Essays to read and ruminate over:

Flashes of passionate visions

Reviewed by S. Anton J. Jesuthasan (Sajj)

This is another gem of a book by R.S. Karunaratne. It is a collection of essays in which RSK has distilled his wisdom gained over the years of learning and experience. This is a book I found difficult to put down. I obtained the book wanting to review it, and found that the first chapter contained a most instructive lesson on book reviewing. Did I count myself fortunate? Or did it leave me hamstrung?

I had reviewed two of his books previously. Reviewing is generally not an easy task but it turns into a pleasurable journey when it comes to RSK’s writings.

RSK notes in his preface that essays are a piece of writing illustrating one’s opinion, and the essayist plays the part of philosopher and critic. I find that this medium lends great freedom to the writer to say what he likes. The reader has as much freedom to agree or disagree.

The essay ‘Life begins at 60’ illustrates eloquently how skilfully the essayist plays his role. While some people claim that life begins at 30, 40 or 50, he avers that life begins at 60! He doesn’t just stop there. He illustrates his point citing the greatest Greek philosopher Plato who was learning and teaching in his eighties, and Socrates becoming a brilliant orator in his 94th year! He does not forget some Sri Lankans of this ilk either.

“You might argue that you are not going to live so long”, he says. “That means you have conditioned your mind to die young. Apart from accidents and major illnesses, this is another reason why people die as soon as they retire from work. To quote Alexander Pope’s words, “what oft was thought but never so well expressed.”

Rules of thumb for trouble-free living is RSK’s vintage, yet disparate, vignettes. Need I mention that rule of thumb is not keeping your wife strictly under your thumb, it means, “a fairly accurate guide based on practice rather than theory.”

A rule of thumb for journalists, borrowed from one of his own seniors: “kill everything you don’t understand.” How can an ordinary reader understand what a journalist cannot, he reminds them. If only journalists would heed this advice! Do we not encounter in the media today, opinion and comment that wouldn’t pass muster. Does what you hear and print or broadcast make any sense whatever?

Speaking of choice between two examination questions, he tells the student another rule of thumb: “When in doubt leave it out.”

Commenting on visiting cards that detail a person’s qualifications, position, etc., he says, “Well, the longer your job title, the less important you are!” Had I read this book earlier, I may not have given him my card, but mine is social-cum-business card, and most people want to know as much about you as possible the moment they meet you, else follow some searching and embarrassing moments.

Trite in places, you may say, but remember Pope above. I for one do not desist from reminding one of what one may already know only too well.

In today’s troubled world that’s starved of integrity and brims with a surfeit of dishonesty, where journalism has become “the weapon of mass destruction” in the hands of skilled “spin doctors” the world over, the straight and honest within this veteran journalist proclaims:

“If people have scant respect for the printed word (I would add ‘broadcast’), writers are also responsible to a great extent. Many writers have prostituted their talents for financial or political gains. It is a tragedy that these people do not realize that it is detrimental to the healthy growth of the future generations.” Yes, isn’t concern for our progeny a hallmark of our culture?

“It is dishonest and crooked writing that has made readers doubt the printed word. If all the writers make use of their talents honestly, people will still believe the printed word,” affirms RSK.

Many readers would also, I think, love to read his views on Super Powers “Charter of Human Rights in their right hand, preach(ing) disarmament,” while keeping their left hand on the controlling keys of the arsenals.” His phraseology, “world peace and brotherhood become not mere nonsense, but nonsense on stilts is very telling.”

Many who may not have considered poetry a faithful mistress (in the pure sense of the word), may, when they read this essay, find themselves courting this mistress even late in their lives.

Quoting from Alfred Noyes’ popular poem “The Highwayman”:

“The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees,

The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas.”

The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door” and declaring that he heard the galloping sound of a horse just outside the classroom as his teacher Max Perera read out the poem to his class so effectively, RSK does not only illustrate the power of rhyme, rhythm and imagery to his own readers, he also evokes nostalgia in those who have themselves heard such poems read to them in class, and experienced another world. Prose can be beautiful, but poetry is sublime, argues RSK.

