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Today is Duruthu Pasalosvak poya 

by Nemsiri Mutukumara

With the resurgence in Buddhism sweeping across throughout the world, people are looking forward to learning the Buddha Dhamma in its pristine form.

The Bangkok based World Fellowship of Buddhists - WFB - under the aegis of the Standing Committee on dhammaduta Activities has launched a movement to provide all the needs of the people who yearn to follow the path of Sakyamuni Buddha.

The WFB was inaugurated and established in Sri Lanka in May, 1950 in the Buddhist era of 2494.

The Buddhist Era begins on the Vesak Pasalosvaka Poya day on which day took place one of the three significant and historic events in the life of Sakyamuni, that is the Maha Parinibbana or the Great Passing Away in Kusinara. This is the 2547 year after the Maha Parinibbana.

Sakyamuni, as Bodhisatta (Buddha-to-be) Prince Siddhartha attained Supreme Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree and came to be known as Samma Samubuddha 2592 years ago at Gaya. After the historic event the place was named Buddha Gaya.

The infant Prince was born in Lumbini in the outskirts of his father - King Suddhodana's kingdom of Kapilavastu, 2627 years ago. Unlike the calendars of the sages, saints, seers and prophets, the calendar of the Buddha begins with His Maha Parinibbana.

The WFB is the brainchild of Professor Gunapala Piyasena Malalasekera. He was elected unanimously as the Founder-President. He was succeeded by U. Chan Htoon, the Chief Justice of Burma-Myanamar.

One hundred and twenty nine (129) delegates from twenty six (26) countries and states participated in the inaugural conference.

Professor Malalasekera, the visionary he was, foresaw that the need of the day was to bring Mahayana, Theravada and Tibetan-Vajrayana Buddhists closer together. Up to that time there was absolutely no attempt to bring them together. They were quite aloof and were functioning separately.

Professor Malalasekera as President of the All-Ceylon Buddhist Congress sent invitations to all major Buddhist societies and the noble endeavour became an instant success.

Today, after fifty-three years, the WFB is growing at a tremendous pace with two separate autonomous bodies for youth - the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth inaugurated in Sri Lanka in 1972 in the Buddhist Era of 2516 - unanimously electing a Sinhala Buddhist youth leader as the Founder-President. He was succeeded by a former Thai Ambassador Prok Amaranond in 2520 (1976).

From the absolute success recorded at inaugural conference, the WFB diligently began exchanging news and views about the conditions of Buddhists in different countries and discussing ways and means towards attainment of peace and happiness.

This objective has snowballed to such a gigantic proportion. Buddhists in all the five continents have sought membership in the WFB and established Buddhist associations, Bhavana centres and opened new vihara in their respective villages and towns.

In our presentation, we would like to focus attention on the committed interest of the people in the Southern and Northern American Continents, the United States of America, Canada, several Roman Catholic countries in the European continent, particularly in Germany, and Britain.

In a number of there countries, the initiative is taken by the Sinhala Buddhist expatriates in opening, maintaining and supporting the centres. The non-Buddhist Sri Lankans too lend their cooperation for the accomplishment of beneficial results.

While these activities are taking place everywhere, in this manner, universities, Buddhist federations and Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions with the active support of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Tyronne Fernando and Minister Assisting Foreign Affairs Lal Dharmapriya Gamage who was Minister of Buddha Sasana previously, launched a movement to promote the study of Pali.

Every Bhikkhu or Dasa Sil Mata (Samaneri - Ten Preceptor) Dhammaduta need to possess a basic knowledge of the fundamental tenets of other religions; Dhamma-Vinaya-Sutta, English and other languages of a multi-lingual country like Canada.

In many instances, educational authorities have to their dismay learnt that Bhikkhus had shown preference to subjects of mundane benefit instead of learning Pali.

After collecting the degree, leave the robe, find employment preferably a teaching assignment and settle down to a lay life - despite the fact that during their education enjoying everything - books, transport facilities, robes and food.

