Reflections on Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi

by Rupa BANDUWARDENA

Sakyamuni Siddhartha Gauthama through his pure intellect saw the root cause of suffering and found a solution to the sorrows of mankind. With his universal gift the truth of life he guided the humanity to achieve emancipation from sansaric ills, liberation from evil and sorrow and reach the ultimate goal- the path of Nibbana.

He advocated and rediated love and compassion towards all beings and his greatest wish was their well-being and happiness in their upward path to Nibbana. This is well explained in his message of Dhamma. He travelled the length and breadth of India.

Needless to say that it was readily accepted by the people and on account of its lasting value it lasts to this day. Hence the magnanimous event the Sri Sambuddhatwa Jayanthi 2600th anniversary since the Enlightenment of Sakyamuni Gauthama Buddha.

The greatest bliss

Entangled in the sanctity and serenity of Thathagatha’s spiritual and philosophical glory the Buddhist world and, our Dharmadweepa in particular, the first paradise isle to preserve Buddhism in the globe was celebrating the Sambuddhatwa Jayanthi on a grand scale in grand fashion and grand style, in serene surroundings. There was great enthusiasm, interest and awareness and deep honour about the significance of the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi.

The idea behind was to highlight the importance of the universal message of the Buddha. This was the greatest excitement in Buddhist lives. This was officially inaugurated in Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises in Anuradhapura under the patronage of the President. He opened the monument erected there to mark the sacred event. A road was named to uphold the occasion, not only in the sacred city but in Colombo too. He declared the Sambuddhathva Jayanthi year from May 17 to Vesak Full Moon day in 2012.

The Presidential committee had requested all Buddhist temples countrywide to signify the dawn of Sambuddhathva Jayanthi on May 17 by ringing temple bells, all Buddhists to observe Pansil and to hoist Buddhist flags in every residence. Sil campaigns were among religious activities meant to upgrade the spirituality. The devotees from President downwards were observing Ata Sil in all the temples and also in schools countrywide encouraging students convincing them of its true significance. The most amazing was that in certain places 2600 youth participated in Sil campaigns sponsored by various institutions in the city. To name a few-Tangalle NYSC, Maharagama Thapovanaya and many other places.

Glittering illuminations

Certain areas had been declared Vesak zones decorated and illuminated with colourful lights Buddhist flags Vesak lanterns and paper decorations. Colombo city had 18 special Vesak zones out of which Amadahara, Ganganamaya and Sambuddhaloka Vesak zones resembled heaven on earth to the Vesak sightseers. Millions of flickering tiny lights bulbs lighted up the tall high-rises in the city. This was a most glittering occasion illuminating Colombo and other cities and villages. The activities of the Vesak zones included Vesak decorations, Bakthi Gee recitals, competitions for best Vesak lanterns, puppet shows and illuminations. Many institutions in cities celebrated the event in customany tradition. Large crowds of staff, employees, family members participated with devotion and enthusiasm. In the North and East devotees representing all nationalist had participated in the celebrations under the “Nena Guna Weduma” programs.

Sambuddhatwa Jayanthi also brought the most glittering and amazing Vesak lanterns and pandals never seen before.

The true meaning of the Thrice Blessed Day was well reflected in the wonderful pandals erected throughout the cities islandwide. Certain pandals are said to be kept for a long time for public viewing. For example, the one at Dehiowita was meant for six months. Youth societies and other organisations had put up pandals in many areas.

Festive spirit

Traditional peraheras roamed the streets with tuskers and other usual paraphanalia. Many temples organised such processions. Pirith chanting had been given a prominent place. Decorated vans were going round certain areas chanting pirith and immersing pirith pan. The most amazing was that in trains too, the regular travellers had organised pirith chanting to bless the commuters. Special buses for Vesak was operating round the clock for the convenience of the people coming to Colombo and other main cities. Buddhist exhibitions organised jointly by the Archaeology and National Museums were held in Colombo.

An exposition of Sacred Buddha relics and also relics of Arahants Seevali and Ananda were held in many temples. The most sacred Hair Relics brought from Bangladesh by the President on his visit there were sent to many areas in the island. A special exposition of the sacred Aku Dathu (collar bone) of the Buddha brought from Pakistan held at Maligakanda Vidyodaya Pirivena was another event of great importance. The sacred relics brought from Ghandara too were displayed by the Ministry. At the State Vesak ceremony the official song was played while releasing four commemorative stamps depicting Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Isipatana and Kusinara the most sacred and significant places of the Buddha’s life. Also a CD of Buddhist religious songs was issued to mark the occasion.

The main Vesak Poya day sermon was held at Temple Trees followed by the Buddhist centres throughout the country. Upasampada (ordination) ceremonies too were held. Dansalas depicting generosity which is giving more than you can most often, collectively, a common feature during this era not mentioned yet, were in full swing for Sambuddhatwa Jayanthi.

A large number of Dansalas with various food items ranging from rice, fruits, drinks (cool) ice-cream and many more were providing a massive social service to passers-by and Vesak sightseers. Quality food with loud music in decorated stalls were the attractive features. In certain areas bhikkus visited every residence, conducted religious ceremonies and gifted Buddha statues with overflowing Shraddha. Samaneras, visiting homes on ‘Pindapatha’ in a row in yellow robes with their serene walk was yet another soothing event to watch. Security forces, Army personnel, Air Force camps and police were conducting numerous programs to coincide with the great event. There were blood donation campaigns organised by the Police Department.

Compassion to all beings

Needless to say the concept of love and compassion which had been readily accepted by Lankans for centuries was observed by them with enthusiasm. Prisoners over 75 years, those on good conduct and others serving short prison terms for minor offences were considered for general pardon. They were overjoyed with the freedom offered. Non-humans too were looked at with compassion.

The Sri Lankan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was very active performing its duties to the very letter with a grand response from the kind-hearted. These are a few of the re-collections continued to date.