A compendium on Buddhist culture

Reviewed by Kalakeerthi Edwin Ariyadasa

"Birth as a human is a rare achievement. Life as a human too is difficult. It is difficult indeed, to hear the supreme teaching. The arising of a Buddha is extremely rare."

Dhammapada

The resounding echoes of the eternal words of the supremely Enlightened Buddha, have reverberated down the corridors of time, for over 26 centuries. This continuing spiritual process, has converted the present generation of humans, into an exceptionally privileged community of people. The reason for this assertion is starkly simple. Year 2011, marked the 2600th anniversary of the attainment of supreme Enlightenment by ascetic Siddhartha.

Those of us who are living today, have had the good fortune to participate in these holy anniversary celebrations, that have been brought on by the 2600th anniversary of Enlightenment.

This unparalleled Buddhist event yielded a multiplicity of wholesome outcomes. A renewed interest in moral and religious pursuits became widely evident. Creativity, inspired by spiritual fervour, flourished.

Cinema epic

Sri Lanka produced the cinema epic Sri Sidhartha Gautama, to take the compassionate dispensation of the Buddha to the totality of mankind in the universal language of film.

Especially noteworthy is the flood of literary works that appeared focussing mostly on themes relating to the supreme Buddha and his sacred teachings.

In this plethora of books, studies and research, I came upon a tome that pre-eminently deserves special reference special celebration, if you like.

Titled The Buddhist culture of Sri Lanka, this publication is sponsored by the Ministry of Cult.

Although it appears in the public domain, slightly belatedly, it is a highly significant volume that unquestionably possesses a lasting and permanent value.

The personality of this work is serene and subdued. Typographically, it is bereft of even the slightest trace of sensationalism.

In effect, it is a collection of essays, anthologising a series of articles - mostly learned and academic - by a gallery of learned contributors.

Authoritative

My considered view of the matter is that, it is very rarely that one could come upon just in one volume such an authoritative expression of views as this on the stunningly extensive ramifications of Buddhist culture.

The collective discourse in this work consists of 37 pieces of writing. In a highly praiseworthy initial analysis (shall I say an erudite sermon) Ven. Prof. Bellanvile Wimalarathana Nayaka Maha Thera sets the tone of the whole volume, quite impressively.

The theme of Ven. Mahanayaka Thera's presentation is "Siddhartha Gautama - The Wayfarer".

Anyone perusing this essay will agree with me that this is a highly - learned, indepth approach to the life of Siddhartha Gauthama - the Supremely Enlightened Buddha. Some areas of the life of the Buddha illuminated by this presentation will bring about a serene surprise in the devotees.

For easy reference the work is divided into six sections; the history of Buddhist literature, the Bhikkhu community, arts and crafts, folk arts and the resurgence of Buddhism.

Each contribution in this collection deserves unflagging attention. The total tome vividly reflects an exemplary editorial effort by the joint editors - Sirisaman Wijetunga and Dr. Premadasa Sri Alawattage. Their prefatory note itself projects a dedicated research urge. They quite effectively establish, supported by archaeological and other evidence of course, that Buddhism was recognised as the island's State religion from the days of king Devanampiyatissa.

Introduction of Buddhism

They effusively aver, that there is no other incident in Sri Lankan history that can parallel the twin - event of the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka and the gifting of the sapling of the sacred Bodhi Tree to the island. The defiant but gentle culture of our island citadel was unerringly planted by these two events in such a manner that their glory would not fade away whatever historical and natural vicissitudes we endured generation after generation.

When everything is said and done the profound tome that has resulted from the collective effort of all those who contributed to it, is a product Minister T.B. Ekanayake, Secretary Wasantha Ekanayake and the total administrative, executive and consultative team, can be justly proud of.

I would earnestly request the minister immediately to seek the assistance of a scholarly team of experts to produce an English version of this remarkable work for the benefit of global readers, who cannot have access to the present volume because of the language barrier.

The book is so influential that for long years to come it will continue to remain an outstanding tribute to the glorious human event - the 2600th Sambuddhatva Jayanti.

The only lyrical contribution to this work is by Director Cultural Affairs Vijith Kanugala. His imploring lines quite effectively articulate the mass prayer of the people everywhere. The lines read this way: "May the seasonal sun and rain bless us, by the glory of the Sacred Tooth Relic. May the minds of men and women be tranquil always. May the earth yield treasures and may this land be protected by the blessings of the Triple Gem."

The present tome will go a long way to enlighten the people about the Buddha's compassionate teaching and the healing power implicit in it. This book should be commended to all to be read and imbibed enabling them to be inspired into living in harmony, peace and wholesome co-existence.