Reflections on Sambuddhathva Jayanthi

Over 300 million followers of Buddhism spread throughout the world are a fortunate lot to be living today to celebrate the 2600th anniversary of their religion. Almost all Buddhist countries are making elaborate arrangements to celebrate the event on the forthcoming Vesak Full Moon Poya Day. In fact, the whole year has been dedicated to celebrate the Sambuddhathva Jayanthi, a unique event on the Buddhist calendar.

The Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs Ministry has launched a CD containing Bhakthi Gee or devotional songs sung by maestro W. D. Amaradeva, Prof. Sanath Nandasiri, Nanda Malini, Victor Ratnayake, Sunil Edirisinghe, Edward Jayakody, Lakshman Wijesekara, Ananda Weerasiri, Dayan Vitharana, Janaka Wickremasinghe, Krishantha Erandana, Deepika Priyadarshani, Pradeepa Dharmadasa, Charitha Priyadarshani and Athula Adikari.

The Ministry should be commended for clearing a long-standing dispute over the Dharma Cakra. Both bhikkhus and laymen have been debating over the shape of the Dharma Cakra for a long time. Even some of the Government departments and temple authorities had been using two Dharma Cakras of different shapes. What is accepted as the authentic Dharma Cakra is not an old symbol common in Buddhist iconography. The wrong symbol had been used in school textbooks, Buddhist publications and flags for well over 50 years. This symbol was rejected by the Most Venerable Madihe Pannaseeha Thera of Vajirarama. He called it a Sukkanama (a ship's steering wheel).

Dharma Cakra

However, some Buddhist authorities seem to have ignored his views by using the wrong Dharma Cakra in books, newspapers and flags.

The authentic Dharma Cakra, as the Ministry has correctly pointed out, should be in the shape of a wheel with 24 spokes, each resembling a Bodhi Pakshika Dharma. At least now, all Buddhists should pay special attention to this important symbol of their religion. By using a ship's steering wheel as the Dharma Cakra, we have done a great injustice to the Dhamma preached by Gauthama Buddha who still remains the greatest spiritual leader for 300 million Buddhists.

As we are on the threshold of a great event in the Buddhist calendar, all efforts should be made to inculcate Buddhist values in the young minds. Although there are various sects of Buddhism, the Buddha's teachings remain the same. Whether you live in Sri Lanka, Myanmar or the United States of America, the Dhamma or the truth does not change.

Prince Siddhartha who was born into a royal family in Nepal in 563 BC gave up all luxuries and became a seeker of the truth. Having explored different types of teachings, he realised that the middle path was the best way to follow. After attaining Enlightenment, the Buddha began to spread His Dhamma in ancient India. As a great religious leader, eminent philosopher and psychologist He became the Light of Asia.

Belief system

Apart from being a philosophy, Buddhsim is also a belief system which is tolerant of opposing views. The moral teachings of the Buddha help anyone to lead a happy and contented life. Buddhism also promotes wisdom because the Buddha never wanted His followers to accept His views without questioning.

While the modern world is falling apart with dissenting views, acts of terrorism, wars and greed, the Buddha preached non-violence and compassion. At the time of His birth, the world was a better place to live in but the Great Master would have foreseen the future miseries people would have to face. Therefore, what the Buddha taught remains timeless. Almost all our problems can be solved if we apply the Buddhist principles meaningfully. In addition, modern man undergoes many psychological problems. Stress has become a killer disease. However, the Buddha has taught that solutions to our problems can be found within ourselves, not outside. Even modern philosophers support this view.

The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, known to all Buddhists, remain the firm foundation of Buddhism. The Great Teacher wanted people to understand His Dhamma and follow the Middle Path to lead a happy life. Buddhism also helps us understand others and ourselves.

Most of the problems in life arise because we do not know who we are. While celebrating Sambuddhathva Jayanthi on a grand scale, let us also cleanse our spiritual life by applying Buddhist principles. That is the greatest service we can render to humanity.