Organisations both local from the Buddha Sasana Ministry, Education Ministry and the Cultural Affairs Department are considering awarding prizes and rewards to the best Bhikkhu students in Pali.

A few years ago, the Dhammakaya Institute of Thailand in order to encourage more bhikkhus to learn Pali awarded prizes in the name of Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mrs. Sirima Bandaranaike and the then Buddha Sasana Minister Lakshman Jayakody.

Sri Lanka Ambassador Tilak Amunugama and the Embassy made the event in the wake of the checkered Sasana history of the two Buddhist nations who will jointly celebrate the two hundred and fiftieth (250) anniversary of the restoration of Upasampada, the Higher Ordination of the Bhikkhu Sangha by the Venerable Siyam Upali Maha Thera and the birth of the Syamopali Maha Nikaya.

The Bhikkhu Sangha in Thailand, numbering nearly three hundred thousand - 300,000 - from His Holiness Somdet Phra Nanasamvara (Somateja Pavava Nanasamara in Pali) down to Samanera (novice) strictly observe the requirements of the Vassana, Uposatha and Kathina ceremonies which further strengthen the close relations between the Vihara, Bhikkhu Sangha and the laity.

Thai Bhikkhus never violate the Vassana requirement and leave the Vihara on foreign trips.

The daily Pindapata - alms round of the Thai Bhikkhus is a pleasant sight in the morning everywhere in the villages and townships.

The use of the Patra - alms bowl is considered a must by every Bhikkhu. While observing all these Sangha traditions highest precedence is given to the study of Pali in the Supreme available grade so that every Bhikkhu will be at home anywhere in the world on His Dhammaduta Carika.

Still, the Thai Government, Religious Institutions and Universities have teamed up together to provide scholarships and offer rewards to further promote the study of Pali and make every Bhikkhu a Dhammaduta.

While this essay was being written, I met two Sinhala Buddhists living in Australia - one in Melbourne in the State of Victoria and the other in Kenwitk -a suburb twenty-five kilometres away from the Western Australia State of Perth.

Both hold dual citizenship, engaged in lucrative professions and equally dedicated to propagate the Buddha Dhamma. One is Ranjith Hettiarachchi and his Kalayanamitta Pushpa of Victoria.

The other is Bandula Guanwardena and his Kalayanamitta, Gwendoline popularly known as Gwen of Kenwitk of Perth.

Ranjith Hettiarachchi Founder and President of the Buddhist Foundation of Australia formed only three years ago, has made vast strides in the gamut of Dhammaduta activities.

Buddhist Foundation has provided one hundred world Sangha scholarships to Theravada, Mahayana and Tibetan - Vajrayana Bhikkhus to study all three traditions - Pali, Sanskrit and Tibetan including Chinese while accommodating Pali its foremost position. The Foundation will rely on the W.F.B. Headquarters on the selection of young Bhikkhus including Samaneras.

Those selected will be taught English and any other langauge of his choice which the foundation considers beneficial for a Dhammaduta intensive bhavana courses and retreats to enable them to become Meditation Masters, traditional Bhikkhu Sangha practices; Bhikkhu Sangha behaviours with the Bhikkhuni Sangha as well as with the laity strictly following the Vinaya.

Ranjith says, the foundation is highly encouraged by the growing aspirations of a new world order desirous of enjoying mental peace and harmony following the Teaching of the Sakyamuni. Peoples minds will be re-oriented through conventions and symposia to enable them to experience the teaching.

Following the huge success of the first ever Buddhist convention held in June 2546 Buddhist era (2002 June). The Foundation is planning to organise the first ever World Convention of Buddhist Meditation in Buddhist era 2549 (in 2005) in Melbourne, Australia.

