Sal Mala Pin Mala is the title of the latest book by renowned children’s author Samanmalie Padmakumara. Although targeted at children, adults too will enjoy reading this well written book. The book was launched amidst a large gathering at the International Buddhist Centre in Wellawatte in time for the Vesak celebrations.

The Sal tree as well as the beautiful Sal flower have a unique place in Buddhist history, perhaps second only to the sacred Bo Tree, under which the Buddha attained Enlightenment. It was in a beautiful Sal garden in Lumbini at the foothills of the Himalayas, in present day Nepal, that the Buddha was born.

Maha Maya Devi wanted to rest awhile in the beautiful Sal garden on her way to Devadaha Nuwara and gave birth to Prince Siddhartha, the future Buddha, under a Sal tree more than 2,500 years ago.

Thus the Sal tree is enshrined in Buddhist history and literature. Sal Mala Pin Mala is a book that succeeds in bringing this story to children in an unforgettable way.

The Buddha had a very close connection with the environment, flora and fauna. In fact, He paid homage through the Animisa Lochana Pooja to the Bo Tree that gave Him shelter and helped Him attain Enlightenment.

This is the other message that Sal Mala Pin Mala conveys to our children - that we should respect flowers and trees and the whole environment. And what better way to get this message across than through a timeless story from the rich annals of Buddhism ?

At a time when children are over-burdened with studies and exposed to violence and crude language on television, it is refreshing to come across a book like this which attempts to take them closer to moral values espoused by the Buddha.

The book will inspire them and develop their curiosity to learn more about various events in the Buddha’s life and about Buddhism itself.

The very title of the book suggests that children should do good deeds (Pin), just like the Sal Mala. After all, the Sal flower is innocent, just like children; it is beautiful, just like children; it is fragrant, just like children.

The book is reasonably priced, so that parents from all strata of society will be able to afford it for their children. Though essentially on a Buddhist subject, the book will appeal to children from all religious backgrounds as it teaches values that are universal. All children should be encouraged to read Sal Mala Pin Mala, which will help mould their character.

Sal Mala Pin Mala is the latest in a series of books aimed at children written by Samanmalie Padmakumara. The author must be commended for devoting her time to write valuable books of this nature when most others have veered away from compiling children’s books, especially those on religion.

We hope the author writes more books on similar subjects for children (and adults) to fill that gap. Sal Mala Pin Mala is heartily recommended for children of all ages.

- P de S