Colourful tribute to Buddhism

Dinamina Vesak Annual - 75th issue

Editor: Dr. Ranjith L. Abeywickrama

Price: Rs. 80

Printed by ANCL, Commercial Printing Department

Review: Professor Jayadeva Tilakasiri

ANNUAL: The Dinamina Vesak Annual has already made its appearance in bright colours with a collection of colour and black and white pictures of wide variety.

The colour picture on the cover is striking showing Prince Nanda who had inherited wealth, the kingdom and his wife. Her grief is indeed unimaginable because they had invited the Buddha for the first almsgiving after their marriage.

Prince Nanda could, however, follow the path the Buddha had set down and, consequently, he accepted the bowl from the Great preceptor and donned a robe.

This apt illustration done by the artist, Jayamali Weerasingha sets the tone for the annual in a striking manner emphasising that beautiful concepts from the worldly sphere which attracted Nanda at first could not deceive him as he was compelled to accept the beautiful and serene way of the supra-mundane attainment.

Contents

The Annual, as usual, is replete with as many as 59 essays, poems, religious and philosophical descriptions, short stories, brief narratives, prescriptions for good and virtuous living, admonitions.

At first sight a reader would not know what deserves his attention first so that he could proceed to read them and read the rest later.

Any how the reader cannot get lost in this diversity of themes and titles as they centre on the Buddhist doctrine, its salient aspects, brought to light by prose, verse or dialogue.

Some of the articles are easy for understanding as they avoid discussion of knotty points in the Buddhist doctrine. It is perhaps necessary to combine the easily understood teachings with the more complex and intricate doctrinal issues, meant for the readers endowed with a deep knowledge of Buddhism.

In fact I have to raise this difference in themes and topics for light reading as opposed to readers who seek depth in the essays.

In order to set them apart it would be necessary to divide the material received from writers and scholars in separate sections covering the lighter and the heavier themes, poems, songs, short stories etc. in separate sections.

Themes

If such a separation of topics and themes is followed the Annual can in the course of time develop into a journal of Buddhist Studies useful as reading material for not only average readers, but students interested in the study of many aspects of Buddhist thought covering the religion and philosophy in depth.

A major section of the essays deal with the doctrine, its precepts and practices, ethical values while a few take up archaeological and historical features and institutions like the hospital at Mihintale and the surviving ruins and structures in the form of baths which could accommodate a patient for treatment (accepted in the past) recalling also the continuing practice of providing oil baths with chosen leaves and branches known in the local ayurveda system of treatment. (55/92)

The architectural principles revealed in the study of the materials and designs used in the Mayurya period (41/68) is also important for readers to grasp as the writer, an official of the National Museum, presents data and evidence to show the manner in which the items preserved reflect not only the application of construction methodology in building up pillars and supports for the massive structures but the expression of King Asoka’s supreme authority and imperial power.

After his acceptance of the Buddhist faith consequent to his great victories displaying his sovereignty and prowess as a ruler he ordered that the Buddhist shrines should signify the concept of Dharma Vijaya (conquest of the Dharma - the Buddhist law) in every new structures and particularly, the pillars showing traditional motifs and designs.

The king is credited with the introduction of figures and decorations in an original style in the construction of numerous stupas for worship and veneration by the people.

An essay which poses the question: ‘The ancient relic of the Buddha’s bowl: Could it be believed that the Bowl was enshrined inside the relic chamber of the shrine (sthupa) of the present Natha temple in Kandy? is the question presented by a writer (whose identity is not known but) perhaps studied the historical and archaeological evidence referring to the golden bowl in which Sujata offered milk-rice to the hermit Siddharta.

Afterwards the bowl had been cast into the river Neranjara by Prince Siddhartha and finally it reached Naga world. This incident is discussed by the writer summarising the contents from the Pujavali text. The history of the bowl and its appearance and disappearance is also related in the essay describing its miracular power.

Essays

There are several other meaningful essays such as the ‘Meaning of Vesak Full Moon Day’ (07/3) bringing out the popular observances associated with the ritual as well as the social and modern factors and its basis for the restoration of the religious and national identity which influenced the leaders in asserting the rights of the people when missionary forces attempted to suppress cultural developments and educational progress.