The convention had papers presented by Professor Richard Gombrich, President London Pali Text Society, the Venerable Professor Dhammavihari former Chief Editor Encyclopedia of Buddhism and the world renowned Venerable Dr. Kirinde Sri Dhammananda Mahanayaka Thera of Malaysia and Singapore.

His paper was presented by the Venerable Mahinda of Malaysia - the prelate's senior pupil. At the inauguration of the Foundation three years ago Australia had around 400 to 500 Buddhist Associations throughout the country, the foundation President informed.

Need Bhikkhus for Vihara

Bandula Guanwardena went one step further. Quoting authoritative compilers of statistics in Australia, he said Buddhism is the fastest spreading religion in the country. The native Australian people not only learn Pali to understand and practice the teaching also visit the Vihara to learn Sanskrit.

The Perth Sri Lankan Buddhist Society with one hundred and fifty (15) Sinhala Buddhists has built a new Vihara in Kenvitk. Two Bhikkhus - Venerable Sobita and Venerable Dhammananda provide the cultural and religious needs of the Sinhala community.

The Pasalosvaka Poya Day program is held on the closest Sunday to the Poya Day.

The observance of Ata Sil, Dhammadesana, Chanting of Paritta, Dhamma discussions, dana and meals to all those well-wishers participating in the days proceedings are on the card.

The native Australian is attracted to attracted to the Poya Day ceremonies since the Dhammadesana and discussions are held in English. Their main need is to find a new way to lead their lives profitably and peacefully.

The calm and composed outlook and the strict adherence to the Bhikkhu traditions have given the confidence of finding the Path of Deliverance hitherto not found in their divine gospels. So the Sri Lanka Buddhist community is happy that the native Australians have found the path.

The President of the Society, Dr. Donald Chandraratna is a lecturer in social science in the Curtin University in Perth. He is endeavouring to complete the New Vihara to accommodate the Australians to fulfil their needs.

Our Bhikkhus - unlike the Thai Sangha - visit the Dayakas with their Patra - almsbowl on Pindapata and partake of the food in the Dayakas residence giving them the privilege of listening to the Dhammanusasana and protective Paritta. Although Thai Viharas are found in Perth, those are headed by Bhikkhus from Britain like the Venerable Ajahn Brahmavamso.

Bandula Gunawardena is very keen that Sri Lankan people - both Buddhists and non-Buddhists should consider their duty to support a worthy cause in helping to complete the New Vihara in Perth.

He says the "Bana salava" is in the foundation stage. The entire Vihara Complex is estimated to cost 120,000 US dollars or

dollars or 150,000 Australian dollars. Once the buildings are completed, everybody will be provided Buddhist education so that Australia will before long be a Buddhist country. In her seven states and two territories, Sri Lankan Buddhists have opened Viharas and Bhavana centres. The urgent need of these are Bhikkhus conversant with the Pali tradition and an excellent knowledge of English.

US Elite Finds the Path

The Sinhala Buddhists living in Texas, near the NASA has opened a new Vihara and invited the Venerable Dr. Pannila Ananda Nayaka Thera, the Viharadhipati of the Attanagalla Raja Maha Viharaya to reside there.

Those scientists, industrialists and scholars who are not much acquainted with the Bhikkhu Sangha, however took the opportunity to visit the Texas Vihara - where they met Venerable Ananda. Their immediate need was to practise Buddhist meditation.

After practical training and retreats, the elite has undergone a noteworthy transformation to the extent that now they visit the Vihara in a simple white dress and some in white cloth and shirt.

Similarly, in the Hollywood the citadel of celluloid heroes, the Sri Lanka Viharadhipati Venerable Ahangama Dhammarama Maha Thera conducts meditation to another elite community who is totally fed up with the hollow luxuries.

In the same state of California, the Dharma Vijaya Viharadhipati, Venerable Dr. Walpola Piyananda Nayaka Thera's bhavana program begins from early hours of the morning and ends near midnight.

