The wisdom of a ‘wandering mind’

Ayale Giye Sitaka Satahan (Notes of a Wandering Mind)

Author: Tissa Abeysekera

A Sarasavi publication

Review: Lynn Ockersz

NOTES: Tissa Abeysekera’s iconic stature in the field of Lankan arts and culture is firmly underlined by this voluminous work containing some of his most wide-ranging comments and observations on local creativity as well as realities.

Contrary to what is conveyed by the title of the book - Ayale Giye Sitake Satahan which roughly translates into English as, ‘The Notes of a Wandering Mind’ - these reflections and perceptions have a stable focus and direction.

That is, they are directed at the local creative genius and its sublime outpourings, both literary and otherwise, while also encapsulating the writer’s insights on them and some of his most revealing ruminations on things vitally Sri Lankan.

Abeysekera is, of course, very well known as a creative writer, in both Sinhala and English, as well as a writer of film scripts, besides being a film critic, but this work reveals an acute research-oriented mind besides a wide-ranging sensibility.

Take, for instance, the author’s search for the historical Jayewardenepura, in the initial part of the work titled ‘Kotte Kalale’. In these essays the author is traversing contemporary Jayewardenepura, Kotte, with a keen eye for substantial evidence that the celebrated and resplendent Jayewardenepura of the ‘Sandesa Kavya’ of old existed.

This exploration of the past gives him an opportunity to dwell not only the history of Kotte but also its geography and current elevating and still somewhat rustic beauty.

Excursion

The excursion gives the author an opening to provide us close-ups of present day Kotte in all its curious and distinguishing details while enabling us to savour once again those celebrated verses from the ‘Selelihini Sandeseya’, which compared Kotte to a dazzling Lankan beauty of yore.

A thought-provoking observation made by the author is that the author of the ‘Selelihini’ Sandeseya’, since he operated within the Sanskrit poetic tradition, would have been compelled to resort to hyperbole when dealing with the Kotte of his times.

The question, therefore, arises whether the ‘Selelihini Sandeseya’ presents a realistic portrayal of Kotte of the sixteenth century, or an extended and evocative poetic metaphor.

A further wealth of insights awaits the reader in the sections that follow Abeysekera’s perceptions on Kotte. In the sections titled ‘Sathsara Satahan’ and ‘Sivupada Sanvada’, for instance, Abeysekera succeeds in defining what is truly Sri Lankan and indigenous, in local song artistry and poetry.

By carefully sifting through the numerous strands in these long-entrenched arts, the author differentiates for us, the genuinely indigenous from the borrowed and the alien.

Through a careful evaluation of the elements of song and music, for example, Abeysekera proves that song artistes such as Sunil Santha, Mohideen Baig and C.T. Fernando, are representative of the indigenous tradition in singing. There is a quintessential simplicity and soulfulness in their singing that likens them to the singer of folk poetry or ‘Pel Kavi’.

Tradition

The ‘Pel Kavi’ tradition comes into sharp focus, once again, in Abeysekera’s discussions of Lankan poetry and versification. Besides its plaintive ring, Lankan folk poetry is defined by a transparent lucidity and simplicity which leaves the reader or listener in no doubt as to its meaning.

This quality is found in even some of the greatest Lankan poetic classics, such as the ‘Guttila Kavya’. Lucidity is the golden thread that binds all forms of indigenous art which breathe a truly Lankan ethos.

Interestingly, Abeysekera imbibed this uniquely indigenous ethos from his monolingual mother who sang to him ‘Pel Kavi’ in the strain and tone of voice they needed to be sung. She also introduced him to the ‘Ubabaslakara’ technique, another uniquely indigenous poetic invention.

Essentially, in this poetic mode, two characters conduct a dialogue on an engaging issue, which sometimes bears a thrust and parry character. Abeysekera takes up the position that this too is singularly Lankan.

Thus, this latest work by Tissa Abeysekera could be considered a strong stimulant to discursive thinking on vital aspects of Lankan art and culture. Written in engaging, scintillating Sinhala, this timely work shakes the local reader into a strong awareness of his artistic heritage and its unique position among the cultures of the world.

