UDUVAP POYA

Buddhism, the greatest treasure from India

Premasara EPASINGHE

No visit by a foreign delegation, envoys, diplomats has created such an impact on the lives of Sri Lankans, as the visit of Emperor Asoka’s Son – Arahant Mahinda Thera, on Poson Poya Day (June) and daughter Therini Sanghamitta on Unduvap Poya Day (December). It was the dawn of the social, cultural, spiritual revolution of Sri Lanka. The arrival of these two dignitaries as Buddhist missioneries and the spread of Buddhism, helped Sri Lankans mould their character and it helped them be a Nation of Kind – hearted, compassionate men and women, who live a life according to the Buddhist principles.

Lay Buddhist devotees, the Bhikkhu, Bhikkunis, perform many Meritorious Acts on this day. Many observe the eight precepts. The temples in entire island, especially Anuradhapura are filled to the capacity.

The arrival of Arahant Bhikkuni Sanghamitta to Sri Lanka and laying of the Foundation for the Establishment of Bhikkuni Sasana (Order of Nuns), the bringing of Jayasri Maha Bodhi Sapling also took place on this important day of Unduvap Purapasalosvaka Poya Day.

The advent of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arahant Mahinda on Poson Poya Day and the establishment of the Bhikkuni Sasanaya by Sanghamitta, on Unduvap Poya Day (December) changed the entire course of Sri Lankan history. With this compassionate Religion, Philosophy, way of life, there sprang up a new Society, Economy, Culture, Arts, Crafts, Civilization, Literature, etc. Arahat Mahinda and his sister Sanghamitta never used any iniquitous, unjust, unfair, methods in spreading the teachings of Gautama Buddha. They never converted them by the power of sword. The only “weapon” they wielded way that of universal love, and compassion. Further, no decrying of other creeds ever existed in Buddhism.

With the advent of Sanghamitta Therani, on Unduvap Poya Day, and with the planting of Jayasrimaha Bodhi, sapling which she brought with her, Buddhism was deeply rooted in Sri Lanka and it laid the foundation of the establishment of Theravada Buddhism. Today, Sri Lanka is the Epic centre of Theravada Buddhism.

The spread of Buddhism helped Sri Lankans mould their lives character and personality. They followed the Five precepts, abstain from stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, intoxication, drugs and heedlessness. With the arrival of Sanghamitta and establishment of Bhikkuni Sasana – Order of the Num, the womenfolk of Sri Lanka guided men and children in Buddhist way of life.

Their motto, theme of philosophy was centred round this important Buddhist principle which defines Buddhism in a nut-shell:

To Retrain from doing evil
To indulga in doing good
To cleause one’s mind
This is the teaching of All Buddhas.

Not only Buddhists, all men, women, children in the world of all religious faiths, should follow this noble universal principles. This will definitely make this world a wonderful place to live.

According to the historical evidence, it states that there were eight under of Sanghamitta, Eleven Nuns, Sri Lankan Ambassador Aritta, who proceeded to India, members of various castes, crafts, arts accompanied Sanghamitta.

This delegation was headed by Bodhigupta. On Unduvap Poya Day they arrived from India and reached Dambukolapatuna, a harbour in the North.

They brought with them eight Bo-saplings - Astapala Bodhi. They distributed them through King Devanampiyatissa to various districts. This incident took place on Unduvap Poya Day which symbolised One Country – One Nation.

Renouncing a royal life as Emperor Asoka’s daughter, this pretty, charming princess Sanghamitta tied the nuptial knot. (proposed marriage arranged by Emperor Asoka) Sanghamitta married Aggibrama from Royalty.

They were blessed with a son – Sumana. The entire family were great followers of Buddhism and all three of them entered the Buddhist Order, in search of the Bliss of Deethlessness – Nibbana. This may be the first time that the entire family members entered the Buddhist order after the demise of Buddha.

