Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi 2011:

Focus on disciplined religious life

by Rupa BANDUWARDENA

Sakyamuni Siddhartha Gautama Buddha was gifted to the universe to bless the humanity. Out of boundless compassion for the suffering humanity he became the Buddha to lead the countless humans into Bliss. With His overwhelming loving kindness, self-sacrifice and the culture of the mind He did discover the truth of life, experienced the joy of Vimukthi and gifted it to the world. A major part of the global population was delighted to accept the spiritual bliss the humanity had even known.

Avukana Buddha statue

His unique contribution, the supreme Dhamma was common to the Buddhist world and it became a guiding light to humanity. This widely accepted doctrine spread far and wide lasting beyond 2500 years. Even though more than two and half centuries have passed since the birth of the Buddha, His noble teachings, the doctrine of dhamma is held in high esteem and it continues to flourish with deep reverence from his followers. It is most welcome news to find that Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi celebrations will be held on a grand scale in our Dharmadweepa.

Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Mandiraya

The 2600 anniversary will be observed on May 2011 and it is going to be marked by a series of events held throughout the island. The most prominent in the field of construction is the Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Mandiraya - The Buddhist Information Centre initiated by Ven Kirama Wimaljothi Thera, the Director of the Buddhist Cultural Centre, Dehiwala. This has been planned to a Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi memorial to mark the anniversary with the aim of preserving Theravada doctrine in its pristine purity as Sri Lanka to date takes great pride in being able to uphold Theravada Buddhism in its purest form with success. Having donated the land and laying the foundation stone by the President it is coming up in the vicinity of Tunmulla Junction, to be opened on Vesak Full Moon Poyaday this year. The other services rendered by this noble institution will be dealt with later.

World’s tallest stone Buddha Statue

The other project implemented to coincide with the 2600 Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi is the construction of the tallest stone Buddhist statue at Selgiri temple, Kuliyapitiya, Udubaddawa, used as a place of retreat by ancient kings of Kotte period, under the patronage of the Prime Minister. The standing Buddha statue is said to be 65 feet in height after completion. The other one of similar height (67 ft) is the seated statue found in Rambodagalla, Kurunegala. This noble task was begun on September last year. At no time in the history of the island was there a standing stone statue of this magnitude. This will be a great gift highlighting the importance of the B.J. to the Buddhist world. ‘Namami Buddhang gunasagaranthang’ is the most fitting tribute to this sacred event.It is no secret that Sri Lanka enjoys a long-standing friendship with her neighbour since the days of Thathagatha. India which ranks first in helping Sri Lanka on every occasion and also being a country having a global reputation for architecture and sculpture, has agreed to come forward with her expertise to perform the above noble task during the State visit of the Sri Lankan President to India. The proposed Buddha statue in the Saranath style from the Gupta period is to be installed at the entrance of the International Buddhist Museum Complex, at Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy to commemorate Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi.

The statue in the Dharmachakrapravartana mudra is to be carved out of beige coloured chunar sandstone.

All Buddhist organisations, social groups islandwide engage themselves in religious activities in the name of the Buddha, promoting human well-being and moral stability. Now going back to the service rendered by the Buddhist Cultural Centre and the intended Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Mandira-it has been carrying out various programmes. The establishment of a Dhamma library with publications of the highest order and making it available to the present generation is one of the noble tasks performed.

The encouragement provided in popularising the reading habit, specially the teachings of the Buddha acquires greater Dhamma knowledge is the greatest service to be appreciated. Publication of books for Dhamma schools training programmes for newly ordained monks for Bhikkhunis and Dasasil mathas reflect the deep concern and dedication to promote dhamma.

Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi celebrations will usher in a variety of religious activities, towards non humans too. Call for new welfare laws to mark 2600th Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi by animal rights activists - a massive force trying to protect animals from the cruelty of humans deserve great admiration. The petition submitted to the President states that Sri Lanka needs to ensure that those who abuse and illtreat animals are severely charged with an offence which befits the crime”. They seek statutory protection for animals and they wish that to be enshrined in the Constitution of Sri Lanka. The signing of the petition initiated by the Dhamma Vijaya Foundation was begun on September 17 to coincide with the birthday of Anagarika Dharmapala, the great hero who should also be revered and honoured on the eve of this great occasion. Consumption of meat and liquor will be discouraged wherever possible.

Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi will unify the masses into a disciplined way of life emphasising the oneness of Buddhist society throughout the world “As the day approaches all our celebrations in the name of the Buddha’s greatness and compassion should aim at promoting world peace, human well-being and equality of life”.

So says the President from world Buddhist Sangha Council Most Ven. Liao Chung in his last Vesak message. Not only Asia but also European countries too are making arrangements to commemorate the occasion. Sri Lankan Sangha Sabha in the U.K. held a series of meetings in 2010 at Letchworth on June 17, at London Buddhist Vihara on July 28 and October 13 agreeing to host a special celebration to mark the 2600th Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi in 2011 in London.

It was proposed by Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Sangha Nayaka Thera, chief prelate of the U.K. Similar meetings were held in U.S. Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland etc.

This is the outcome of passing over the world of Buddha to the other parts of the world. The bliss of discipline - this is going to be the greatest contribution from Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi to this paradise isle - the Dharmadweepa. This is going to pave the path for a highly disciplined society.

This meaningful phrase is being circulated and exhibited throughout the island demanding its correct application, in keeping with its true meaning. Many believe that the essence of Buddhism is embodied in the whole event and it will be very valuable and useful in day-to-day life.

It gives an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the true meaning of Dhamma and live accordingly distancing ourselves from Dhamma is the root course of the present day ills. Therefore a disciplined life with more emphasis on practice of the principles of Buddhism is of dire necessity.

Giving preference and prominence to disciplined religious life will herald in a new era of righteous living. This should be well observed to ensure the success of the Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi which is a strong invitation to all Buddhists to do their part well. If everyone makes his or her selfless contribution to this noble task, they are helping immensely in doing Sri Lanka proud in the eyes of the Buddhist world.