravada scriptures. His words were filled with wisdom and compassion, and they guided me through the process of ordination.
I took the Three Refuges, pledging my allegiance to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. I recited the Five Precepts, promising to abstain from harming living beings, taking what is not given, engaging in sexual misconduct, speaking falsely, and consuming intoxicants.
I then shaved my head, a symbolic act of renunciation of worldly attachments. I was given a new set of saffron robes, and I was officially ordained as a Theravada Buddhist monk.
The ceremony was concluded with a chanting of sutras, the sacred texts of Buddhism. The monks' voices filled the hall with a harmonious melody, and I felt a profound sense of peace and tranquility wash over me.
I was no longer just Steve, the young man from Phoenix, Arizona. I was now a Buddhist monk, a member of the Sangha, and a follower of the Buddha's teachings.
I had embarked on a new journey, a journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. I was excited to see what the future held, and I was grateful for the opportunity to follow the path of the Buddha.
Chapter 8.
Serving the Community
As a newly ordained monk, my days were filled with a variety of tasks and responsibilities. In addition to my daily meditation and study, I was also involved in teaching the novice monks, counseling the people of the Sanga, and making house calls to those who were sick or disabled.
Teaching the novice monks was a rewarding experience. I enjoyed sharing my knowledge of Buddhism with them and watching them grow in their understanding of the Dharma. I also found it helpful to be able to reflect on my own practice as I taught others.
Counseling the people of the Sanga was a more challenging task. I often found myself in the role of a marriage counselor, trying to help couples resolve their conflicts. This was difficult at times, as I was a single young man who had only had experience with Western-style relationships. However, I did my best to be objective and to offer advice based on the teachings of the Buddha.
Making house calls was a humbling experience. I was often called upon to visit people who were suffering from physical or mental illness, or who were simply lonely and in need of companionship. I always tried to be a compassionate and understanding listener, and I offered words of encouragement and support.
I was grateful for the opportunity to serve the community in these ways. It was a reminder that as a monk, I had a responsibility to help others and to make the world a better place.
I also found that these experiences helped me to grow in my own understanding of Buddhism. I learned that the Dharma is not just a set of abstract teachings, but a practical guide to living a meaningful and compassionate life.
I was grateful for the opportunity to serve the Sanga, and I looked forward to continuing to do so in the years to come.
Chapter 9.
The Tamil People
The Tamil people are an ethnic group native to Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, India. They speak Tamil, a Dravidian language, and are mostly Hindu, although there are also Christian and Muslim Tamil communities.
Tamils have a long history in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 3rd century BC. They have a distinct culture and language, and have always maintained a separate identity from the Sinhalese, the majority ethnic group in Sri Lanka.
The Desire for a Separate Tamil State
In the early 20th century, Tamils began to feel increasingly marginalized in Sri Lanka. The Sinhalese government implemented policies that favored Sinhalese culture and language, and Tamils felt that they were not being treated fairly.
This led to a growing movement for a separate Tamil state, Eelam, in northern and eastern Sri Lanka. The movement gained momentum in the 1970s, as Tamils became increasingly frustrated with the government's failure to address their grievances.
The Tamil Tigers
In 1976, Velupillai Prabhakaran founded the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization that fought for an independent Tamil state. The LTTE was a ruthless and effective fighting force, and it quickly gained control of large areas of northern and eastern Sri Lanka.
The LTTE was responsible for numerous acts of terrorism, including bombings, assassinations, and massacres. They were also known for their use of child soldiers.
The Sri Lankan Government's Response
The Sri Lankan government responded to the LTTE's insurgency with a brutal crackdown. The army was given wide-ranging powers, and there were widespread reports of human rights abuses.
The government also tried to address Tamil grievances through political means. In 1987, they proposed a devolution package that would have given the Tamils more autonomy. However, the LTTE rejected the proposal, and the civil war continued.
The Civil War
The Sri Lankan civil war raged for 26 years, from 1983 to 2009. It was one of the longest and bloodiest civil wars in recent history.
The war had a devastating impact on Sri Lanka. Over 100,000 people were killed, and millions more were displaced from their homes. The country's economy was also severely damaged.
The End of the Civil War
In 2009, the Sri Lankan government finally defeated the LTTE. However, the end of the war did not bring peace to Sri Lanka. The country remains deeply divided, and there are still many unresolved tensions between the Tamils and the Sinhalese.
