A unique spiritual spectacle

By Kalakeerthi EDWIN ARIYADASA

Buddhism is quite opposed to the melancholic, sorrowful, penitent and gloomy attitude of mind, which is considered a hindrance to the realisation of truth.On the other hand, it is interesting to remember, that ‘joy’ is one of the seven “Factors of illumination”, the essential qualities to be cultivated for the realisation of Nibbana.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          - Ven. Dr. Walpola Rahula Maha Thera.

The sacred season of Vesak is invariably associated with pageantry, glitter, decorations and illuminations of all hues. Spectacle and glamour are intrinsic and essential elements in the celebration of Vesak.

Each home, whether humble or affluent, contributes towards this Vesak allure, in whatever way possible. The invariable and cumulative outcome of all these various strands is the transformation of the whole land into a heaven of joy, happiness and generous open houses.

Splendour

But the inescapable and stark truth is, that the enchanting Vesak splendour is ephemeral and shortlived. In the post Vesak days, the intricate decorations are dismantled. The colourful lanterns disappear. Multi-coloured illuminations retreat, yielding the ground to the usual realm of darkness. Sonorous chants of devotional songs are hushed.

Those massive crowds that thronged the roads, streets and even the by-paths, have thinned and trickled down to the usual traffic.

The aggressive generosity of open houses, has been replaced by the routine, matter-of-fact dealings in the day-to-day human transactions. The remnants, fragments and bits and pieces of Vesak decorations, wrought with intense care and concentration, end up in garbage dumps.

In such a fleeting and evanescent atmosphere of transient Vesak glamour, an unprecedented event took place, which is eminently noteworthy.

An astonishing assembly of bhikkhus from all parts of the world, gathered in Colombo, imparting a lasting sacred touch, to the usual, ephemeral Vesak celebrations.

It is my considered view that the specific religious event should be chronicled and recorded adequately, without allowing it to fade away along with the fugitive news material that recurs profusely in this season.The prestigious assembly, augurs well for the future of world Buddhism and for the peaceful co-existence of the global community.

The event was the meeting of the World Buddhist Sangha Council, to commemorate the 2600th anniversary of the Enlightenment. The world body selected Sri Lanka as the venue for this historic and spiritual meeting incidentally paying a tribute to our country.

The event was an impressive synthesis of the spiritual and the spectacle. The assembly of bhikkus and bhikkunis, in the robes specific to each school, chapter or sect, was a picturesque spectacle.

The saffron robes indicated the presence of Sri Lankan bhikkus, in vast numbers.

Buddhagaya

The state was dominated by a deftly created replica of the Buddhagaya structure, tapering upwards towards the sky. Serenity, transcendent tran quility emanated from the statue of the Buddha, placed gracefully in front of the Buddhagaya replica, a sacred bodhi tree in a golden bowl, occupied one side of the stage.

The items of performing arts, traditional dancers and the recital of devotional songs – were all representative of the spiritual atmosphere.

Historically, there had never been such a prestigious assembly of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana bhikkhus, in Sri Lanka as was on this occasion.

The rituals performed by each outstanding school of Buddhism represented eloquently and enchantingly the unity of all the Buddhist sects, transcending various rites, rituals and practices specific to each unit of practice.

The performing Art Centre, “Nelum Pokuna” (The Lotus Pond) acquired a pleasing spiritual glow, and seemed the apt meeting place for such a spiritual assembly.

Crucial issue

Most Ven. Liao Chung Maha Thera, President, World Buddhist Sangha Council, raised the most crucial issue, which confronts mankind at this particular point of time.

“I would like to make an appeal to the politicians of the world: Please stop the development of weapons which will destroy human beings. Please work together for the well-being of humanity and the ideal of a world family”.

The assembly signified the vast human and spiritual resources, that could be readily harnessed for peace, harmony and the well-being of the global masses.

In the ephemeral world of Vesak celebrations, the assembly of global bhikkhus delivered a lasting message, in a subdued and spiritual idiom without resorting to any spirited oratorical effusions.

In this universally impactful assembly, held under the patronage of President, Mahinda Rajapaksa the contribution of Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Anunayaka Maha Thera, and Ven Dr. Bodagama Chandima Nayaka Thera was quite evident.