Ideal book for social transformation

Bahujana Hithaya, Bahujana Sukhaya

Author: Daya Rohana Athukorala

Published by Siripoda Wessa Counselling Service, Shanthi Foundation, Bauddhaloka

Mawatha, Colombo 7

280 PP

Price Rs. 300

Review: Ben Ratnayake

COUNSELLING: Siripoda Wessa, a comparatively young organisation, instituted under the auspices of the Shanthi Foundation is dedicated to counselling. It is a challenging and at the same time a fascinating subject - challenging because it needs a certain amount of knowledge of the vast territory which includes Sociology, Psychology, Psychiatry, Communication and even Anthropology; fascinating because it helps people out of their troubles by studying and analysing objectively both problem and the person involved, offering insight into human nature and blessing the counsellor with spiritual growth. On the other hand, the service is free and eschews advice which is mechanical.

From this point of view, the counsellor has to be educated, open-minded, mature and sufficiently aloof from the problem and the client without involving himself in the problem, especially emotionally. It is deemed therefore that one of the best persons in our society to play the role of counsellor is the Buddhist Monk “Charatha Bhikkhave” exhorted the Buddha - Go thou unto the people Bhikkhus and bring them solace.

Therefore, Siripoda Wessa has ventured to hold several training programmes for Buddhist clergy as well as laymen. This effort is further strengthened by the organisation’s publication of a book directed at counselling.

The book, titled “Bahaujana Hithaya....” by Senior Lecturer Daya Rohana Athukorala, therefore definitely supplies a long-felt need in this sphere, providing a cornucopia of information and unprecedented guidance, if not inspiration and encouragement.

The basic principles of counselling are embodied in Buddhism in stories like Alawaka Damanaya, Angulimala Damanaya or the sorry plight of Kisagothami. But they have not been so lucidly laid out for the comprehension and enlightenment of those who are eminently suited for this noble task.

Thus, Daya Rohana Athukorala’s timely venture stresses the need of a temple-centred counselling service, as it would, in a renaissance of culture, bring the temple closer to the people in palpable practical form, enabling the individual and the community at large even to overcome poverty.

Thus the problems within and without a person “The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to” can be and should be addressed is emphasised along with a lucid definition of counselling specially that it is a scientific process, and that it comprises many varieties such as educational, family and occupational counselling.

The presentation is indeed enriched by the emphasis laid on the qualifications necessary for a counsellor and how to initiate the process and analayse the problem and understand the person involved. Further, a detailed chapter provides the techniques to be mastered for the success of the endeavour. The final chapters on educational and family counselling are indeed illuminating and instructive.

If indeed the suggestions and proposals made by Daya Rohana Athukorala are implemented with the sincerity and enthusiasm wherewith they are made, the temple will certainly transform itself into a sanctuary where the troubled, the worried and misdirected will find solace, practically.

For this purpose, the book is exclusively intended for the Buddhist priesthood, though the ordinary reader is not excluded. Therefore, this book with such potential for transforming society is highly recommended for everyone who desires such changes in our society. The positive quality thereof provides absolute encouragement and awakening. Siripoda Wessa deserves commendation for its service-oriented efforts.

Important textbook for A/L Accounting students

Sri Lanka Ginumkarana Pramitha

Author: T. Dharmarajah

Published by Sanasa Printers and Publishers Limited

Review: Harendra Kariyawasam

Senior Lecturer, University of Sri Jayawardenepura

ACCOUNTING: I have no doubt that students who began their studies in Accounting in May 2005 with the intention of sitting the GCE (A/L) examination in the month of August 2007 would have been eagerly awaiting the publication of a book of this nature as five of the Accounting Standards included in the GCE (A/L) syllabus have been revised by the relevant accounting authorities which will be tested in the August examination.

There was an urgent need for a school textbook specifically targeting A/L students, enabling them to grasp the contents of these Revised Sri Lanka Accounting Standards. Author T. Dharmarajah, a well-known lecturer in Accounting has performed this task quite successfully.

This is not a traditional textbook on accounting. It discusses a specific area in Accounting - Revised Sri Lanka Accounting Standards. Sri Lanka Accounting Standards have become a law of the country by Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Act, No. 15 of 1995.