The Dangers of Traveling in Northern Sri Lanka
Even today, it is dangerous for a Buddhist monk to travel in the northern part of Sri Lanka. There are still many areas that are controlled by Tamil militants, and there is always the risk of violence.
However, there are also many Buddhist monks who are working to promote peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. They are a vital force in the country's efforts to heal from the wounds of the civil war.
Chapter 10.
The Journey to India and the Story of the Buddha
From India, the Buddha's teachings spread to Sri Lanka, where Theravada Buddhism, considered the closest to the original teachings of the Buddha, flourished. The Theravada tradition meticulously preserved the Buddha's words, transcribing them into the Pali Canon, a collection of scriptures that serve as the foundation of Theravada Buddhism.
As the ferry sliced through the turquoise waters of the Bay of Bengal, I stood at the bow, my senses overwhelmed by the vibrant spectacle that unfolded before me. The air was alive with the salty tang of the sea and the intoxicating aroma of spices wafting from the bustling port of Nagapattinam, India.
As the ferry docked, I stepped onto the shores of southern India, a land steeped in ancient traditions and vibrant colors. The streets were a cacophony of sights and sounds, a kaleidoscope of saffron-clad monks, sari-draped women, and rickshaws weaving through the throngs of people.
The aroma of incense and the rhythmic chanting of mantras filled the air, creating an atmosphere of mystical enchantment. I wandered through the labyrinthine alleyways, mesmerized by the intricate carvings adorning the temples and the soulful melodies emanating from traditional music shops.
In the heart of the city, I stumbled upon a majestic temple, its towering gopuram (gateway tower) piercing the sky like a golden beacon. As I stepped through the ornate gates, a wave of serenity washed over me. The temple courtyard was a tranquil oasis amidst the urban chaos, a sanctuary of peace and devotion.
I sat cross-legged on the cool stone floor, surrounded by devotees lost in prayer and meditation. The air was thick with the fragrance of incense and the gentle murmur of prayers. I closed my eyes and let the sounds and smells transport me to a realm of inner peace.
As I emerged from the temple, I felt a sense of rejuvenation, my spirit nourished by the spiritual energy that permeated the air. I continued my exploration, captivated by the vibrant colors and the rich tapestry of life that unfolded before me.
I had arrived in southern India, the land where the Buddha, once a prince, embarked on his spiritual journey. It was here, under the shade of a Bodhi tree, that he attained enlightenment, becoming the Awakened One.
From India, the Buddha's teachings spread to Sri Lanka, where Theravada Buddhism, considered the closest to the original teachings of the Buddha, flourished. The Theravada tradition meticulously preserved the Buddha's words, transcribing them into the Pali Canon, a collection of scriptures that serve as the foundation of Theravada Buddhism.
Today, Buddhism remains a vibrant presence in southern India, coexisting harmoniously with the dominant Hindu religion. The region's rich cultural heritage, deeply intertwined with Buddhist traditions, continues to inspire and captivate visitors from all corners of the globe.
Chapter 11.
The Path Home
After six years of living as a monk in Sri Lanka, I felt a sense of completion. I had learned a great deal about Buddhism and myself, and I was ready to return to my life in the United States.
I said goodbye to my fellow monks and teachers, and to the many friends I had made in Sri Lanka. I was grateful for the time I had spent in this beautiful country, and I knew that I would always carry the memories of my time here with me.
I boarded the plane back to Phoenix, Arizona, my heart filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I was excited to see my family and friends again, but I was also nervous about adjusting to life back in the United States.
As the plane landed in Phoenix, I was overwhelmed with a sense of relief and gratitude. I was finally home.
I was greeted at the airport by my parents and sister. We hugged and cried, and I felt a warmth and love that I had not felt in years.
The next few days were a blur of catching up with family and friends. I told them all about my experiences in Sri Lanka, and they were amazed by my stories.
I was also surprised by how much Phoenix had changed in my absence. The city had grown and become more cosmopolitan, but it still had the same familiar feel.
After a few weeks, I started to settle back into my old life. I became a college student, and I started practicing Buddhism again.
I was grateful for the time I had spent as a monk, and I knew that it had changed me for the better. I was more patient, more compassionate, and more at peace with myself.
I was also grateful for my family and friends, who had welcomed me back with open arms. I knew that I was lucky to have them in my life.
As I looked out over the city of Phoenix, I felt a sense of contentment and fulfillment. I was home, and I was finally at peace.
The Unlikely Buddha
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