Dharma Vijaya Vihara Meditation program is attended by US Americans, Hebrews, South Americans and different ethnic communities. Everyone of them, of course, has a working knowledge of English.

New Vihara in Canada

Mr. Lakshman Jayawardane - Counsellor Information in the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canada says a new Vihara was opened recently in Montreal.

A new program with the concurrence of the Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando and Minister Assisting Foreign Affairs Lal Dharmapriya Gamage has been planned to establish Viharas to propagate Buddhist activities for the benefit of the growing interest in the Dhamma in the world.

He says, since Canada is a bi-lingual country where English and French are spoken, the Bhikkhus should possess the knowledge of both languages to be an effective Dhammaduta.

The Sri Lankans patronising the new Viharas will provide everything the Dharmaduta bhikkhus need; the two-way air passage, comfortable Vihara for residence and the daily needs. The most important need is the thorough knowledge of the Pali language.

Meditation in South American Countries

The progress of meditation in Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina has taken a totally different style. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama is recognised as the demi-God by the people in the Western world. The emphasis of the Tibetan Meditation is to provide total peace which is not found at all in these societies.

However, the adherents interest in learning the original teaching is steadily following the Pali tradition - in the Viharas established by Theravada countries.

Pali Study Centres

Sinhala Bhikkhu Sangha has organised classes to teach Pali at the Viharas opened in predominantly Christian and Roman Catholic countries in Europe by the Sinhala Buddhist resident - Switzerland, Italy and Germany.

The Venerable Raddoluve Vimalavamsa Maha Thera, Viharadhipati of the Kataniya Buddhist Vihara in Italy; the Venerable Dr. Valpola Kalyanatissa Maha Thera Viharadhipati of the Zurich Buddhist Vihara in Switzerland and the Venerable Kendagolle Palita Maha Thera Viharadhipati of the Bonn Buddhist Vihara in Germany need Sinhala Bhikkhus proficient in English and German or French to propagate the increasing interest in the Westerners to learn Pali.

In Sri Lanka, while concerned ministries mentioned earlier have teamed up to include Pali in the school curriculum, the University of Peradeniya will conduct Certificate courses in Buddhist studies every academic year from the middle of this year - 2548 - 2004. Applications are called from both Sri Lankans and foreigners.

The curriculum includes Buddhist Thought and Culture; Theravada Buddhism and Basic Doctrines, Mahayana Buddhism and Basic Doctrines; Buddhism and Society; Elements of Buddhist Culture; Buddhism and Mental Health and Buddhist Ethics.

According to the Registrar of the University, the minimum entrance qualification is General Certificate of Education Advanced Level in English or in Sinhala. There is no age limit. Courses will be conducted in Peradeniya University during week-ends. Students are required to attend thirty (30) lecture hours for each subject.

Details regarding the course content and application forms could be obtained by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope, to the Head of the Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Peradeniya.

The closing date of applications is February 15, 2004. The keen interest in the study of Pali language by both the Bhikkhus, Bhikkunis, the laity both Sri Lankan and foreign will herald a new era in the propagation of the noble teaching of Sakyamuni Buddha in the world.

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Gamini G. Punchihewa

Embilipitiya presently a bustling township lies in the lap of the mountain frontiers rising in the Rakwana and Sabaragamuwa mountain frontiers. Such picturesque mountain profiles rise in the Kolonne and Gonadeniya massive in the deep south.

Mountain Villages

Ven. Dr. Panditha Omalpe Sobhita risen to heights of international fame as a learned Buddhist monk.

Tucked away in such mountain ranges lies a cluster of mountain villages. Here the hard toiled peasants eke out their existence under great hardships. No proper roads leading to their rugged villages exist. Only wisps of foot-paths and cart-tracks.

Enclaved in such mountain valleys, dales nestles a serene village called Omalpe. It lies on the Embilipitiya-Kolonne-Rakwana mountain road, off Kelle about 15 miles from Embilipitiya nestling in the Walawe basin.