There is a separate chapter on each Accounting Standards mainly applicable to GCE (A/L) by explaining the content and application in detail with illustrative examples. There are typical examination-style revision questions at the end of each chapter.

This text is a comprehensive presentation intended for A/L students. However it covers the syllabus content of Foundation Examination of ICASL, examinations of AATSL and Technical College examinations. The first year students of the Accounting/Management Faculties of Universities will also be benefited by studying this book.

A chapter on accounting concepts explains in simple language a difficult area in accounting theory. Accounting concepts are the basic requirements of all accountants today. The author has carefully analysed the framework for the preparation and presentation of financial statements issued by the ICASL. The meaning of the terms used in accounting statements - assets, liability, revenue, expense, equity etc. are clearly explained in simple language.

The provision of the Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing and Standards Act, No. 15 of 1995 which is the legal framework has been dealt with in a lucid manner.

A special feature of this publication is the inclusion of a glossary of English terms that helps students who are studying in English also to benefit from the book.

Even beginners who are following professional accounting course can read and understand the contents of this book. Furthermore, the book can be used by teachers as a guide for preparation of their students for the A/L Examination.

The author is well known in the field of accounting education. He holds a B.Sc (Mgt) degree from the Vidyodaya University, an HNDA from the Technical College is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and has more than 20 years experience in teaching at technical colleges, university degree classes and chartered accountancy classes.

Presently, the author is a member of the Council of ICASL and member of the Council of AATSL. He is also the author of a complete textbook on Accountancy Standards.

It would have added strength to the book, if the author had included a few flow charts at the end of each chapter to give a summarised picture of the entire chapter.

The book is priced at Rs. 450 and it is a publication of Sanasa Printers and Publishers Limited.

The need for a new way of seeing

The Power of Now

Author: Eckhart Tolle

Published by Hodder & Stoughton, 2007

Available at Vijitha Yapa Bookshops

Review: Sarath Lewke Bandara P.C

SPIRITUALITY: This international best-seller sub-titled, a Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment is the most recent of the Teaching of the Timeless Now wherein arises Enlightenment (Buddhodpada Kshanaya) taught by the Buddha 2500 year ago.

Eckhart Tolle, according to his own account was up to his 30th year living a life subject to continuous anxiety interspersed with intervals of suicidal depression till he was suddenly stunned by a strong realisation of the duality of the I and the Self.

Late delving into spiritual texts and association of spiritual teachers he understood the intense pressure of suffering that forced his consciousness to withdraw from its Identification with the unhappy and deeply fearful self which is ultimately a fiction of the mind.

He states that the “bliss peace and sacredness” he experienced “is beyond description” which has not subsided. People who having seen the change had sought his guidance which has resulted in this book.

It is not sought therefore to review this book in the conventional manner. This is rather an attempt to place before the discerning reader some of the key insights in this book in the context of what the Buddha recounted in the Ariya Pariyeasena Sutta (sermon of the noble experiment) where he explains his renunciation in its true perspective and how he embarked on this noble search where in his penetrative wisdom he ended without a trace the craving for the mind and body in the ever present timeless now.

Enlightenment

In this work the author describes Enlightenment as one’s natural state of felt oneness with Being a state of connectedness with something immeasurable and indestructible. Something that is essential you and yet so much greater than you. It is finding your true nature beyond name and form. Eckhart quotes and refers to the Buddha and Christ frequently.

As the Buddha said Enlightenment is when suffering is not. The Buddha is silent about what is left when suffering is no more because he did not want speculation and conceptualisation about it.

Despite this precaution the author says that the majority of Buddhists still believe that enlightenment is for the Buddha only and not for them, at least not in their life time. Instead of quoting the Buddha, he says, be the Buddha, be the awakened one which is what the word Buddha means.

The author describes being as one’s very essence, a realization of I am, prior to I am that or I am this. It cannot be grasped with one’s mind Identification with the mind is the greatest obstacle to experience Being. It creates a screen of concepts, labels, images, words, judgements and definitions that block all relationships.

Evidently he uses the word mind and thought interchangeably. Thus he says that enlightenment means rising above thought. Where in the enlightened states one will use the thinking mind when needed only. The mind is a superb instrument if used rightly and used wrongly it becomes very destructive. Usually one does not use one’s mind. On the contrary it uses you.

