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| Saturday, 14 June 2003 |
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"Samanas are we, Oh King, Disciples of the King of Truth. Out of compassion for thee have we come from Jambudipa to shower holy blessings on you", the message of the Buddha Dhamma resounding with the echoe of these soothing and pious words the Poson Full Moon dawns again in the luminous sky illuminating the whole universe. The effulgence of Saddhamma emanated from Missaka Pawva (Mount Missaka) on the arrival of the great Mahinda Maha Thera caused the great monarch King Devanampiyatissa to embrace Buddhism along with another forty thousand persons who recited (observed) the five precepts with Te-Sarana on a day like today, the Poson Poya Day. Could there be any other day comparable to the Poson Poya Day for Buddhist. The arrival of the Ven. Maha Mahinda Thera in Sri Lanka bringing along with him the precious Buddha Dhamma and a code of morality and discipline revolutionized the lives of citizens of this country and adorned the annals of history of Sri Lanka with patriotism, nationalism, self endeavour, activism inclination for learning aesthetic acumen, generosity and tranquillity. This is the time to practice non-violence which was revived and enlivened by Venerable Arhath Maha Mahinda Thera. In the manner a mother treats her own child, the noble characteristic of treating all living beings with Kindness and compassion ran into the flesh and blood of every Sri Lankan who lived during that age, implanting in them the seeds of human love and affection it is due to the holy message brought by great Mahinda Thera that we come across noble and compassionate characters like Siri Sanga Bo in Rjavaliya. The very first preaching of Buddha's doctrine to the great monarch Devanampiyatissa was based on the "Chula Hatthi Padopama Sutta." It was a continuous spontaneous overflow of mellifluous words. This reveals the attempt made to create an independent power of thinking within an individual. Particularly decisions taken by individuals travel only a limited distance and stop. If such thoughts or decisions can be taken still further, it was clearly revealed that through the Chula Hatthi Padopama Sutta the correct vision of thought could be achieved. You should read comprehensively the "Chula Hatthi Padopama Sutta", which emphasises the value of discriminative examination of facts and an intelligent inquiry. You should practice facts embodied in this Sutta to understand life and reflect on the unique and noble virtues of the Mahinda Maha Thera. We who live forget and neglect our duties, responsibilities and affiliations with religion an culture in our day-to-day life. We will be paying respect to Ven. Maha Mahinda Thera in the highest order if we follow the foot steps of his illustrious path and adjust our lives to make them more benevolent, resourceful and religious. If thoughts of non-violence of Arhath Mahinda are enshrined in the hearts of every citizen and thereby such thoughts give birth to a peaceful tomorrow, there lies the true concept of Poson in the real sense of the word. Leading a simple life has lost its true significance and simplicity is considered to be derogatory. Hence on this Poson Poya Day we should make a determination to crown our Dharmadipa with non-violence and dedicate our lives to promote non-violence and religious feelings in our day-to-day living. Let us give birth to a society which appreciates and respects the values of Panca Sila (the five precepts) which were introduced by the Venerable Arhath Maha Mahinda Thera for the purpose of realising the noble Path to Nibbana. May all be guided by the Triple Gem. Minister of Justice, Law Reform and National Integration and Leader of the House, MP for Badulla District. |
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