His introducing the reader to Sri Lanka’s own poets whose poetry uplifts the reader merely with just the right words and emotion devoid of rhyme or rhythm also serves a noble aim.

One must study the chapter on “English, The language of the world,” not just read it, to understand RSK’s underlying lament over the loss this country suffers, failing to foster English learning. This chapter is also a lesson in classic English composition, which anyone claiming to know the language should no doubt aim to emulate. “English is not an easy language to learn,” says the writer. “English is a noble language which possesses one of the finest literatures in the world.” So let’s learn it well.”

One can see the essay on J. Krishnamurti is the author’s tribute to his revered sage. I cannot do better than urge readers of this review to read this tribute first before moving on to read Krishnamurti, no matter they understand him first time or not, for his words and thoughts can be as difficult, as they are rewarding.

There are fifty clusters of vignettes in this edition of the book. I say clusters advisedly. Space limitation restrains me from touching on every one of them. But I cannot conclude without adverting to two more of these.

In “A new look at love,” the writer is obviously dealing with love between persons of opposite sexes. Although a reader may wish for the chapter to have encompassed love on a wider basis, mother’s love, filial love, love for humanity, if only to hear the writer’s thoughts on them, the concluding words of the chapter, “From whatever angle you look at it, love is the most elusive of all emotions because it is many splendoured,” can only be seen as truly memorable words.

Finally, “On looking back”, the writer reflects on his “beginnings”, his childhood, his progress through life with its simple and innocent pleasures and experiences, and his gratitude to persons and institutions that had contributed to what he is today. This is a tender and touching account that will pull at the heartstrings of many who may identify with him in some form when reading his words.

The words “50 of the essays” in the preface suggests there are more out there. I would love to see them in print, in another book form, soon.

For a better understanding of life

Reviewed by Sita Kulatunga

Rupa Amarasekere has been a prolific writer both in Sinhala and English. Most of her works are children’s stories based on our own culture. However, I have reservations about using the word prolific - because there are prolific writers in this day and age, whose friends claim that they turn out a novel overnight - particularly in Sinhala.

Though prolific, Rupa is not a writer of pot-boilers. She is a serious writer who brings the insight and craftsmanship that creative writing deserves. Children’s books, Rupa’s forte demands introspection, creativity and of course a sense of social responsibility. Rupa’s children’s books envelope a wide variety of subjects that range from ‘Kompittu Idiyo’ to Galileo Galilee and Dinosaur Land. She has done a number of translations from English to Sinhala and vice versa.

Her work includes an English translation of Kusa Jathaka Kavyaya.

Rupa is a perceptive writer with insight. Her education experience and ability to come to terms with the tests of life are reflected in her work perhaps her recent prolonged illness has strengthened her to accept the wheel of samsara.

Kalabhooshana Rupa Amarasekera entered University of Peradeniya in 1956 - in the heyday of Peradeniya’s creativity when she had the good fortune of getting her work critiqued by Prof. E.R. Sarachchandra in Nirmana workshops.

Her first novel ‘Yugayaka Peraliya’ was awarded the Martin Wickramasinghe birth centenary award in 1990, and her book towards a new home was awarded the state literary award for the best children’s book in English.

The Dove that flew away (published by Sarasavi Publishers) contains ten short stories of varying length. They deal with diverse circumstances and deeply engrossing social issues; a whole gamut of national, ethnic, class and creed involvements depicted through a deceptively simple medium. They are handled with sensitivity and in a manner that makes the reader think. Sometimes complex issues are brought down to simple terms that make them all the more human for that.

In the title story the dove..., we find: “What’s your name? queried Nalini shyly from the big eyed thin girl in the long pawadai, skirt, with the flowers and red jacket.... Nalini was fascinated, when she set her eyes on her for the first time. She had just got up from her sleep in the morning, as they were lying on the same mat on the floor.

“Rajini” she replied meekly. “I’m Nalini” she smiled.

