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| Sunday, 22 May 2005 |
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Thought provoking and stimulating Buddhist journal Dinamina Vesak Kalapaya - 2549-2005 The Dinamina Vesak Annual, the Sinhala edition of the issue, has made its appearance on the eve of the Buddhist celebration of Vesak keeping to its traditional practice of honouring and commemorating the Buddha whose highly valued teachings and precepts have influenced not only the adherents of the Dhamma laid down by him, in our country and the whole of Asia, but carried the message of Peace, Compassion and Kindness to many parts of the world. In a world, torn asunder by conflicts leading to aggression, assault and terror, the message of the founder of the Dhamma, as the main body of his teachings is known, should serve as a deterrent to confrontation and competitiveness in national and international disputes, which seem to disrupt the search for Peace and Unity today. It is necessary to emphasise that even a slim publication such as the Vesak Annual has an important role to play in the spread of acceptable ideals of human thought at a time when our country is facing severe crises of political economic and social unrest where fundamental religious and humane values are given scant consideration. Values It is indeed necessary for each one of us, to bear in mind the essential teachings of his or her faith and strive even individually to foster the feelings of amity, co-operation and the spirit of co-existence that prevailed in our land several decades ago. Therefore, Dinamina Vesak Kalapaya annual publication published by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. not only helps propagate Buddhist doctrine and the values enshrined in the teachings but also appeals to non Buddhists of this land, that the inspiration and undying influence of any religion should apply with equal force to achieve Peace and Unity among the people. This year's issue is a very colourful and competently edited and printed collection of essays, articles, both popular and academic in content, discussions on controversial themes, which the Editor and his staff, have obtained from contributors, and presented in a style and method of arrangement appealing to a wide circle of readers. The usual style followed is to mix the academic and learned type of essays along with the 'light' writings to satisfy the average reader and also to invest the Annual with the stamp of Buddhist religious authenticity. But, in mixing up all types of essays, notes and contributions it can give the impression that the tone of the Annual is not entirely to record serious expressions of religious thought from accomplished writers and scholars, but make the compilation even more popular than before. It is, therefore, suggested that an arrangement of articles and essays be categorised, in future, in sections, such as Buddhist doctrines, ethics, Buddhist thought, philosophy and psychology, Buddha's Life, society, political and economic conditions. The inclusion of verses for their epigrammatic and didactic value is advisable, but it should not be done as a space-filling device. Some of the verses are not well-chosen. The citations from standard Buddhist texts such as the Dhammapada, Pujavaliya and Buthsarana are indeed commendable and gives to the essays an enriching background investing the contents with added significance to the statements. There are only two short stories, identified such as in the title, and it is suggested that this type of contribution should be enriched, and accomplished short story writers be invited to make special contributions bearing on Buddhist themes as the present-day background of poverty, unemployment crime and violence, among the poor segments of the population which would furnish appropriate material to bring understanding and realisation of the value of the basic precepts of Buddhist doctrine. Pride of place The Annual serves an essential purpose during this period of Vesak in providing very useful reading material in the collection of a varied number of contributions dealing with topics emphasising the fundamental teachings of the Buddha Dhamma. Essays covering the philosophical, ethical, educational aspects as reflected in the Buddha's sermons and discussions with many types of religious leaders as well as ordinary folk, take pride of place in the Annual. These well-presented surveys and arguments on the above subjects would definitely pose a problem to the average reader as he would expect to come across light readable accounts in a magazine of this nature. To illustrate the difficulties that would arise, it is possible to refer, first, to the philosophically sound and academic exposition of Prof. ADP Kalansuriya, who raises the question: "Is Buddhist 'Thought' and Buddhist 'Philosophy' the Same?" As an eminent philosopher with a sound knowledge of Western Philosophy based on an advanced study of comparative philosophy and also a comprehensive study of modern philosophical writings by leading writers on the subject, in the West, he has paid special attention to the contemporary writings of his colleagues, scholars who have published books on Buddhist epistemology, Buddhist ethics, Buddhist concepts and of the Dhamma and critically examined their interpretations in the light of modern methods of elucidation and analysis. It is in this vein that he analyses both 'thought' and 'philosophy' as presented in the Doctrine of the Buddha and illustrated from the authentic references to the difference of the two concepts. He also does not fail to expose the incomplete attempts made by some scholars to read too much into the texts and justify the identification of the two criteria. He calls for the adoption of philosophical techniques and analytical methodology in resolving the difference. 'Facts' and 'values' are to be considered as separate factors in arriving at a proper methodology. Indeed his contribution elevates the tone of the Annual as his approach is based on a critical and logically established series of arguments which can hardly be challenged. Certainly, advancement of knowledge in Buddhist philosophy and doctrinal ideology now requires such issues as above to be subjected to debate and elucidation at an academic level. Another interesting discussion on the topic, "Truth and Reality in Life" presented by a sociologist of the Sociology Department of Peradeniya University, attempts to combine sociological concepts in a philosophical framework, citing from recognised authorities such as Emil Durkheim and Talcott Parsons who have explored the important aspects of religion from their research work with primitive communities. The emphasis laid on the ethical basis of social values and their connection in contributing to the religious force that bound the rural communities to a rigorous code of discipline is fairly well expounded. Ethical topics Such attempts made to bring out the significance of concepts which are important also in Buddhist thought deserve a place in an Annual of this kind. 