Destined to be a Learned Buddhist Monk

In this woodland village of Omalpe was born a real son of the soil, on 26.5.1950. His destination was to become a Buddhist monk in fostering Buddhist activities not only in Sri Lanka, but also abroad.

He is Panditha Dr. Ven. Omalpe Sobhita Thera - the Founder Director of the Sri Bodhiraja Foundation in Hingurana lying on the main road to Nonagama Junction about 2 kilometers from the metropolis of Embilipitiya.

This humble but promising village boy from Omalpe was ordained as a Samanera Buddhist monk at the age of 15 years, at the feet of Ven. Lalpe Siriwansa Nayake Thera. He received his primary school education at the Udagama Maha Vidyalaya, close to Embilipitiya.

His nascent Buddhist education he received was at the Poththewela Jinaratana Pirivena under the tutelage of Ven. Poththewela Pannyasara Maha Thera of the Sri Lanka Ramanya Nikaya. In 1972, he received higher ordination of Upasampada.

Standing stone Buddha Statue akin to Aukana Buddha colossus after restoration by the Archaeological officials, presently erected at the temple premises.

Later in 1974, he graduated from the Jayawardenapure University. In 1979, he completed a post graduate course there, and obtained MBA. He served as a teacher in schools in varied places till 1991.

Under the aegis of the Sri Bodhiraja Foundation founded by Ven. Dr. Panditha Omalpe Sobhita, he has spearheaded a network of community development activities at grass root level for the upliftment of the backward villages lying in the Embilipitiya and its suburbs.

Among them are a Community Water Supply Scheme, Pre-schools, a Home for the orphans, Home Based Child Development Centre (with assistance under the UNICEF), Dhamma Schools.

Environmental Aspects - Maintaining Nurseries and distribution of plants, Bhikku Training Centre, Scholarships under the blessings of (UNESCO) Foundation Kaduwela for students who are unable to pursue higher studies for want of finances, a monthly allowance is allotted, Meditation Centre, and a host of other benevolent activities for the rural masses and the youths.

Under his guidance, and initiative a Bodhiraja International College was inaugurated on 23.2.2002.

Inroads to International Fame in 1981

His inroads into International Fame in the propagation of Buddhist activities abroad first ushered in 1981. A prestigious grant was offered to Ven. Panditha Dr. Omalpe Sobhita by the grace of the Royal Cultural Programme of Thailand.

The hallowed but rare type of dagaba in the shape of a Padmakara stands in all its sanctity.

Thereafter on the recommendations of the World Buddhist Council, he had the well earned distinction for the purpose of dissemination of Buddhist activities in Singapore. Consequently, he was appointed as a Lecturer in Buddhism at the Shion Bolon Buddhist Centre in Singapore for a period of three years.

Next came his most paramount academic career in Buddhist Philosophy, when he had the privilege of entering the Buddhist Centre in New Delhi, University. It culminated in Ven. Dr. Panditha Omalpe Sobhita being awarded the Ph.D. His thesis was titled 'Common Property Heritage in Elementary Buddhist Society'.

Coming to the local scenario, he had another feather in his cap of well earned distinctions in receiving a coveted award of 'Sarvodaya Janahitha Kari' award by the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement in 1994.

Next still came the other eventful year at International level. Being a crusader for the Anti-Narcotics Campaign, he attended the Anti Narcotics and Drug Addiction Parley of Daytop in New York in 1996.

He was actively engaged in this crucial world menace of drug and narcotic addictions. There he even held Dhamma classes conducted in English and later at New Orleans. The audience comprised elders, school going children and youths.

On UNO Environmental Programme

The next crowning of world fame dawned on him in 1998, when he was appointed as a consultant in the UNO. Environmental Programme to serve in Cambodia. In Cambodia, he served as a Senior Advisor on Buddhist Environment from 1997-90. He had organised lectures and even held workshops on narcotics and drug addictions.

