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| Wednesday, 7 January 2004 |
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(Colombo East Group Corr.) An eminent Indian scholar and linguist, Prof. Vayidya Shiva Shankar Matrubhumi of Anandanagar of Trichi accepted the Five Precepts from Ven. Wellawatte Gnanabhivansa, Nayaka Thera, Viharadhipati Suvisuddharama Purana Vihara, Wellawatte and embraced Buddhism at the International Buddhist Centre, Wellawatte recently. A gathering of distinguished Bhikkhus, guests and devotees were present. Ven. Gnanabhivansa addressing Prof. Shiva Shankar Matrubhumi said that since he has chosen the Buddha as his spiritual guide the Arya Buddhist Bhikkhus have become his advisers and he has to follow the Buddhist way of life they indicate. By the observance of the Five Precepts he has undertaken to live a life free of wrong deed and word and spend a virtuous life. They consider him as an upasaka or a true Buddhist devotee. Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sorata said that Buddhism can be understood only by the wise. The foolish cannot perceive its value. The real Buddhist acts with understanding. Since Prof. Vaiydya Shiva Shankar has a thorough knowledge of comparative religion, he has realised the value of Buddhism. Thus he is a true upasaka or devotee, who will follow the doctrine. Buddha was a great son of India and was a great person among all humans. The professor too is from the same land and there is no doubt that there are affinities. Buddhism is for the intellect and not for the tummy. Today there are people who change their religion for personal gain. For them religion is of little value. Prof. Oliver Abeynayake said that by the term 'upasaka' is meant one who is close to the Buddha. It has a sense similar to 'upanishad' in Hinduism. An upasaka or devotee has to associate bhikkhus constantly. He has to discuss the Dhamma with them. He has to observe virtue, faith and munificence. Today the Dhamma is learnt through computer. Yet it is essential to understand the Dhamma by research. Prof. Shiva Shankar said that although he had learnt many religions and philosophies he finally decided to embrace Buddhism due to sheer understanding of its value. Nirvana is distanced by following diverse religions. It is hard to reach Nirvana when one is bound by various worldly considerations, he agreed. Ven. Maharagama Mahinda, Head of the International Buddhist Centre received the Bhikkhus, guests and devotees and said that the foundation stone for the centre was laid by India's first Prime Minister Javaharlal Nehru and the bronze Buddha Statue was presented by the former President of India, Rajendra Prasad. Mrs. Shri Devi Silva offered a Buddha statue to Prof. Shiva Shankar which he placed in the image house and worshipped. Vens. Olande Ananda, Gurudeniye Udita, Viharadhipati Dharmodaya Vihara, Wellawatte and Nivitigala Vipassi participated. |
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