Dinamina Vesak Kalapaya:

A spiritual memento

Reviewed by Kalakeerthi Edwin Ariyadasa

In the religious history of mankind the Vesak festival occupies a stature that is unquestionably its own. A multitude of sacred festivals lends a vital glow to the aesthetic life of men and women right round the globe.

In all these, the Vesak festival of the Buddhists possesses a holy distinction that elevates it to an unparalleled spiritual height.

This is the only religious festival of the world at which three transcendentally eminent events in the life of the Teacher (in this instance, in the life of the Buddha) are celebrated on one and the same day.

Three sacred events

Each year during the Vesak festivities, we salute in a wide variety of ways the three sacred events the birth of Prince Siddhartha, the attainment of Supreme Enlightenment by ascetic Siddhartha and the passing away of the Supremely Enlightened Buddha (Maha Parinibbana).

Over long centuries, the Buddhists in Sri Lanka - along with fellow followers in various parts of the world - celebrated these three sacred events in the life of the Buddha (Themangula, in Sinhala) in terms of the practices, favoured at those times.

The observance of religious practices has always formed a staple segment in the age-old celebrations of Vesak.

Over and above these moral and spiritual activities, people resorted to aesthetically satisfying pursuits as well.

Pandals

They would construct pandals (torana) utilising material readily available in the villages. The simple structures of those days were in total contrast to the pandals of our day which are electrically powered or at times even digitally vitalised.

The Vesak lantern came into its own at this time. They were either simple or complex in terms of the inclinations of the devotees who constructed them. In recent years, as an outcome of lavish patronage and the contests organised by various institutions the Vesak decorations have turned out to be highly impressive displays of inventiveness of the devotees.

Once, I was overwhelmed at the sight of a statue of the Buddha, made entirely out of empty water-bottles.

In the past there were theatrical and musical performances. Stage plays, puppet shows, dances presented by those wearing papier mache head-gear, entertainingly expressed the Vesak fervour of some devotees.

Vesak cards

In the early days of our youth, we witnessed Vesak cards - a derivate perhaps of the itinerant Christmas cards.

Today we have groups of devotional singers performing with a sophisticated elitism.

In this whole range of Vesak festivities there is a discernible element of ephemerality. The Vesak lanterns decay, deteriorate or burn. The elaborate decorations have to be dismantled. The resonance of the devotional songs fade away.

After the introduction of the printed word, a new genre Vesak literature made its appearance. The newspapers initiated the practice of bringing out special supplements containing articles relating to Vesak.

Way back in the late 1930s, special Vesak souvenirs that could be kept preserved over a considerable period of time made their appearance. These bound publications, in magazine format, acquired the title Vesak Kalapa (Special Vesak issue).

I believe, that, these special Vesak publications, were initiated by Lake House.

Vesak number

As a teenager, way back in the late 1930s. I remember, poring over with avid concentration - a Lake House Vesak number in Sinhala.

This specific issue of the Dinamina Vesak Kalapaya (as it was discribed) was printed on art paper. I vividly remember the Vesak number printed with a photograph of the Buddhist shrine Senasungala.

This way, the Dinamina Vesak Kalapaya has continued to contribute a series of Vesak publications that the readers could have in a permanent collection. The publication was in total contrast to other Vesak activities most of which were ephemeral.

From the early days, the annual Vesak Kalapaya extended patronage to such eminent men of letters as Martin Wickremasinghe, Munidasa Kumaratunga and personalities of that ilk.

Tradition

The current issue of this series of Vesak numbers continues the tradition of these Vesak publications, performing a substantial service to the devoted readers.

The Vesak number for 2013, displays on its cover a serene portrayal of the Supreme Buddha. This Buddha portrayal is by distinguished artist Gunasiri Kolombage who has earned a reputation for his recent exquisite gallery of Buddha portraits.

The present issue of the Dinamina Vesak number for 2013 opens with a moving spiritual lyric by Ven. Rambukana Siddhartha Thera.

Aggamaha Panditha, Ven. Kumburugamuwe Vajra Maha Thera presents a discourse analysing the philosophical significance of Vesak.

The total publication is a veritable treasury of absorbing contributions both in prose and verse.

Erudite members of the clergy and learned lay persons jointly convert this publication with a work that should have a permanent place in monasteries, educational institutions, libraries and in homes.

Graphic arts

The typographical personality of the work, reflect vividly the sophisticated progress of graphic arts.

The editor of the publication Ayanthi Vithana has brought into being a spiritual memento of which Lake House can be justly proud.

The work has benefited from the wisdom of the editor Dinamina media expert Gamini Jayalath.

The marked patronage of the Chairman Bandula Padmakumara is eloquently present in this eminently absorbing publication.

In sum Dinamina Vesak number of 2013 (Buddhist Era 2557) is a praiseworthy step towards the strengthening of the Buddhist culture, that sustains and ensures the well-being of this sacred isle - Sri Lanka.

A special point I am keen to make is its price. Price-wise, it is what you have to pay for a couple of week-end publications. As for the value it is exceptionally high, as you will discover.