Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi:

Most significant event in Buddhist world

by Rupa BANDUWARDENA

Sakyamuni Siddhartha Gautama Buddha symbolised sublime peace and compassion. This universal intellectual, the all wise all compassionate world teacher was gifted to the universe for the good of the humanity. His search for the truth Kim Kusala Gavesi leading to enlightenment was the most amazing and significant event in global history. He was no supernatural being. In his last life he was born in a Sakyan family amidst luxurious comfort and excessive extravagance but renounces all comforts, wife and only son, enters the solitude of the forest and by intense meditation discovers the eternal truth.

Out of compassion for the suffering humanity he determines to be a Buddha to lead the countless humans into Bliss. With boundless love, self sacrifice and culture of the mind he did discover the supreme truth and gifted it to the world. The world with open arms was ready for the spiritual Bliss the humanity had ever known. Having occupied the diamond seat (Wajrasana) under the "Tree of Enlightenment" touching the wide earth in the Bhoomi Sparasha Mudra, he was determined not to move unless he is blessed with Supreme Enlightenment.

The buddha preaching dhamma to his followers

Heaven and earth trembled the Devas applauded, the great Master realising the four noble truths experienced the joy of Vimukthi under the Patra tree the blissful Sri Maha Bodhi at Bodh Gaya, the fountain of Buddhism, where he was bequeathed with perfect wisdom, the truth of life. What he gave the world was essentially a spiritual discipline. His doctrine the message of the Dhamma, practice and realisation constitute the holy Sasana of the Buddha.

Among them doctrine occupies the first and foremost place. He taught his doctrine in the form of a way of life to the followers to attain the ultimate reality of Nibbana. This widely accepted doctrine has spread far and wide exercising influence on all around us lasting beyond 2,500 years. Buddhists the world over were preparing to celebrate from May 1956 the Buddha Jayanthi which marked the 2500th anniversary of the Parinibbana.

Worldwide

Buddhists, the world over considered this an event of special importance as if it signified the unparalleled marvel of the noble teachings of the Buddha, occupying a unique position as a guiding light to humanity. They were overjoyed that if it continued to be upheld globally and followed by them with great honour and respect. They believed that the 2500th anniversary of the Buddha's Parinibbana will witness an amazing spiritual awakening in the Buddhist world, which it did spontaneously.

The spiritual upsurge of a major part of the global population, exerted an enormous influence on the rest of mankind. Buddhism made the nations that came under its influence both peace-loving and kindhearted. Hence the last Buddha Jayanthi was a remarkable event which brought into focus the immense service.

Buddhism had rendered the humanity during the last 25 centuries. The message of the Buddha gave humanity mental peace and happiness. Yet prior to the Buddha Jayanthi era the above blessings were far from them. The world had become a battlefield with the two world wars (1914 and 1942) and the devastation caused by the atomic and hydrogen bombs.

Still later, with amazing technological advancement, life seemed to be guided by materialistic ideals and consequently, deadlier and more harmful weapons were turned out in a mad struggle for power and glory. In this backdrop of turmoil and conflict the Buddha - Jayanthi brought the message of hope. Buddhists the world over celebrated in a fitting manner, this unique historic occasion. The Buddha Jayanthi therefore strengthened and improved the moral network of the Buddhist nations in keeping with the noble teachings - love and compassion, peace and tranquillity.

Dharmadweepa

With the missionary activities of Emperor Asoka in Asia and the consequent advent of his son.

Thera Mahinda this paradise isle was illumined with the light of the Dhamma giving the name Dharmadweepa - the land of the Dhamma. Ever since there was an amazing spiritual awakening among the people of this island. The Buddha too had made a prediction to this effect at the time of his Parinibbana.

When Lord Sakra, the chief of gods, had visited him the Buddha had requested him to safeguard Sri Lanka and its people commenting that his Dhamma will be well preserved and practised here better than in any other country. Accordingly the 2500th anniversary was celebrated with much grandeur and splendour. Sri Lanka had won praise and fame for the unique importance attached to Buddha Jayanthi.

All celebrations in the name of the Blessed Master and his supreme Dhamma, aimed at bringing about a righteous society promoting human wellbeing and moral stability. All worked in pursuit of the Dhamma and a righteous way of living, freeing them from evil forces of greed, anger and ignorance.

All Buddhist organisations and social groups islandwide devoted their time to religious activities. Charity was given prominence through human kindness. Giving alms, helping the poor and resurgence in Dhamma activities were among the many commendable services. What great heroes such as Anagarika Dharmapala had done for the cause of Buddhism was admired and upheld by Buddhists and it enabled them to purify their thoughts and improve their morality.

Devotion

This was exhibited in numerous ways. Truly speaking the Buddha Jayanthi ushered in a variety of religious activities. This gave life to a long standing religious tradition coming down from ancient Buddhist civilisation. The true significance of the noble teachings were made known to the people. The consumption of liquor and meat was discouraged whenever and wherever possible. They even retrieved animals from death through mercy, and the emotions and sentiments thus experienced gave them a new lease of life, purely Buddhistic.

The Buddha Jayanthi unified the masses into a disciplined way of life emphasising the oneness of Buddhist society. There was a literary and cultural revival as well. The true expression of the Dhamma was reflected in the literature of the day as it was truly based on Buddhism. Various Associations such as the Government Services Buddhist Association, YMBA institutions in the principal cities came into being, with publications of the highest order.

Vesak Sirisara, the Buddhist annual is an outstanding example. Today amidst the ocean of publications it has become a part of our national heritage which captivates the hearts of not only Buddhists, but also others. The All Ceylon Buddhist Congress is a historic landmark in the annals of Sri Lankan Buddhist history.

Buddhist scholars

Numerous publications were seen during the eve of the Buddha Jayanthi. International Buddhist magazines too appeared on the scene. Scholarly bhikkhus such as Ven. Ananda Maitriya, Walpola Rahula, Narada Maha Thera, Vajiragnana, Ariyadhamma and Soma Thera had deep concern and dedication to promote the Dhamma. This had a great impact on Buddha Jayanthi commemorations.

After Independence the Buddhists believed that a renaissance of Buddhism was in the offing.

Then came the Buddha Jayanthi in 1956 which was celebrated on a national level. Apart from the books written by the Ven. bhikkhus and the articles contributed, a galaxy of intellectual lay Buddhist scholars rendered a remarkable service, becoming a massive force in the reformist movement leading to Buddha Jayanthi.

Among them were Sir D.B. Jayatilleka Prof. G.P. Malalasekera, De Abrew, K.N. Jayatilleka, R.S. Karunaratna, Alec Robertson, F.R. Jayasuriya and Ariyapala. Nemsiri too. Then the living giants of Buddhism of the present day, such as Ananda Guruge, Raja Kuruppu, S. Gamalath, Raja D. Alwis, Olcott Gunasekera, Y. Karunadasa, Lorna Devaraja, C. Wijebandara, Marasinghe (space does not permit me to do justice to all of them) are a source of inspiration and their superior wisdom and wealth of knowledge is directed towards the promotion of Dhamma.

Arrangements are being made to celebrate the Buddha Jayanthi overseas too. It is said that the success of the inaugural conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists headed by Prof. Malalasekara, the founder President led to the success of the Buddha Jayanthi. This will be a good eye opener for those involved in planning the 2600th anniversary.