Historical aspects

The oft-chosen theme of the Annual combines the doctrinal and historical aspects of Buddhism. ‘Panca sila jivitaya (11)’, ‘Amisa and pratipatti puja’ (14/23), two important aspects of personal conduct are analysed, their connections shown for lay readers who need such clarification because sometimes the mixing up of those two attitudes require differentiation.

Titles, 17-22, also allude to various concepts and fundamental teachings of the Doctrine and such thoughts expressed therein should find mention, as for instance, ‘Buddhist ethical concepts’ and ‘The Incomparable and Unequalled Dharma Cakra’ which give a resume of the important vignettes of the Buddha’s sermons.

‘Bhavanave mahima’ (written by a former educationist) offers a clear account of the steps and methods of meditation, purpose and techniques, which is a lucid statement of the attainment of stages of mental development (22/33).

As the Annual, according to its Editor, has as its main aim, the propagation of Buddha Dhamma and its concepts and its exposition and interpretation by both learned and educated thinkers and writers, I feel it necessary to discuss the merits and purposes of Buddhist thought by writers and thinkers who take the readers to a more difficult terrain.

It should be emphasised that they are not keen to display their knowledge and understanding but looking forward to the progress made by readers (over the years) to follow the concepts in depth.

It is because Buddhism does not only express its fundamental teachings in the easy Pali language in both verse and prose for easy comprehension by the devotees but users most effectively the verse style in dialogue (between the Buddha and the Brahmin debators) but, as the commentaries show, adopts a complex and dense style for describing the stages of higher attainment leading to Emancipation and Enlightenment.

The average reader of the Annual, however, expects the material in the form of essays, dialogues, prose (verse statements to be easily understood. In due course such readers should advance spiritually and be able to grasp the Dhamma in its depth.

Among the essays where the contributors discuss the philosophical and abstruse - sometimes controversial - points or theme of the Dhamma the writers seem to be fulfilling the aim of the manual to direct the readers towards understanding the realising the Truth.

An essay presented by a specialist and psychologist in the medical profession defines and discusses the concept of ‘Anatma’, disentangling the factual and psychological reality discovered by thinkers.

He prefaces his account referring to the Theory of Relativity advanced by Albert Einstein comparing it with the ‘Anatma Concept’ discovered and professed by the Buddha.

He next proceeds to analyse the ‘nama-rupa’ sections which constitute the ‘anatma’, made up of ‘rupa’ or the physical and the ‘nama’ or mental constituents. Within three pages he takes the readers across the connected ideas of atoms, electrons and protons, drawing parallels from Buddhist ‘pathavi’ theory recognising also the divisions of ‘apo’ - water, ‘tejo’ - heat, ‘vayo’ - wind.

In this well set-out essay the doctor also draws attention to the characteristics of ‘anitya’ - impermanence’, ‘dukkha’ - suffering, ‘anatma’. He states emphatically that Buddhism differs and excels in comparison with other religions and philosophies.

Tibetan Buddhism

Special mention must also be made of the English article bearing the title ‘Mandala: the symbolic representation of the universe in Tibetan Buddhism’ submitted by a University Professor of the Okina University. The essay discusses the symbolic meanings of the structure and emblems of the Mandala, the ‘sacred circle’ in Tibetan Buddhism.

The account also refers to the conflicts which arose after the Buddha’s passing away and the rise of controversy of several matters. An interesting survey of the rise of Tantric Buddhism, the Sun God, the Dharma Kaya of the Buddha and Tantras follows. This kind of article is certainly welcome in the future, too.

As a reviewer, I would be failing in my task if I do not allude even succinctly to the ‘Gradual Creation of Buddhist Philosophy’ - a cynical statement on the lack of understanding and biased writing on Buddhist philosophy, as viewed by Prof. Kalansuriya, whose criticisms of writers on concepts and theories in the field of Western philosophy comparing Buddhism with modern ideas found therein, has been often published.

Clear exposition

This essay deals with ‘Cause and Effect’ as a fundamental concept which needs a clear exposition from philosophical premises.

He emphasises that Buddhist thought is quite clearly of Eastern origin and, therefore, comparison with the analytic system of Western origin is not necessary, according to the assessment of some writers and thinkers. This is a defeatist attitude.

He argues that Buddhist thought can be studied in its own right, but Buddhist philosophy needs a new study. He outlines certain steps to be taken to search for the right methodology in line with Western philosophical thought.

