Portrayal of artistic legacy, spirit and pattern of exciting milieu

Reviewed by Ranga Chandrarathne

Marked for clarity of expression and easy-to-read style, the novel explores the fascinating facet of history in which the rock fortress Sigiriya was built. It was also the time of chaos and confusion amidst change of governance. It was also an era dominated by conspiracies, patricide and power politics.

The author has maintained an impressive syntax and contextual clarity which textures the plot into its diverse territories. Within the narration, intersection of contemporary language and the language of Kassapa's era can be found in dialogues of Arjuna with king Kassapa and characters peopled that era. But this has not harmed the communication of Arjuna with others. Author skillfully addresses the collective consciousness referring to Uththara in the previous existence similar to Subhani. In a subtle manner, the sub-conscious of characters including those of Arjuna, Subhani have been explored. The novel may subject to many readings from diverse perspectives.

Dutimi Nethin Kasup Nirind Author: Rupa Sriyani Ekanayake Sooriya Publication

In terms of language, the author through her novel and innovative usages has contributed to the enrichment of contemporary Sinhalese idiom.

Set against that period of history in which king Kassapa built the citadel of Sigiriya, the book explores the artistic aspects of king Kassapa who is described as patricide. The narrator of the story is young and enthusiastic archaeologist Arjuna who is obsessed with rock fortress Sigiriya and unique artistic legacy of king Kassapa.

Dutimi Nethin Kasup Nirind( I saw king Kassapa), the latest novel by Rupa Sriyani Ekanayake offers a literary expedition into the Kassapa's era. Although it is a historical novel, it vividly depicts the life in Kassapa's era with minutest details.

While working on a project on Sigiriya, Arjuna meets a visiting Indian Professor Vinod who has been researching on time travel. By accident, Arjuna goes back to Kassapa's era and witnesses the history unfolding before his eyes. Although he intends to alter the course of the history, he miserably fails and becomes a passive witness to unfolding events. The novel ends with Arjuna's return to the present. The author skillfully recreates Kassapa's era with a convincing account of life in the era. The author is at best in descriptions of Sigiriya. "Uththara and I stayed in the veranda of a small building which was more beautiful than the palace.

The room was built like a replica of a small palace that was extremely beautiful. The walls of it shone brightly as if golden dust had sprayed on them. A wooden parapet wall with intricate carvings was fixed around the room. The veranda too was spread around the room so as to enjoy the breathtaking view of crystal clear water in the ponds while walking through it. The reddish wooden pillars held its roof. Around the roof ran a lotus pattern in wood carving. The garlands of flowers came down from the carved wooden beams in the roof of the veranda. Those garlands were made by the concubines in the harem to welcome the king on being heard that king would come for aquatic sports. Uththara looked around to enjoy the beauty of the room…" (Page 303)

Research into the Kassapa's period

From the elaborate passages on the events in the history of Sri Lanka in general and on king Kassapa's era, it is obvious that the author has done extensive research on the life and times of king Kassapa and his citadel of Sigiriya. According to the history king Kassapa built the rock fortress in the period of 477-495 AD.

The Mahavamsa says that king Kassapa killed his father, king Dhatusena, by walling him alive over the throne which rightfully belonged to his brother Moggallana. Moggallana fled to India and returned later with a mercenary army. One school of thinking is that Kassapa built the rock fortress to defend himself from possible invasion by Moggallana. It was said in the battle, the army deserted king Kassapa and he committed suicide. Moggallana who took the throne made once again Anuradhapura the capital converting Sigiriya into a monastery.

The novel covers the period in which king Kassapa built the Sigiriya and his reign until the invasion of Moggallana. The author has used first person narrative to describe the journey into the past and to portray the character of king Kassapa as a sensitive art lover who enjoyed his life with his concubines in the citadel of Sigiriya. The novel also touches on the peripheral themes such as reincarnation and eternal bondage in young couple. The book is noted for its rich language and the use of contemporary Sinhalese idiom. The author has adapted Sinhala language of Kassapa's era to convey a sense of the period.

A historical novel

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, a Historical novel is, " a novel that has as its setting a period of history and that attempts to convey the spirit, manners, and social conditions of a past age with realistic detail and fidelity (which is in some cases only apparent fidelity) to historical fact.

The work may deal with actual historical personages...or it may contain a mixture of fictional and historical characters."

The novel not only is based on a historical person but also attempts to convey the spirit, manners and social conditions prevalent in Kassapa's era. Although the genre of historical novel is not uncommon in Sinhalese fiction, very few authors ventured into this genre owing its complexities and challenges.

The author's device of Time Machines though not a common concept in Sinhalese fiction, has served the purpose of exploring the Kassapa's era in an innovative manner. It seems that the author has exercised care in not allowing the scientific aspects to take precedence over the aesthetic aspects of the plot.

The author has purposefully introduced the Buddhist concept of rebirth in order to establish a strong bond between the couple. In a way, it has added spiritual elements to the story. The Buddhist monk who appeared in both Kassap's era and in the present era functions as a conduit of convincing the reader.

