The culture of Buddhist worship and offerings

Reviewed by Premasara Epasinghe

Bauddha Pudapuja Sanskrutiya
Author: Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Nayaka Thera

The erudite scholar, Anunayaka thera of the Kotte Chapter, Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Nayaka Thera's latest book Bauddha Pudapuja Sanskruthiya is a valuable book which provides a wealth of knowledge on Buddhist philosophy. It traces the history and some aspects of Buddhist forms of worship and gives a detailed account of Buddhist offerings.

It includes the details and importance of relic worship, Bo-tree, chaitiya, Buddha statues, symbols of worship and the culture patterns of Buddhist offerings in Sri Lanka. The book comprises eight chapters. Each chapter is a novel experience. The language is lucid, simple and readable. The author has captured the hearts of his readers, with his fine style of writing.

The book is an in-depth study of Buddhist worship. Through faith, people are involved in various forms of worship from time immemorial. Buddhists do not believe in God. According to the basic principles of Buddhism, true liberation or the Bliss of Nirvana, cannot be achieved merely by means of worship and offerings. The author in his simple inimitable style of writing enlightens the reader, on another aspect, the value of Buddhist worship.

Bauddha Pudapuja Sanskrutiya, is a goldmine of Buddhist information. The book comes with colourful historical photographs. The ideas expressed by the learned Bhikkhu are readable and interesting. He has taken a lot of pains to research on the culture of Buddhist worship.

The Jayasiri Maha Bodhi tree at Anuradhapura and the Sacred Tooth Relic Chamber in Kandy are so dear and near to Buddhists. In Bauddha Puda Puja Sanskrutiya, we gain some valuable and rare information. The Bo-tree worship is part of the Buddhist way of life. The author describes in detail, the Bodhi culture which is popular among Buddhists.

A beautiful painting at the Bellanwila temple, depicting Princess Sangamitta's arrival from India to Jambukolapattuna adds more colour to the book.

The author in the chapter on chaitya and stupa worship has done an intensive research on The Mahavamsa, Dipavamsa and Thupavamsa. He expresses his views boldly, about the worship of relics which is an important aspect of Buddhism. To write a comprehensive book of this nature is time consuming and undoubtedly a herculean task. The book will help to promote Buddhism here and abroad.

I earnestly hope that this valuable book will be translated into English to propagate Theravada Buddhism in foreign countries. The author's contribution in propagating Buddhism in Sri Lanka and around the globe is highly commendable.