Anzac Day – Remembrance
‘PUJA’ is a lovely sounding word in the Pali language of traditional Buddhism.
Puja means the act or activity of devotion or dedication, to respect and honour, that or those that are worthy of honour and respect.
The morning and evening chanting done in Buddhist Monasteries is referred to as Puja.
Puja is a way of aligning the mind and body for focus and skilful activity.
Another way we can engage Puja – is by ‘Puja to the Present’.
Puja to the present is to be aligned in body and mind in focussing on what is right here and now for us.
Puja to the present is to be present for life. This is a respect and honour, dedication and devotion to awareness, wakefulness and the possibility of awakening to Reality.
Mindfulness makes this possible.
Mindfulness is the translation of the Pali word ‘SATI’.
Sati, may be translated as awareness, wakefulness, conscious knowing and also ‘remembering’ , ‘recollecting’ as in the minds ability to know what has happened.
Here in Australia we have a special day of remembrance – Anzac Day – 25th April.
In this day of remembrance we show a ‘Puja to the Past’; remembering all those people that fought and even gave their life for our freedom.
This is a sign of honour and respect, dedications and devotion to the qualities and virtues that they embodied.
Thus we can engage a ‘Puja to the Present’ but also appreciate that there is much to respect and also learn from applying a ‘Puja to the Past’.
The Buddha certainly emphasised the great importance of Mindfulness. He also spoke about the importance of remembering and reflecting on things that are important. This includes remembering and rejoicing in good things we have done. Remembering and rejoicing in good things that have been done for us by others.
It is so easy to get caught in remembering the negative things that we have done or that have been done to us as well as being caught into fear about the future.
Part of our Spiritual Practice that aids our Psychological well being can involve a mindful ‘Puja to the Past’ – that can be the cause and arising of great joy and a motivation to act well now and into the future.
May this Anzac Day – as ‘Puja to the Past’ include remembrance of the great skills and strengths, values and virtues – of others that fought for freedom and also a reminder of what we also can develop and bring to life.
Metta Regards
John B.
