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A unique book on Mathematics and Buddhism

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.

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