Revealing facets of the Dhamma

Vesak Lipi (2005)

Reviewed by Manel Saratchandra

The month of May is sacred to all Buddhists. The magnificent lustre of the Holy Triple Gem is heightened in this month of Vesak, as Buddhists all over the world reach out for renewed solace. They spend more time on wise reflection on the virtues of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

'Vesak Lipi' (2005) the annual bi-lingual Buddhist publication brought out single handed by its editor, Upali Salgado allows, leading readers, both the novice and the initiated, on the fruitful path of Right Thought - Samma Sankappa.

Unlike what we usually encounter, an appreciable factor in this publication, is the great strides the Editor has taken over the past 21 years in presenting each year an increasingly valuable Digest - as he prefers to call it. This is evident not only in the lay out of the attractive cover, but also in the informative contents within. The regular reader will recall the early slim editions with the simple white cover. But since then the Editor's painstaking efforts have made 'Vesak Lipi' a feast to the eye and an outstanding contribution to the noble cause of Dhamma Dana.

This year, the glossy cover together and a folder inside shows two beautiful reproductions of ancient temple wall paintings in Galle and Kuruwita respectively. They are highly skilled efforts of two talented young artists, and it is commendable that they too have been given due recognition.

Most of the literary contributions are from regular erudite writers and provide an array of materials in verse and prose; ranging from light to insightful philosophical themes. Two very interesting articles in the Sinhala section are Ven. Yatirawana Dhammarama's article on development of Metta and Ven. Sirisumana's one an Arahat Ananda. The former stresses some vital aspects of Metta Bhavana which readers should digest carefully. This is very topical because today most people do not pay sufficiently serious attention to the initial conditioning of the mind which is conducive in effecting the desired results of Metta Bhavana, but consider it only as a roll-off chant.

To those keen on or already engaged in meditation, this article provides clear points for consideration. The other article on Arahat Ananda, is a fascinating cameo of a much loved Buddha Puthra, who as the writer claims, is an exemplary epitome to be followed by all responsible persons. Eternal gratitude springs in our minds as we recollect Ven. Ananda's colossal mental feats as the Treasurer of the Dhamma, thereby preserving the doctrine for posterity.

In the English section too there are many interesting articles some of an academic nature. But space constrains me to dwell on five of them only. The commemorative presentation by a very learned monk on the subject of Dhutanga Livelihood will be of use to readers because it is not a very familiar topic. It is a well researched article and it was quite revealing to learn that contrary to popular belief Dhutanga or severe asceticism is not found in the Vinaya texts but only in the Commentaries.

It was also pleasantly surprising to read an interesting and topical contribution by a retired Major General of the army. He was, of course, well-known for youth rehabilitation work. This article provides answers to many controversial questions in the minds of a mainly peace loving people caught up in the ravages of a long drawn out war. It must be mentioned that it augurs well for the Sri Lankan Army and I'm certain it is a precedent, in a soldier obtained a Masters Degree in Religious Studies.

The third article is regarding a contribution by the Editor himself. 'Royalty Meeting Three Sages' is an unusual and thought-provoking article, specially relevant to us Sri Lankans. How I wish our contemporary rulers had even a semblance of the magnanimity of those mentioned here. A line that caught my eye was, "kings who showed deep respect to the Maha Sangha for their learning always seated themselves not on level but below the wise man."

This is quite in contrast to today's situation, where not royalty but ordinary laymen seating themselves on par with the Sangha is commonly seen on electronic media and also in Parliament. Milinda Panha is an ever-green topic and the Editor's efforts to present a readable and informative article must be underscored. Rajitha Weerakoon's effort to trace the authorship of the chronicle 'Deepawansa' is interesting.

However, besides all the aforementioned, the distinctive feature that enhances the overall quality of 'Vesak Lipi' - the icing on the cake as it were, - is the inclusion of beautiful photographs as the ones earlier mentioned of valuable reproduction, and others taken by the Editor himself. His recent pilgrimage to Myanmar (Burma) has paid dividends. One of the most entrancing photographs of a stupa that I have seen, is the one on the Swedegon Pagoda in the moonlight. It is a work of art, a work of love and evokes so much Saddha. Yet another striking colour photograph is that of the ancient Pindaya caves near Mandalay, where there are thousands of gold guilded Buddha images of different sizes, placed at different elevations.

A final reference must be made to the interesting little anecdotes in the miscellaneous section which will certainly attract every reader. The flash back reference to the tsunami, brief but apt, will no doubt evoke in the discerning mind deep thoughts of veneration. It vividly encapsulates the infinite incomparable wisdom of the Thathagatha and we humbly raise our palms together, appreciating the strength of being follower to face the travails of life with fortitude.

To conclude, 'Vesak Lipi' (No. 21) is no doubt the result of much effort in the right direction. However providing more articles in the Sinhala section and smarter Pali proof reading could undoubtedly improve the value of this high quality Buddhist Digest. Those interested in obtaining this Digest should contact Upali Salgado, the Editor at 29, Deal Place (A), Colombo 3, by sending him a contribution to defray printing and postage expenses.

May the Blessings of the Triple Gem assist the Editor, to move from strength to strength in his future endeavours, in the cause of Dhamma Dana.