The inclusion of the Time Machine seems to be out of touch with the sequence of the events although it may not be completely alien to Sinhalese readership. For instance, if the author has used meditation as a means to visit the past, it could have been a more convincing method. The structure of the novel is not so impressive. It is one of the weaknesses otherwise it would have been more impressive.

The monk advises Arjuna to give up his futile attempts to change the course of history reaffirming the Buddhist belief of Kamma (cause and effect).

The ending of the book is dramatic and inconclusive leaving the reader to decide on whether Arjuna has really travelled into the past or Prof. Vinod hypnotised him or the entire journey into the past is a pigment of his imagination. The novel offers a rare insight into the artistic aspects of the legendary king Kassapa and 'spirit, manners and social conditions 'of the era.

Focus on Buddhist communication methods

Reviewed by R. S. Karunaratne

The Buddha was one of the great religious leaders who understood the value of mass communication methods to propagate His doctrine. One of the basic principles of mass communication is that the communicator should know what he is going to communicate. Secondly, he should know his target audience. Thirdly, he should know the method of communication. Fourthly, he should be aware of possible feedback from the audience. Finally, the communicator will have to realise the impact of his communication.

"Budunvahansege Deshanakrama Ashritha Janasannivedana Vidhi" Author: Daya Siriwardane A Godage publication

Daya Siriwardane in this book has explained the Buddha's communication methods and compared them with mass communication principles. To do this effectively he has sought the help of definitions used in mass communication and their relevance to the Buddha's methods. Accordingly, he has come to the conclusion that the Buddha's communication methods were more effective than modern communication methods. The ultimate aim of the Buddha's communication was to enlighten the audience. This is going beyond the information oriented methods used in modern mass communication.

The Buddha had the advantage of reading the mind of His listeners. A modern communicator is not gifted with this faculty. As a result, the Buddha's communication was tailored to the needs of each individual. For instance, He knew whether a particular person was in the correct frame of mind to understand his doctrine. If the listener was hungry, he had to be given food before delivering a Dhamma Deshana. On the contrary, modern communicators do not know whether their listeners are in a suitable position to understand the message.

Except on rare occasions, the Buddha addressed mass audiences. His message was for the benefit of the majority of listeners.

What is important to note is that His message is timeless. It is valid for any time in the past, present or future. He also knew that the message should be delivered in a methodical manner. He was assisted in this task by erudite members of the Maha Sangha.

The Enlightened One used many stories to explain his message. Even modern communicators resort to this method to drive home an important point. The Buddha also had tremendous energy to speak without fear of favour.

The Buddha knew four types of people who came to listen to Him. Firstly, there were people who could understand anything very quickly. However, they failed to grasp the significance of the communication. Secondly, there were people who had the ability to solve problems but they failed to understand the reasons. Thirdly, there were those who could express themselves clearly. Unfortunately, they did not realise the significance of the message. Fourthly, there were people who did not understand what they listened to. They also could not explain what they had learned.

Daya Siriwardane's book, although small in size, opens up new frontiers for those who follow mass communication courses and others who are interested in Buddhism.

Story for pleasant reading

Reviewed by Rev. Fr. Joe de Mel

This is a short story. The author uses the names of Biblical personages including Jesus of Nazareth for the characters in his story. Yet, he is keen at the outset to make known to his readers, that he is not taking into account "the divinity ascribed to Jesus on which is based the entirety of the Christian religion." However, the book takes for granted the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus. Futher he tells the reader that in fiction vivid pen portraits of the characters are given but in the Bible "the World's No. 1 best seller" no such portraits are given. In the story the author creates such portraits, as the story itself totally from imagination. Readers especially Christian readers should thus not quarrel with him that he is not true to the Bible. It may be queried what value is there in such historical fiction? The value has to be determined not from a religious point of view but from a literary point of view.

Ecce Homo Author: John Weerasinge

Jesus is presented as a physically strong human being with a beatific smile whose personality has a soul stirring effect on those who encountered him, including the chief character in the story Claudia, the wife of Pontius Pilate the Roman Governor of Judea who condemned Jesus unjustly against his better judgement.

The title of the book is a statement made by Pilate during the trial of Jesus as recorded in the Bible, "Behold the Man".

Claudia is presented as an independent strong willed women with a mind of her own; having the mentality of a modern day empiricist. She is not satisfied by the hearsay news circulating about the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus.

She sets out to investigate matters for herself. She is one who is deeply impressed by Jesus but before she can reach a final conclusion about Jesus her own world collapses and brings an unexpected end to the story.

The author in the last paragraph of the Foreword states "the queries raised by Claudia create riddles about the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, riddles which are baffling and which even his followers find difficult to answer. Perhaps no one is expected to answer them!" I quote Fransz Werfel in his book "Song of Bernadette" as being apposite by way of comment. "To those who have the Faith no explanation is necessary. To those who do not have the Faith no explanation is possible.".

The story is well written. It moves smoothly and quickly. It engages the interest of the reader and holds it. There is a certain purity and simplicity of style that puts the reader in contact with the characters and scenes described, which makes for pleasant reading.