In Cambodia he inaugurated a Temperance Movement. In these particular two countries, the tobacco and liquor industries had blatantly displayed the sacred Buddhist symbols to propagate their advertisements for the sole purpose of desecrating the Buddhist doctrine and its sacred symbols.

All his sermons on the evils on drug addiction were received with applause from the audience.

Turning point of his Diplomatic career

The turning point of Ven. Dr. Panditha Omalpe Sobhita Thera came in 1990. It being that the Sri Lanka United Nations Friendship Organisation (UNFO), conferred on him a written testimonial, the prestigious diplomatic award of as 'A Goodwill Ambassador'.

With the Buddhistic close affiliations he has been developing with distinguished Buddhist brethren, well-wishers and religious dignitaries in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia, he had won their confidence and hearts.

Ven. Dr. Panditha Omalpe Sobhita conducting a religious ceremony at the Buddhist centre, Singapore.

Hence monetary donations and in kind poured in freely for the development of the mundane Buddhist activities launched by Sri Bodhi Raja Foundation from its very inception. Abutting the main road to Embilipitiya from Pelmadulla, lies a sublime seated Buddha statue consecrated in a glass case shrine room, where the Bo tree stands in all its sanctity.

The next most sanctified object of a gift lies in the premises is the hallowed dagaba. It's unique in shape. It has the rare shape of an unopened lotus flower called Padmakara (in shape).

This Padmakara type of Dagaba appears to be the only one such dagaba having the shape of an unopened lotus flower built in modern times. Its original type of dagaba having this shape of a Padmakara had been built only in one place called Nikawa Kanda lying in the North Central Province dating back to the Anuradhapura period of 1st-2nd century BC.

The famed British irrigation engineer, a prolific author and an academic of the British times, has in his book titled 'Ancient Ceylon' (1909) has mentioned about this particular dagaba having the shape of a Padmagara lying at the above place and then it was lying in ruins, where only a little portion of it was remaining then. In his above quoted book, a sketch of this particular Padmakara dagaba has been depicted.

Atasivi Buddha seated statues . . .

In the same premises where this dagaba stands in all its perfection a gallery of small but seated Buddha statutes of marble, of the famed ata-sivi Buddha (meaning past and future).

Each such sublime statue is enclosed in a glass glazed enclosure its pertitent name of the past and contending Buddhas. Below this very building lies the colossal but spacious meditation hall, in its subway.

It could accommodate 100 meditating practitioners. It is provided with a diffusion of electric bulbs. During the time of meditation chores, the lights are dimmed to darkness gradually. This sort of darkness would provide the meditating practitioners with solemnity, silence and deep concentration as well.

In the same premises under the groves of sheltering trees, stands another cynosure of a perfect standing Buddha statue of stone. This statue which was restored to its pristine state by the Department of Archaeological officials.

On the initiative taken by Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhita, as he was informed by the villagers that a stone standing statue mutilated into 18 pieces was lying there. Immediately, he informed the Department of Archaeology to get the battered standing Buddha statue pieced together to form into its original statue. It has the shape of the Aukana Buddha colossus in Kalaweva.

Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhita is a born naturalist, environmentalist and a lover of nature. The perfect landscaping of jungle - fruit trees and creepers festooning trunks of these trees are all a haven. All these nature like creations are the very innovations of this Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhita. His avasa is another sanctuary surmounted by trees and creepers ramifying around. It is built in fine style of mud-walled and roof thatched with Talpat palms. The lanes are cobbled winding through the winding pathways under these forest canopies.

Graced the 2002 Millennium Summit - New York

Ven. Dr. Panditha Omalpe Sobhita was accorded with yet another distinction in being invited to attend the World Millennium Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders held on 28.8.2002, at United Nations Mission Hall, New York, USA. This Millennium World Summit has been acclaimed as the first of its kind ever held in the annals of World Peace Summit of religious and spiritual leaders.