A story that I found extremely touching was ‘The Journey’. In it at the outset different groups of people travelling in a train compartment are juxtaposed - cricketers, a married couple - the narrator and her husband and the protagonist dressed in full suit and a hat (unusual for the sixties) reading the Daily News:

The short story ‘The till’ is a very short one. It deals with a war-time encounter poignantly described but what is left unsaid here is most important and revealing.

Rupa has the special gift of bringing the rural atmosphere of the bygone days to life. In the Dying Embers and in several others we find these very genuine descriptions of the Sri Lankan village. The village is not romanticized or its virtues exaggerated. The end of this story summarizes a holistic attitude to life. A stoic Buddhist acceptance of ashtalokadharma in the flux of time. Though in a simple way, she depicts an understanding of life and human nature that is comprehensive and universal which penetrates below social interaction.

Compendium of morals and concepts

Reviewed by Nimal Ranatunga

Revered traditions held in high esteem in the past are rapidly deteriorating owing to vicissitudes of diverse social changes. This had created a negative impact on the ethical and spiritual values.

The highly valued traditions of respecting and venerating the teachers, parents and the elderly are getting eroded among the youth.

Dr. Leel Gunasekara had made a sincere endeavour to arrest this sordid situation by launching his latest book “Guru Poojawa”, a special book for the youth.

He was able to accomplish this crucial task as he is a luminary with creativity, polite learning and perspicacity. He won the State Award for his popular novel “Pethsama” in 1961.

The objective of the writer is to inculcate positive attitudes in children relating to our traditionally esteemed cultural values which tend to disappear at present. This he does by citing the most dascinating instances in lives of a few distinguished and eminent personalities of the recent past.

These great personages are the most Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, Most Ven. Ratmalana Dhammarama Nayaka Thera, Sir D.B. Jayathilaka, Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara - father of free Education, Professor G.P. Malalasekara, Pandit Sri Devarakshitha of Batuwanthudawe, P. De S. Kularatna former Principal of Ananda College Colombo, Syril Janz ex-principal of St. John’s College, Panadura and Terrance S. De Silva of Kolonnawa.

The author emphatically stresses the fact that these personages of high repute deserve the pioneer adoration and respect. They are recognised as eminent teachers and mentors who have served the country extremely well.

Dr. Gunasekara has apparently deviated from the usual pattern of his writing and had adopted a new creative style in keeping with the seriousness necessary. This is due to the fact that “Guru Poojawa” enlightens and educates our younger generation on the importance of respecting and being grateful to great teachers of our time.

The language which has enriched the book has captured the mind and the heart of the child as it is clear, attractive and simple. The diction is lucid and readable; the technique elegant and creative. At certain points the language also bears the semblance of the day to day parlance of the children.

One exceptional feature of his book is that it is a collection of delightful pictures to illustrate the author’s ideas and concepts. This has won the admiration of the children. When they see these pictures spontaneously a propensity is emerged in the child to read the contents of the book.

The child becomes curious to know the accomplishments of these great personalities. Finally the child becomes extremely ambitious and aspires to emulate them and to engage in such noble and incomparable deeds when he enters society as an adult.

The book exerts a strong influence on the child while the author inspires younger generation to follow the worthy examples set by great personages. The book is an eye opener to parents and teachers.

This book is a compendium of morals and concepts that could mould the life of the younger generation.

The book is important to the reader from the perspective of creative fulfilment which paves the way for inter-generational co-operation. Guru Pooja is an important contribution to decent social well-being.

The writer is Director - Education Dept. Help Age Sri Lanka.

“Asirimath Bana Katha - 4”

Somaratne Banneheka’s latest Buddhist book “Asirimath Bana Katha - 4” will be launched at Dayawansa Jayakody Book Exhibition Hall, Ven. S. Mahinda Mawatha, Colombo 10 on March 9 at 10 a.m..

Banneheka is the author of “Asirimath Bana Katha - 1, Asirimath Bana Katha - 2 and Asirimath Bana Katha - 3”.

“Asirimath Bana Katha - 4” is a Dayawansa Jayakody publication.