Veeriya, focal point in Lankan Buddhism

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA and Sachitra MAHENDRA

Sri Lanka is one of the tourist hotspots in the world - its grandeur of sacred sites will raise anyone's eyebrows. Buddhism is undoubtedly a key factor linked with this heritage. It leaves one with an inevitable question: How could forefathers accomplish such idyllic wonders without any sophisticated technology? It is because of simple faith, T Y Lee offered an explanation, based on Veeriya, a Pali term for 'energy'.

Lee reflected these musings in his speech delivered at the ANCL Upper Board Room yesterday. He is the author of the Island of Light: Buddhism in Sri Lanka, a 72-page full-colour book, issued free with the Sunday Observer on May 29, to mark the 2600th Sambuddhatva Jayanthi. The book is a concise but complete guide to Buddhist sacred sites in Sri Lanka.

US-educated Lee has authored two Buddhist books: 'Anyone Can Go To heaven, Just Be Good' and 'A Life of Blessings'. In addition, he maintains a comprehensive international Buddhist Website - www.justbegood.net. His three books and the Website are available in English, German, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Bhasa Indonesia, Hindi and Marathi. Vietnamese and Cambodian translations will be published soon. More than 700,000 copies of the three books have been distributed worldwide free. The printing and publishing of the books are self-funded by the author.

"Energy is one of the basic principles in Buddhism. That is why it has become one of the fastest growing religions in the world. I'm getting unexpected inquiries on Buddhism from countries, such as, South America and from people like Muslims," Lee said.

The world has started turning to Buddhist values and to implement them in their day to day life. Eminent personalities, such as, Steve Jobs and Henry Ford's grandson William Ford are among the celebrity Buddhists. Some personalities - although they don't call themselves Buddhists - have made use of Buddhism's core principles.

"Buddhism has a single point that attracts the whole world. That is meditation. They have realised that meditation offers happiness and success in everyday activities of both business and personal life," Lee said.

Having travelled widely around the world, Lee said Sri Lanka is the only country that preserves Buddhism in its purest form. It is one primary reason that led him to publish his book in Sri Lanka. His book, meant for free distribution, has been translated into almost 10 languages running for one million printed copies.

"A lot of people are willing to translate this book into more languages expecting no gain back. For example, this book has a huge demand in China."

Recently in China, a baby became a victim of a hit-and-run accident, and he was left to die since no one cared to check on him. This incident has struck the chord of most Chinese people, and they have started probing into their inner self.

"This is a good trend. Regardless of their religious background, anyone can put Buddhist values into practice without much difficulty."

Lee said that he is proud to have worked with the ANCL. ANCL General Manager Abhaya Amaradasa said that Buddhism influenced Sri Lankan culture, language, custom and politics for centuries. As a result, it has paved the way to the development of Sri Lankan Buddhist architecture.

Sunday Observer Associate Editor Pramod de Silva also addressed the gathering.

Ven. Bodhichitta Therani, ANCL Chairman Bandula Padmakumara, Editors and Heads of the Departments also participated.