Ordaining of elders - a come back after Buddha's time

Recently on the full moon day of Poson in the month of June, 2003, another celebrated religious event took place at this Sri Bodhiraja Foundation. During Buddha's time, the ordination of elders such as ascetics, princes, and laymen as Samanera Buddhist monks took place.

This ordination of elders as Buddhist monk has been the brainchild of Ven. Dr. Panditha Omalpe Sobhita. In collaboration with the Dharma Vijaya Padanama (based in Colombo - its Hony. President being Mr. L. W. Gunawardena - a former Government Agent, Ampara district), Dr. Panditha Ven. Omalpe Sohbita called applications from laymen elders to be selected for ordination as Buddhist monks.

Twelve such persons were selected at this Dhamma Vijaya Padanama. Thereafter they were trained in conducting classes by learned Buddhist monks at this Sri Bodhi Raja Foundation. The ordination of these 12 persons as Samanera Buddhist monks was executed in a well organised programme initiated by Ven. Dr. Panditha Omalpe Sobhita.

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Buddhism in Norway

The Norway a country with the majority of its population of 4.5 million Protestant Christians respect the belief and all faith of other religions and extend the support based on principals of equal per capita support that given to the church of Norway.

The government and its legislative act unfolding to the religious communities passed by the Norwegian Parliament the "Stortinget" in 1969 supports with funds to the religious communities and encourage them to practice.

As a result of the encouragement, Norwegian Buddhists registered as religious communities in order to get the support of the state. Then the Asian Buddhist communities formed the Buddhist Federation of Norway BFN in 1979.

Nearly 9,000 members from 11 associations conduct the Buddhist activities such as meditations, Vesak festival throughout the year.

The BFN an important body to Norwegian Buddhists as its deal with the many projects on dialogues with the Govt and with the church of Norway, in 1996 the BFN co-founded the Council of Religious and Life Stance Communities in Norway.

As a part of its International engagement the BFN initiated a dialogue with the Sri Lankan Buddhists on the issues of Buddhist approaches to conflict preventions.

The BFN has improved its standard of the teaching of Buddhism as it is currently engaged in the subject of religious education on national level in the public school systems and provides the information through various means such as the Internet.

The Vietnamese Buddhist community largest in Norway has built a large temple outside Oslo and become the headquarters of Vietnamese Buddhist communities in all the Scandinavian countries. Vietnamese refugees arrived in Norway shortly after the fall of Saigon in 1975.

The second largest Buddhist community is the Thai and its temple barely outside the Oslo. The arrival of Thai Buddhism in Norway began in 1980s due to inter-marriages between two communities.

The Karma Tashi Ling Buddhist association run by Lamas has the biggest property of 22 acres with a meditation centre bookshops, South of Oslo. The attraction and the interest of Buddhism among Norwegians is increasing rapidly today as there is a sizeable number of locals are all over the country figuring to more than twenty thousand along with the immigrants with a 0.42% of the total population.

Archaeological evidence says that the Vikings brought Buddha statues to Scandinavia however, Buddhism had any impacts in this area as there were no indications until the late 19th century when it became known to educated people in western Europe through the writings of various Buddhist scholars and philosophers and spiritual movements led by Tibets.

The Zen Buddhism in Norway was mainly due to local interest inspired by the writings of proponents of Zen in the west such as the Japanese scholar D. T. Suzki and the visit to Norway of Tibetan Lamas such as Gyalwa Karmapa and the 14th Dalai Lama.

The Sri Lankan Buddhist community in Norway consists to a large extent of regular immigrants who have settled over the years formed the Tisarana Educational and Cultural Society in 1993 for the promotion of Theravada Buddhism conducts various activities serving the Buddhist population by launching translated books on Buddhism in Sri Lanka, conducting classes to teach Dhamma and Sinhala language for those who are interested and Sri Lankan community with the assistance of SL Consulate General in Norway.

Ravindra Seneviratne

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