His poetry woke up the Nation

The 57th commemoration of a freedom fighter Ven. S. Mahinda Thera of Tibet, falls today:

by Ven. Handugala Rathanapala Thera

A ceremony organised by the National Bhikkhu Front in this regard will be held today at 2 p.m. at the YMBA Borella.

Ven. S. Mahinda Thera was in fact more Sri Lankan than the Sri Lankan themselves. It is because he outstripped the Sri Lankans in his relentless efforts to enliven patriotism, national pride, equality and national independence.

The learned Thera himself was a rich source for the future bhikkhus in their fight for national priorities. The native bhikkhus were in the forefront in the struggle against foreign domination led by our forefathers for nearly a millennium since the collapse of Anuradhapura Kingdom in 1017 AD.

This contemporaries had to play the second fiddle when he took the vanguard as an 'outsider' to fight the reactionary forces. His only connection with Sri Lanka was that he was a Buddhist, a kinsman of the Sri Lankan Buddhists!

An outstanding quality of his life was that he never tolerated foreign domination wherever it was and as such fought mercilessly against slavery and invertebrate behaviour.

Arrived in Sri Lanka in 1912, at the age of 12 he entered the Buddhist Order at the famous Polgasduwa temple. At the time of his arrival the British empire had imposed its will upon the country. No significant struggle was led against the British authorities after the failed Matale rebellion of 1848.

The Sinhala chiefs began to collaborate with the colonial masters. A slavish mindset began to replace the rebellions spirit of the Sinhala psyche.

Neo colonialism had begun to extend its tentacles through the language, economy, culture, politics etc. This prompted the learned Thera to "Create" a new man who loves his motherland more than anything else.

He used his inborn poetic talent to the best of his ability to give life to his new creation! The Thera exhorted the Sri Lankans to rise up from their slumber and fight the British to regain the lost freedom.

His writings, both prose & verse appealed to the hearts of the young & old, men & women alike.

This lovely crusade had its share in the triumph of the patriotic forces. Though 57 years have passed since his demise, his immortal spirit still lives amongst us.

We would be certainly paying our highest tribute to the late S. Mahinda Thera at his 57th death anniversary if we elect ourselves to resume his anti-imperialist sentiments to safeguard our national interests.

Following are some of his patriotic poems.

* Nidahasa Maha Muhudak ve
Ehi Ulpata Puta numba ve
Ebawa Sihikota Melove
Yutukama Itukalayutu ve,

If the ocean is the freedom, its fountain is the baby in the cradle. When the son is told that it is his responsibility to protect the motherland from various challenges, the motherly lover affection also flow along with it.

* Taman Labu Divipevete
Kotasak Rata samaya vete
Puda nokaloth Numben pute

Melowata Kisi Vedak nete, As a part of your life, if you don't share the fight to depend your country, you will no doubt become a useless person.

* Jatiya Me Vipatinne
Sinhala Rata Galawanne
Kohoma Yanu Sitaminne
Mage Puta Nidiyanne

While sleeping my son is thinking as to how the Sinhala country could be delivered from the national tragedy.

* Kesgaha Pava Vena Ratawala Minisunne
Us Nidehasa pinisa Satanata Sarasenne
Hismola Tibeddith Megena Nositanne
Esgedi Dekata Hena Wedilada Minisunne

In other countries ordinary people fight for national freedom, but people who have an understanding of the problem keep mum!

* Mona Karumayada Tawa Aherunu Bawak Neta
Pena Pena Biyawa Muluwedumen Palak Neta
Dinumath Peradumath Kokath Kamak Neta
Enu Idiriyata Netahoth Nidahasak Neta

What is misfortune that people are still in deep slumber. There is no point in seeking refuge elsewhere by being a coward. Accept both triumph and defeat and pursue the struggle, otherwise there will not be freedom.

* Satan Bimata Nogosin Boru Biyen Bandi
Sitinnemuda kavadath Mulu Walata Vadi
Pitin Vadina Maru Paharata Papuva Nodi
Katin Jati Alaya Kivvata Madi

Merely talking patriotism won't help! Go to the battlefield and fight the (enemy)

* Ustan Kapa Adumititan Piraveema
Usmiti Dekama Vandakota Sama Karaleema
Usmanudamaki Gatiyaki Yana Pavaseema
Ushandanaga Salakav Hematanadima

A careless and an equal society is necessary to realise the social freedom. Get together and work for the common interests disowning personal gains.

* Katath Himi Podude Nam
Natibari Hinga Avahirakam
Me de Madagena Daskam
Pema Tamai Suru Viru Kam

Don't express inability! Surmount the difficulties and march forward to defend the country from the (enemy)