The significance of Poson Poya

by Samangie Wettimuny

The historical arrival of Mahinda thera that took place about 2240 years ago on a Poson Full Moon poya day is of great significance to Sri Lankan Buddhists, as it paved the way for a religious, cultural and economic revolution in the country.

Appearing atop Mihintala in Anuradhapura accompanied by other theras, while king Devanampiyatissa who ruled the country from(250-210 B.C) was hunting, Arhat Mahinda preached to him the doctrine of the Buddha.

The doctrine of the Buddha which came to Sri Lanka in that manner took firm hold in the land, moulding the lives of its inhabitants positively. Since its arrival in 3rd century B.C, Buddhism has helped Sri Lankan civilization ascend to lofty heights.

It was after the arrival of Mahinda Thera that the country moved forward dramatically from preliminary history into the full light of written history. Other than inscriptions, Mahavansa and Deepavansa are the two unique chronicles that contain the details of the country's history.

According to historical records, at the time of Arhat Mahinda's arrival, majority of the people had worshipped nature. As mentioned earlier, the king and his group had been engaged in hunting in Amba wanaya in Mihintale. After embracing Buddhism the king gave up hunting altogether and Mihintale Amba wanaya is now considered as the country's first wild life sanctuary.

Emperor Asoka

It was under the auspices of Indian Emperor Asoka that Buddhism came to Sri Lanka. Undoubtedly, the doctrine of the Buddha is the most valuable gift we ever had from our powerful neighbour, India.

At the end of the third Dhamma council, Moggaliputta Tissa thera who led the Dhamma Council, decided to send missionaries to various places within and outside Asoka Empire.

The Mahavansa says that missionaries were sent to states like "Kashmeera, Gandhara, Mahisa Mandala, Vanavasa desa, Aparantha desa, Maha Ratta Janapada, Yawana Lokaya, Suwanna Bhoomi, Himavantha pradesha and Lanka deepa".

The most successful missionary group was the one that came to Sri Lanka headed by Mahinda thera. Theras like Ittiya, Uttiya, Sambala, Baddasala, Sumana Samanera and Pandukha upasaka accompanied him. Arhat Mahinda sacrificed his whole lifetime for the welfare of Buddha sasana in Sri Lanka.

The thera who was said to have been 32 years old at the time he arrived in Sri Lanka, served the inhabitants of the country until his demise at the age of 62. His demise had caused an outpouring of profound grief in the country and upto now the adjective 'Anubudu' is being used when referring to him, in order to honour his great service.

Under the instruction of Mahinda thera, King Devanampiyatissa established Buddha sasana in Sri Lanka. As mentioned in the Mahavansa, for the permanency of the religion in the land, Mahinda thera had advised the king to ordain the children of the country and teach them the Dhamma. A nephew of the king was the first to be ordained under the name Maharitta thera. Soon, a lot of young ones followed him and they learned the dhamma and vinaya from Mahinda thera.

Even today, Sri Lankan education system is largely influenced by the moral code of Buddhism. From 3rd century B.C upto the colonial era, the temple was the centre of Buddhist education. The knowledge of the Pali Tripitaka that was orally handed down to the Sri Lankan monks by Mahinda thera was preserved by them in its pristine purity, handing down knowledge from teacher to pupil.

'Intelligence test'

Since Buddhism is a religion which should be understood through wisdom, a certain level of intelligence is required to grasp the subject. Arhat Mahinda who tested the king's abilities by posing questions, was satisfied with his answers and preached Chulla Hatta Padopama sutta to the king and his group.

As Mahavansa reveals, on the very first day Mahinda thera arrived in Sri Lanka King Devanampiyatissa offered him 'Mahamegha Wanayaudyana' (Mahamevuna uyana) as a gift. Tissaramaya which was built there, was the first vihara that was offered to Mihindu thera.

Arrival of Sanghamitta Therani

The arrival of Arhat Mahinda was soon followed by the bringing of a sapling of the historic Bo tree from Buddha Gaya under which the Buddha experienced enlightenment by Arhat Mahinda's sister, Sanghamitta therani. Her arrival paved the way for the establishment of Bhikkuni Sasana. Being ordained by Sanghamitta therani, queen Anula was the first to join the Order of Nuns.

People of 16 castes arrived in Sri Lanka for the protection of the Bo tree and that made tremendous progress in many spheres such as, agriculture, architecture, monumental masonry, and engineering.

Religious and literary activities in the country directed the country in a new path. Religious legends and historical accounts pertaining to both India and Sri Lanka appeared on a massive scale.

In fact, the introduction of Buddhism with a great civilization attached to it and the arrival of skilled labour brought about a remarkable change in the social and religious life of the country. Construction of Mahavihara, Chetiyagiri, Thuparama, Isurumuni vessagiri vihara, Thisa wewa etc bespeak the creativity of that era. Buddhism and Sinhala literature are inseparable, as the latter is enriched by Buddhist stories.

Thus, the arrival of Arhat Mahinda and Sanghamitta therani in Sri Lanka not only changed the entire religious and national pattern of the Sinhalese Buddhists, but also activated a cultural revolution in the country.

So, Sri Lanka's national calendar offers a great significance to Poson Full moon poya day, conducting mass religious observances and illuminations throughout the country, particularly in Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.