He concludes his essay that as Buddhism assigns a prominent position to Man whose emancipation and not the emancipation of other forces is acceptable. Therefore, he states that there is an essential difference between Buddhism and Science, which cannot be changed.

When the entire collection of essays covering problems of understanding the Buddhist Dhamma, discussion of archaeological, architectural, ideological and even political themes and subjects, all contributing to protect the Human Heritage - spread out in the Dinamina Vesak Annual (2551-2007) totalling nearly 100 pages with suitable additions of verses, quotations, notes, songs etc. Also, expertly laid out with short stories, unfortunately not reviewed for lack of space, is critically assessed.

Dr. R. L. Abeywickrama, its Editor, receives our congratulations and commendation for a job well done.

We also must not fail to offer our thanks and wishes for long life to the annual and its founders and sponsors for the last 75 years, its Directors, Editors and others who have always assisted in the production of the colourful tribute and grateful contribution to Buddhism and Sri Lankan Buddhists.

Sri Lanka’s resplendent European connection

The Burghers

Author: J. B. Muller

Published under The European Heritage Project

Review: Lynn Ockersz

ETHNICITY: The Burghers of Sri Lanka are a resplendent and beautiful breed who have made Sri Lanka a many-splendoured thing. This is the essential thesis of this comprehensive piece of writing on the Burghers of Sri Lanka by that indefatigable researcher of the Burgher community in this land, J.B. Muller.

‘The Burghers’ is engaging reading from start to finish. Presented in lucid, lively English, this a thoroughly-researched history of the Burgher community in this country, going into even ancient history and the earliest genetic roots of this people, down to contemporary times, with insightful, detailed close-ups of the community in numerous geographical regions of Sri Lanka: Batticaloa, Jaffna, Galle, Colombo etc.

Muller’s eye-opening finding in this book is that the Burghers’ blood in Sri Lanka is fertilized by a wide variety of nations from a diversity of regions and countries of Europe and not only by Portugal and the Netherlands, as commonly believed.

German, French, Jewish, Flemish, Scottish, Welsh, Hungarian - the list is lengthy. But the wonderful thing about Burghers is that they are fully integrated into Lankan society today.

The point to be noted is that the Burghers of this country, carrying all such genes, have in turn intermarried with communities who were already in Sri Lanka on their arrival, and have thereby contributed towards the genetic richness of Sri Lankans.

The prime question which arises from these disclosures is this: If Sri Lankans are a genetically diverse people, how could one champion “racial purity”? Besides, we are reminded that “community” is a social construct which only facilitates divisive political projects, such as ultra-nationalism.

I do hope this work by J.B. Muller would lead to a deeper probing of these issues and give rise to a constructive debate on the tenability of political projects, such as ultra-nationalism and majoritarian nationalism.

Besides, hopefully, more light would be shed on how “imagined communities” become the basis of ethnic nationalism, in the course of such debates.

In addition to these broader interests, “The Burghers” is a treasure trove of information on a multiplicity of aspects of the Burgher presence, such as Burgher names and their origins, the customs and mores of Burghers, their culture, arts and crafts, their lifestyles and a host of other subjects.

Illuminating illustrations in both colour and black and white add to the appeal of ‘The Burghers’. The book is available at leading book sellers - Lake House Bookshop, Sarasavi Bookshop and Vijitha Yapa’s.

Call for a church of the poor

The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka - Reflections

Author: Rev. Fr. Joseph E. Fernando SJ

Jesuit residence, Trincomalee.

Review: W.T.A. Leslie Fernando

RELIGION: The Vatican Council II (1962-65) brought about significant changes within the Catholic Church. It directed that Catholic rituals should be performed in national languages in an indigenous background.

It acknowledged the truths and values found in other religions, their society and culture. It defined the attitude of the Church towards modern political thinking.

Instead of authoritarian discipline among priests and religions, the rules were relaxed to enable them to move freely with the public to serve people.

Since the Vatican Council II, there is so much confusion in the Catholic Church. There are various interpretations to Christianity and one is at a loss to understand the Christian doctrine.

Spirituality in religion is relegated to background and there are attempts to link Christianity with Marxist ideals so as to give a political dimension to religion. There is growing agnosticism and a decline of faith or awareness of God in the West. Scandals about Bishops and priests have hit the headlines in the mass media.