'The Importance of Observing Precepts as leading to Emancipation! 'Wisdom and understanding; 'Impermanance' comprise the type of essay dealing with certain doctrinal teachings driving home the observance of the basic precepts in Buddhism. Among the treatment of ethical topics, the well-written account of great relevance today is the effective summary of neglect and disregard of 'The Loss of the Five Precepts in Society'. 'The Nature of Normative Ethics Buttressed by the 'Noble Eightfold Path' is a learned piece of explanation of the Buddha's Ethical Code which answers the four questions based in ethical inquiry taking us back to Greek thinkers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle who had attempted to show the ethical basis of righteous living. The Annual is also replete with thought-provoking and stimulating contributions in Ancient History, Archaeology and Ancient Lore in keeping to the standard expected of a Buddhist journal published for the purpose of educating the readers keen to read them and become knowledgeable. They are also varied in content referring to archaeological structures, property and artifacts. Delving into pre-historical data, the writer of the account of the (Concepts Associated with the Pre-Buddhistic Period) digs deep into the cults, beliefs and practices, prevalent before the arrival of Mahinda Thera. He also identifies such practices among the early inhabitants, which were gradually transformed under the influence of Buddhist teachings leading to the development of Buddhism as the main religion. Illustrations Where is the Original Seruvila Vihara? is the question raised by Prof. Sirimal Ranawalla, an archaeologically sound exposition of evidence from the inscriptions and other sources to improve his hypothesis. Equally instructive and convincing is the illustrated survey (with accompanying types of Tampita image houses in sketches) by a Lecturer in the Dept. of Archaeology (Kelaniya University). The account is compact and concise bringing out the artistic and cultural value of the 'Stone-pillar structured image House' in the evolution of standard image houses in the island. "Archaeological Study of the pre-Mahinda Period' cannot be omitted from this review as it also narrates concisely the cults and rites practised by the earliest tribes at that time before the introduction of Buddhism. The illustrations are also apt and relevant. Dr. Nissanka Perera, a consistent contributor to the Vesak Annual, has chosen a highly academic theme. The image which he tries to show are the three bends (Tri-bhanga) housed in the 'Tivanka Image House' (It had been an imposing Image House with walls carrying illustrations from the life of the Buddha and jataka scenes with frescoes, but official conservation efforts have helped visitors to the neglected edifice to study and contemplate on the truly Buddhist spirit conveyed by the colourful fresco figures and the scenes depicting the events of the Jataka tales. The writer also refers to the consummate skill of the artists and builders of the entire shrine where painting, sculpturing and craftsmanship are ingeniously combined, fully deserving the tribute paid by Prof. Paranavitana to its artistic excellence. Historical evidence for the type of Bowl used by the Buddha during his alms-gathering rounds and the confirmation from reliable sources that a bowl of 'rock' material had been also used along with clay bowls, is the subject of a well-researched and recorded narrative. Details It is commendable that a senior lecturer of the Department of History of the Peradeniya University has culled data and material from Indian and Chinese archaeological records to unravel the details. The requisites and equipment connected with the temple premises, the shrines and other items of a Buddhist place of worship is the subject of description under the title. The Constituent Structure of a Buddhist Vihara' attracts the attention of any reader by its orderly lay-out of the details regarding the stupa, the Watadage enclosure, the Sacred Bo-tree, and its surrounding niches for worship, images and image houses, abodes for monks, caves for quiet resting and meditation. Prof. Kumarasinghe of the Dept. of Sinhala makes a very comprehensive assessment of the attributes of a temple environment designed for contemplative seclusion. Buddhist connections between Sri Lanka and the Pallava Region (India)' is the last short essay summarising the main events connected with the influence exerted on Prince Manavamma by the Pallava rulers and the suppression of the Theravada ideology by Mahayana teachings introduced from that part of India. Mention may also be made of the following interesting topics treated academically and instructively: "Buddhist Interpretation of the Dream (Concept)" which offers diverse versions of dream theories, including traditional Buddhist thinking and Western Analyses. 'Traditional Style of Writing and Buddhist Dharma' takes up the art of recording the Tripitaka and also the commentaries and glosses on Buddhist scriptures, assiduously preserved memorised and transferred into scripts over a long period is a creditable assessment of the role played by erudite monks who have consistently maintained the traditions of writing to reproduce the Dhamma. It would not be possible however to list and comment on the many other essays on Buddhist Values, the Life and Doctrines of Buddhism and Popular Buddhist Concepts in this survey. The message But before concluding this review of an annual publication of great educational and religious value to Buddhists and non Buddhists who wish to know the salient teachings of the most venerable of all religious thinkers, it is my duty to comment on the appropriate choice of the Bellanwila Raja Maha Vihara fresco driving home the message that even the leader of the fraternity of monks, the Buddha, came forward to dress the smelling and repulsive skin lesions carefully attend on the ailing monk, ignored by the association who had shunned him. The other monks then learned the humanitarian need for attending to companions as a noble way to serve the distress. If I may quote from the Editor's reference to the event, captured on the cover page illustration (reproduced) it would be a fitting ending to my review: ... the Buddha is a great surgeon. Without distinguishing between what is attractive and repulsive, this
high-lighted event reveals to society that it is noble to render assistance
during happiness as well as suffering. This message convened in the Painting
at Bellanwila Raja Maha Vihara, adopting a new painting technique of great
value as a creative effort. |
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