The virtue of respecting parents

Reviewed by Sheng Li

Twenty-four stories included in the book Dodam Hora, describing the virtue of respect for one's parents and ancestors, is quite popular in China. 'Yet it's doubtful whether these stories were hidden from the universal literature.' It's no surprise that a Sri Lankan grasps these stories since the culture of the country too encourages filial piety similar to Chinese culture. Senior Consultant of China Radio International Sinhala Service Chandana Thilakarathna, took great effort researching the subject and adapting the stories into Sinhala'. His effort is an aid to enhance the cultural bond between the two countries.

Respecting and nurturing parents is a special feature of the Chinese culture. There are separate days dedicated to celebrate the virtues of parents in the Chinese calendar. Furthermore, there are days dedicated to pay respect to the relatives who passed away. Chinese literature plays a major role in securing these cultural values. Even today Children in China learn these stories at schools.

Since Sri Lanka also admires the same cultural values the stories included in the book would not shock them. In fact they would be astonished. Therefore, they will accept the stories as their own and without much effort China-Sri Lanka friendship would grow deeper.

Success

The story of the boy who stole oranges (Dodam Hora) included in the book is not an uncommon episode. We meet similar children in the contemporary society too. The child in the story later became a strong personality in China and it is said that the reason behind his success was his dedication towards his parents. The story written about this child teaches us a lesson in an interesting way.

Another story in the book is about a heroic daughter who jumps on to a tiger to save her father's life. Her story is an example of bravery. We see the son who pretends to be a deer is wearing a deer skin.

The author of the book, is a veteran journalist and a skilled writer. He joined the CRI three years ago. During the three years, he has succeeded in strengthening the historical bond between China and Sri Lanka.

This was one of the many reasons why he was promoted as a foreign specialist by the Chinese government early this year.

Attempts

I have witnessed his hardship in his attempts to develop the CRI Sinhala service while travelling on a smooth journey in his writing career as well. His attempts are to give out what he learns from China to Sri Lankans.

I also believe that Kathawen Dinana Maga, Thilakarathna's previous book, was written in an effective manner. In that he passed on the experiences he had gathered in the media for more than three decades and by training Sinhala speaking Chinese presenters'.

The intention of CRI is to introduce effective qualities of Chinese culture to listeners worldwide. Chandana's attempt has helped CRI to move closer to achieving its its purpose.

The publisher of the book Prem Dissanayaka says books of this category have a huge market in the country.

The writer is Director - CRI Sinhala Service Beijing, China.