Real situation

The present phenomenon in the Church has its repercussions in the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka as well. And Rev. Fr. Joseph Eustace Fernando in his work The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka-Reflections takes stock of the real situation in our country.

At the outset, the author in his preface indicates that his objective is to initiate discussion to transform Roman Catholic Church in Sri Lanka into an authentic Sri Lankan Catholic Church.

The author identifies that while the overwhelming majority of Catholics in Sri Lanka are poor and marginalised, the Church leadership, both clergy and laity is still in the hands of the English educated elite who in their thinking and lifestyle practise a bourgeois Christianity. (Page 16).

The author finds, today in the life of most of the faithful Western liberal bourgeois Christianity is a cancer that kills an intimate relationship with Christ and a subtle temptation that misdirects the believer away from God in different ways.

It tends to uphold capitalist, hedonistic and individualistic set of values and lifestyles not in keeping with the spirituality based on the Gospel. (Page 65).

The author observes that from the beginning of the 20th century there was a polarisation between the Western educated bourgeois Catholics and the vernacular educated counterpart.

The Roman liturgy and institutions made the English educated Catholics more Westernised. As a result there arose differences between them and the Sinhala educated. The latter supported free education, changes after 1956 and even the Schools take over.

English education

The author analyses with the failure of nationalised projects and the open market policy national bourgeois lost their importance. As a consequence English education is revived in Catholic colleges and convents and also in the initial formation of priests and religions.

In this situation he opines that the gap between the rich and the poor would increase in the Church and the poor will be marginalised. Further Church leaders will be Westernised, ineffective in interacting with their congregations and alienated from the national cultures.

Speaking about the Christian education, the author contends that our effort tend to be focussed on children and youth in towns and suburban areas, while the children of poor fishermen, farmers and plantation workers do not receive all these benefits.

Further the education provided in Catholic schools is job-oriented (Page 53). Once the students leave the institutions, they settle down to bourgeois Christianity. Recently opened up International schools have intensified the situation.

Is this present system of Catholic education able to produce real disciples or witnesses of Christ queries the author. (Page 35)

Coming to the formation of religions, the author laments that during the past 30 years or more in the religious and seminary formation, the emphasis has been on a preparation for the apostolate - educational, medical, social, pastoral and mass media and so on. And with the spread of materialism, individualism and careerism, a liberal bourgeois Christianity has spread among them. (Page 36)

The author observes that once trained in this type of bourgeois Christianity, they tend to become closed up, individualistic and unable to live with the poor.

He confesses that the life and behaviour of many religious today have provoked much criticism form the laity and the respect of religions in Sri Lanka will not last long. He emphasises that the Church in Sri Lanka needs more ‘holy’ religious men and women rather than efficient apostolic workers. (Page 52)

Liberal reforms

The author analyses both the positive and the negative aspects of the impact of the Vatican Council II on the Church in Sri Lanka. The Sinhala and Tamil translations of Liturgy were introduced and with the availability of the Bible in both languages the Church in Sri Lanka has spread inland.

For pastoral reasons new parishes and dioceses have increased. Further ASIPA and prayer groups are organised and children are being catechized in a way appealing to them.

On the other hand following the principles of self-determination petty kingdoms have arisen. In religious congregations instead of authoritarian discipline liberal reforms introduced in imitation of Western trends. As a result laxity and individualism has increased making the vow of poverty meaningless.

In this work the author is honest, sincere, truthful and outspoken. He does not merely stop at raising issues but also suggests ways and means to overcome them.

The author first of all urges that we have to repent for our bourgeois Christianity and be converted. Instead of forgetting and ignoring God, we have to be intimately united with Christ, and believe in the Good News of Jesus. (Page 30) The priests and religions have to be models for the faithful, especially to the poor by inspiring, nourishing and confirming their faith. The Catholics should respect and live according to our customs and traditions infusing them with a Christian meaning.

The author concludes that ours should be a Church of the poor, a servant Church to the people in Sri Lanka. It is upto us therefore to choose between bourgeois Christianity or to become disciples of Jesus Christ. (Page 77)

Although this book deals with religious doctrines, it is so lucidly presented so that it could be easily apprehended by laymen. The book also contains a set of beautiful pictures depicting some aspects of the indigenisation of the Catholic Church. All the Catholics both religious and laity should read this book.