|
Poson:
The day on which Buddhism was brought to Sri Lanka
Poson is celebrated in Sri Lanka on the full moon day in June. Poson
Poya is important to Sri Lankan Buddhists as the day on which Emperor
Asoka's son, Arahat Mahinda, introduced Buddhism to the island in the
3rd century B.C.
On Poson day devotees flock to Anuradhapura, the ancient capital city
of the country, for it was there that Arahat Mahinda converted the then
ruler, King Devanampiya Tissa, and his court to Buddhism, thereby
setting in motion a series of events that finally made Sri Lanka the
home of Theravada Buddhism.
Buddhist activity
Even today, on Poson Poya, Anuradhapura becomes the centre of
Buddhist activity. Mihintale, the spot where the momentous encounter
between the Elder and the King took place, accordingly receives the
reverential attention of the devotees.
The two rituals of pilgrimage and the observance of the Eight
Precepts are combined. Processions commemorative of the event, referred
to as Mihindu Peraheras, are held in various parts of the country.
The Poson Festival commemorates the conversion of Sri Lanka to
Buddhism in the 3rd century BC. Illuminations and processions take place
all over the country, but the best place to see the festival is at
Mihintale.It was here in this ancient city that Sri Lanka's king was
converted to Buddhism by Arahat Mahinda, son of King Asoka (Emperor of
India).
As the king was hunting deer, Mahinda appeared to him in a grove and
asked him a riddle about a mango tree (Ambasthale means mango tree).
After the king had answered the riddle, he apparently agreed to follow
the teachings of the Buddha and declared it as the state religion.
The Ambasthale Dagoba is a temple which towers above the city of
Mihintale, accessible by 1840 steps and built over the very spot where
Mahinda is said to have appeared before the king.
The Poson Festival is a significant historical event in Sri Lanka
where a majority practise Buddhism.
The Mihintale rock plays a significant role during the Poson Festival
which is held during the month of June, since it is said that it was in
Mihintale where King Devanampiya Tissa of Sri Lanka was converted to
Buddhism by Arahat Mahinda who came from India.
 With this legend Mihintale has become the main site for festive
activities during Poson and many locals and foreigners visit Mihintale
during this season to perform religious rites as well as for leisure.
There are many religious activities organised during the period of
Poson including Sil Campaigns and Bodhi Poojas in temples in which
Buddhists participate. Dansal which are set up to give away food and
beverage to people sees the participation of all religious and ethnic
groups.
Dansala
Generally a Dansala is organised by a group of people or an
individual and various food such as rice and curry, sandwiches, boiled
chickpeas as well as tea, coffee and fruit juices are served to those
who visit the Dansala free of charge as a charitable act.There are
several other rituals that come with Poson.
Devotional songs are sung by Buddhists in every nook and corner while
Poson pandals which are colourfully lit with illustrations from the 550
Jataka Katha or the 550 past life stories of the Buddha can be seen in
almost every city. These pandals are beautiful sights glistening at
night and many people from around the country come to view them in the
late evening till past midnight. - Internet |