Monument to a great king

Reviewed Daisy Abey

Having lived in England for half a century, reading P.G. Punchihewa's new book 'Mahasenapathi Dutugemunu Rajatuma' made me feel nostalgic. We live today with tomorrow to come but the past stays with us. This book is a fine piece of scholarship and a fascinating narrative. This story is a segment of the ancient history of Sri Lanka over 2000 years ago about King Dutugemunu, who was also the Commander in Chief with wide experience and knowledge of war and peace.

"Maha Senapathi Dutugemunu Rajatuma" Author: Dr. P.G. Punchihewa A Sarasavi publication

This was the age when elephants, horses, bows and arrows, spears and shields were the weaponry of strong men on foot in field combat. The author describes in great detail the many years of preparation for the battle of Vijithapura, developing rice cultivation for food, clearing, re-constructing and strengthening the road to Anuradhapura wide enough to take his vast army. Throughout his long term plan to fight the invader to establish a united state and protect Buddhism, the king had enormous support from his mother Viharamaha Devi and from the Maha Sangha. His father, King Kavantissa, had laid the foundation for his powerful personality. This was not a narcissistic power-seeking war. As a 12 year old child Dutugemunu had a passionate desire to save Buddhism, a path along which his parents strongly encouraged him. He decided to fulfil his plan by commencing combat against an equally powerful force and he succeeded in defeating the Tamil king Elara, who ruled for 44 years. It is said that both the Tamil King Elara and Sinhala King Dutugemunu were rational, kind, strong and popular.

Punchihewa's account of King Dutugemunu's fight with opposing force provides an amazing documentary, enriched by historical detail and the author stresses his moral qualities, his immense respect for the dead King Elara, whom he defeated in single combat, the funeral arrangements he made and the monument he built. This was a rare event in the world history and until Punchihewa's book it has never received such in depth treatment. The singular tale of the strong, powerful and loyal elephant Kandula, who destroyed the iron doors of the enemy fortress, is exciting. After the war ended the king began to build a series of massive religious monuments.

The Ruvanweli Dagaba still remains and stands mejstically in the backdrop of multicoloured evening clouds of the Anuradhapura sky and is respected and worshipped daily by thousands of pilgrims. King Dutugemunu's reign lasted 24 years; after his success in battle he devoted his life to the protection of Buddhism. Although his life and his disposition were extraordinary he was, as an individual, very humble and ready to work in rice fields alongside the peasants, helping to build tanks and watercourses for irrigation and cultivation. According to legendary tales and inscriptions he married a beautiful woman from the Kothmale area while he was living incognito there.

The author has researched his sources in detail and the bibliography is exhaustive. Every source has been tapped and the result is that one of the most interesting ancient monarchs of Sri Lankan history has a biography in which his life and achievements are set out.

The book is a monument to a great king, a historic tour-de-force which adds a pertinent and timely contribution to education. The quality of the language is simple and lucid and at a time when national unity needs to be re-established this publication is apposite. A translation of this book into English would be greatly appreciated particularly by the Sri Lankan expatriates.

The writer was born in Sri Lanka and now lives in England. She is a bilingual poet in English and Sinhala. Her novel "Like the Wind" first published by Sixties Press U.K. and then by Vijitha Publications was placed among the first ten of the Sorelines 2001 Competition. Her other works include "Sharp Edge" and Under Any Sky", two books of poetry)

New arrivals

'Vivaha Vanne Ei'?

A Sinhala book entitled 'Vivaha Vanne Ei?, written by K.D.C. Perera was launched recently.

When compared with the days gone by, today we see an increase in the number of marriage failure, and this is happening with in the first few years of life.

Women who fail in separation spend a miserable life thereafter. The main reason for such failures is the inability to find the most suitable partner.

Failure at this point leads to a series of other problem right throughout life.

Some of the topics found in this book are: Is love marriage preferable to a proposed one?

Is your first love a sleeping volcano?

How to cope with your mother-in-law?

How to avoid children being born with birth defects? Is the absence of Virginity (sometimes at birth) a social disgrace?

How does conception take place? The book has 23 such interesting topics.

The author has served the Health Dept. both as a Health Education officer as well as a Senior Lecturer in Public Health.

"Bana Katha Saha Janakatha"

Ven. Kurunegoda Piyathissa Thera's latest book on Buddhism entitled "Banakatha Saha Janakatha" will be launched at the New York Buddhist Vihara, United States of America on September 2 at 10 a.m.

The book will also be available for sale at Dayawansa Jayakody Bookshop, Ven. S. Mahinda Mawatha, Colombo 10 on the same day.

"Appuva Rajawu Heti"

Prof. Dileep Chandralal's "Appuva Rajawu Heti" will be launched at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute Auditorium, Independence Avenue, Colombo 7 on September 6 at 3 pm.

The book is published in Japanese, English and Sinhala.

"Kalayata Amathakavu Deshaya"

Ananda Sellahewa's "Kalayata Amathakavu Deshaya" is the authentic Sinhala translation of Edgar Rice Burrow's popular novel "The Land that Time Forgot".

This is a Sooriya publication.