New Sanghavasa for Pinwatta Temple, Dehiwala

by Rupa BANDUWARDENA

The Buddha, the Thathagatha the perfect one, the world teacher "Saththa Devamanussanang", all wise, all compassionate supreme one appeared in this world for the good of humanity.

His message was to the entire humanity. The supreme objects of Buddhist worship, reverence and devotion are the three refuges, also called the three jewels, Thrivida Ratna the Triple Gem 1. Buddha the intellectual genius 2.

Dhamma his teachings, the Doctrine 3. Sangha the community of monks to spread the doctrine.

They lead a religious life after attaining sainthood and are responsible for preserving the doctrine and propagating the Dhamma. A true Buddhist should offer their salutations to the Triple Gem. Since the subject here is about Sangha Stanza meant for the above is, Supatipanno Bhagavato ..... (known to every Buddhist).

The desciples of the Blessed One

Of good conduct is the Sangha

Of upright conduct is the Sangha

Of wise conduct is the Sangha

Of dutiful conduct is the Sangha

And they are worthy of offerings

Is worthy of hospitality

Is worthy of gifts

Is worthy of reverential salutation.

This stanza recorded in the Buddhist scripture clearly shows how the Sangha should be venerated, respected and revered and paid homage to, in the name of the religion. This is clear testimony to the importance attached to the offering of the sacred SANGHAVASA to the grateful Sangha of Pinwatta temple.

Pinwatta Purana Viharaya - Dehiwala

Branching off from the Colombo, Galle, Highway a few yards away from the Dehiwala Municipality located in a central position in Dehiwala is the Pinwatta Purana Viharaya. This Pinwatta "Pinbima" as the name suggests is a well known temple rich in tradition making a valuable contribution to the people in and around Dehiwala. Buddhists in particular. It offers true meaning to the word "merit" unique in itself, maintains a pre-eminent place as a sacred spot.

Within its premises it has a multitude of buildings with the ancient viharaya in the centre. As you enter through the solidly constructed arch entrance, on your right is the Dharmasalawa the foundation of which was laid by the late Ven. Kuruwita Padumasiri Thera whose efforts were backed by the Most, Ven. Walhaputenne Nandasumana the present Nayaka Thera serving Ananda College, Colombo.

He went ahead with the completion of the building replete with a well ventilated spacious hall for the comfort of the devotees in their monthly Sil campaigns and other religious events. He did not stop at this. His next attempt was the construction of the Sanghawasa.

Newly constructed Sanghavasa

A few yards away from the Dharmasalawa is the great edifice, the newly built Sanghavasa - a remarkable achievement in the forward march in religious sphere.

Devout Buddhists rose to the occasion gave financial assistance to the Nayaka Thera to carry out this great mission. With the donations from philanthropists of the area, members of the Dayaka Sabha and well-wishers he was gloriously successful in the construction of this honoured place for the Sangha.

This is the most recent addition to the temple, replacing the old one built for a worthy purpose, as a residence for the bhikkhus who always focus their dedicated attention to the religious welfare of the people.

The historic temple also plays a vital role in making a tremendous contribution on our religious education today as an urgent need of the day. The temple is of special significance as an ideal Dhamma Vidyalaya attracting the parents as a place for their offspring to be the correct citizen with excellent discipline. One can ensure that the future generation who come under the influence of the Sangha here will respect religious values and human dignity.

Opening ceremony of the Sanghavasa

This was certainly a proud moment and a landmark in the history of the temple. This solid piece of work was opened by Ven. Professor Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera, the Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayawardenapura, on May 1, 2010. The function that followed commenced with the welcome speech given by Ven. Nandasumana Thera, expressing his happiness over his desire to invite him to be present. He also gave a detailed account of the services rendered by various personalities to make the noble task a reality. The world renowned Most Ven. Professor Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera in his sermon made a sincere effort to convey the importance of this event focusing his attention on the speedy development of the temple. The recent progress and the development of the vicinity he attributed to the founding of the temple by the late Ven. Upananda Thera and his faithful pupils Late Kahathuduwe Hemasiri and Kuruwita Padumasiri Theras. He recollected the days gone by, the time he visited the temple during his childhood.

Ven. Diviyagaha Yasassi Thera, an erudite scholar on Buddhism in his eloquent speech, said that going away from the Dhamma is the root cause of the present day ills giving examples of misdeeds in the present day society and not to get deceived by them. The Principal of Ananda College, Colombo addressing the gathering made special mention of Ven. Nandasumana Thera for the effort visible in the premises of the temple and also his unending hard work at Ananda College in organising Buddhist activities. A retired senior officer of the Administrative Service Amara Hewa Madduma also spoke on the value of Dhamma education. The solidly constructed two- storeyed Sanghavasa, stands as a silent monument to the dedicated Sangha.