A unique book on Mathematics and Buddhism
Reviewed by Nillasi Liyanage
Sabbe Sankhara Anicca: The Volume of a Ball is Impermanent written by
Dr. W. Ramasinghe, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Mathematics,
University of Colombo is not simply a book on Mathematics or religion.
It is a 156-page book that attempts to bring mathematics and religion,
together with a touch of culture.
The author presents a personal philosophy as understood by him
through his knowledge of mathematics and Buddhism. Sabbe Sankhara Anicca
or the theory that 'everything is impermanent' is applied to the volume
of a ball.
Similar to the life cycle of a human the volume of a ball too
undergoes a transformational process that finally leads to decay. This
idea is explained and proved through calculations.However, it is not the
average boring textbook full of equations and difficult terms. The book
can be read like a novel since the author's philosophy is presented
through a story.
The Kandy Esala perahera is only a month away when the narrative
starts off. An elder in the community, 'Math Grandpa,' the central
character of the book, is about to speak to the participants of the
perahera in preparation to the grand event. Math Grandpa incorporates
mathematics into his speech and finally points out that "everything
'constructed' has a lifetime" or that everything is impermanent.
It is the colourful backdrop of the Esala perahera that maintains the
seamless flow of the book. As the reader sifts through the pages,
colourful captioned pictures of the perahera unfold the pageant on the
glossy paper.
Many uncommon details of the perahera too are unveiled through
various characters that appear in the story. The Dalada perahera decides
the tempo of the book which moves slowly and elegantly taking the reader
along towards comprehension.
The simple language and straightforward narrative style used by the
writer further endears the book to any reader.
With an impressive number of publications already to his credit Dr.
Ramasinghe has yet again presented a unique book which is an interesting
read, despite the subject matter of mathematics and religion. |