This becomes a disease. Similarly compulsive and involuntary thinking is also mental aberration. Thus the only truly liberation is freeing one’s self from one’s mind. When one listens to the voice in your head which is called “watching the thinker” and as you listen to the thought you feel a conscious presence behind thought.

The vigilant watching process makes thought loosen its power over you and puts an end to compulsive and involuntary thinking which otherwise would become a tormentor that incessantly attacks and drains off your energy. While loosening its grip over you, it creates a gap in the mental stream and causes a gap of No-mind. Only by focusing one’s attention to the now can this no-mind be created and become intensely conscious of the present moment.

You must give your fullest attention to even your routine activity like washing your hands or walking up the stairs or getting in to the car. Your success in this direction is directly related to the inner peace you will have.

The surest way towards enlightenment is to disidentify from your mind and create a gap in the stream of the mind. This results in the light of your consciousness growing stronger so much so that there comes a stage when you no longer take the contents of the mind seriously and your sense of self does not depend on it.

Present moment

The nature of the ego mode of the mind is always to be concerned with the part keeping it alive and therefore so dysfunctional. The Now or the present moment holds the key to liberation. Enlightenment means rising above thought and using thought only when the need arises. As long as I am my mind I am those cravings, those needs, wants, attachments, and the aversions and apart from these, there is no I.

The creative potential of Being is inseparable from the Now. The accumulation of time in the collective and individual human mind is the cause of all pain and conflict. Time is really a fiction created by man and has no relevance in nature for which the only relevant time is the Now.

The only way to stop creating time is the deep realisation that the present moment is all one has and making the Now the primary focus of one’s like and see how life suddenly starts working for you rather than against you.

As long as you are unable to access the power of the Now, every emotional pain that you experience leaves behind a residue of pain that lives in you. The emotional “pain-body” is the accumulated pain that occupies your body and mind as a negative energy and once it takes you over you want more pain and you become either a victim or a perpetrator of pain.

The author lays bare the delusion of time and shows that time and thought are inseparable. To be identified with your mind is to be trapped in time. Contrary to conventional belief, time is not precious.

What is precious is the one point that is out of time-the Now. It is in the eternal present within which your whole life unfolds. Life is Now. There was never a time when your life is not now, no will there ever be. Now is the only point that can take you beyond the limited confines of the mind. It is the only point of access into the timeless, formless realm of Being. Nothing has ever happened in the past and nothing will ever happen in the future.

The Buddha propounded the importance and significance of the Now in every aspect of his teachings. See for instance the Baddeka Ratta Sutta in the Majjima Nikaya. “See in your wisdom how thought born in the present Now arises and passes away in the highest frequency from moment to moment. This is the way to Enlightenment”.

Pernicious effect

The author shows the pernicious effect of “psychological time” which is a mental disease when seen from its collective manifestation in the form of ideologies, nationalism, dogmatic religious systems where the highest good is placed in the future. Thus the present is scarified for the future as the end justifies the means resulting in the present chaos in the world, in internecine warfare and the treat to man and his environment.

Indeed when one reads through this book, it is difficult to resist the fact that every one of the insights spelt out there are significant features of the teachings of the renowned World Teacher J. Krishnamurthi.

His key insights that all time is now, and that human predicament is traced directly to the enslavement of man to thought and time, that the observer is the observed, that all your qualities and attachments are not separate from you, and that the most relevant aspect of life is “what is” and any movement away, from “what is” and escape which leads to conflict are some of the core aspects of the discussion, in this book.

However it is significant that the author who surely in his spiritual journey could not have missed the teachings of J. Krishnamurti which spanned a major part of the last century, does not make any mention of this greatest of the modern world spiritual teachers.

However this does not in any way diminish the importance of this book, which is must-read by any discerning reader who has the interest of humanity at heart. This work stresses that a new way of seeing is the most urgent human task. It is when we see clearly that we truly are.

We are then not what we think we are which is just a fiction of circumstances. Therefore to attribute as we do such importance to it is to lose ourselves in an endless painful game. This is the undercurrent of the perception that runs through this book and therein lies its importance.