The Black Abaya & Majjhima-Patipada

By Mass L. Usuf –November 27, 2015

Mass L. Usuf

“All we are is the result of what we have thought, it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him like a shadow that never leaves him.” – (Dhammapada).

The article “Cultural harmony and the middle path” (CT, 21.11.2015) referring to mine titled “Cultural invasion – in the wake of the Abaya” (CT, 19.11.2015), does not reflect a correct understanding of the views, I had expressed. Moreover, the Professor has traversed into certain areas which I had not even addressed in my article. So by way of explanation and clarification, I thought of writing this piece hoping it would be of benefit.

In this, there is no one-upmanship but the intellectual pursuit towards better understanding the different perspectives. At the very inception, I entreat all towards right view and right thinking.

What I have explained in my article is that modesty is a universal principle and that such principle is manifest in Buddhistic, Christian and Islamic practices. I have proven my statement giving the example of the dress of the Bikkhuni and the Christian nun. The bikkhuni covers her entire body except her face, wrists, ankles and her head. It does not matter if one wears the black abaya or yellow abaya, the objective is to cover oneself non-attractively.

Professor Abhayawansa states that I am attempting to make out that the black abaya accords with the middle path in Buddhism. Black, is a colour ; Abaya is an outer garment. It does not make sense for these two to accord with the middle path in Buddhism as the Professor has asserted.

It has been mentioned that if the black abaya is to comply with the Middle Path it should be a moderate dress acceptable to all. The Professor must be aware that there is no universal definition for the Middle Path. The midway between the two extremes of anything is blurry, subjective and relative. Moreover, the Professor says about a dress acceptable to all. Who sets the parameters for a dress acceptable to all? Has the Professor forgotten that we are living in a democratic country? Respectfully, it is beyond comprehension as to how the Professor can even make such a statement?

The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta lays down what the Buddha said about the middle path:

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