At the toot of seniors Bhikkunis – Num – Ayupali and Dhammapali, beautiful princess Sanghamitta entered the Buddhist Order as a Bhikkuni. She lived in Sri Lanka and was a tower of inspiration to the women-folk of Sri Lanka. At the age of probably 61 years, she passed away during the reign of King Uttiya.

If you trace the Bhikkuni Sasana or order of the Num, it was first established by Mahaprajapati Gothami – Foster mother of Prince Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. Buddha elevated Khema and Uppalavanna as the two chief disciples. The Ten Senior Num were Patachara (Psychic Powers) Dhammadinna (Highest Preacher), Rupananda (Preacher), Sona (Great Effort) Sakula (Divine Power), Kundalakesi (Psychic Power) Kapilani (Authority on Past Births) Kisagothmi (observer of difficult precepts) Sigalaka Matha (Possessor of great faith). To the Bodhi Tree, under which the Buddha gained Enlightment, is an object of Veneration to Buddhists. Millions of Buddhist venerated the Jayasri Maha Bodhi at Anuradhapura.

Yassa Mule Nisinnova
Sabbari Vijayam Aka
Patto Sabbannu-Tam Sattha
Vande Tam Bodhi Padapam
(Seated at whose base, the Buddha over came all foes, attaining Omniscience, that very Bodhi-Tree do I venerate.)

Ime Ete Maha Bodhi
Loka Nathena Pujitha
Ahampi Te Namassami
Bodhi Raja Namatthu Te

The Great Tree of Enlightenment, the Lord of the world Reverenced, I too shall worship you. May there be homage to you, O’Great Bodhi.

Buddhist organisations call for humanitarian assistance

Several Buddhist organizations in Sri Lanka led by the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress have appealed to both the Public and Government of Sri Lanka to give humanitarian assistance by way of cash and goods to the flood affected people of Thailand in their hour of need.

A joint statement issued by six Buddhist organizations has urged the People and Government of Sri Lanka to rise to the occasion as several other countries have done in going to the assistance of Thailand. The full statement reads as follows: The people of Thailand are going through a severe crisis as a result of heavy floods, the likes of which have not been seen for decades. Over 500 people have died and hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced and made homeless. The flood situation remains unabated and there are fears that Central Bangkok may also become affected shortly.

The World Fellowship of Buddhists based in Bangkok, founded by Prof. Gunapala Malalsekera in 1950, has made several appeals for assistance from Buddhists and others the world over.

Sri Lanka and Thailand enjoy close relations, cemented by the adoption of a common faith, Theravada Buddhism, and have significant historical links.

In this hour of need it is our duty to give assistance to the people of Thailand in whatever way we can. We have been the recipient of large scale assistance from foreign donors when we were faced with similar situations in the past such as the Tsunami in 2004. Several other countries have risen to the occasion and gone to the help of Thailand. Buddhist Temples in neighbouring countries of Thailand have become collection centres for donations in both money and goods. We appeal to both the Public and the Government of Sri Lanka to give humanitarian assistance by way of cash and goods to the people of Thailand.

Arrival of the Bo tree

Indeewara DE MEL

That the Bo tree sapling was brought to Sri Lanka from India by Arahant nun Sanghamitta is common knowledge.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, as famously known, is a sacred fig tree in Anuradhapura said to be a sapling from the historical Bodhi tree under which the Buddha achieved enlightenment. The sapling belongs to the southern branch of the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. Planted in 288 BC, the Bo tree is the most ancient human-planted tree with a traceable date. King Devanampiyatissa planted the sapling in Mahameghavana Park, Anuradhapura, in 249 BC.

The bo tree is planted on 6.5m (21.3ft) high terrace on the ground and is surrounded by railings. Much revered by the Buddhists both Sri Lankan and across the globe, the tree was surrounded by a wall built during King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe's period. It was a barrier for wild elephants.

Sanghamitta links two important personalities: Emperor Asoka being her father and Arahant Mahinda being her brother. Emperor Ashoka was hesitant a little at first to send his daughter on this overseas mission, yet finally gave in as the intention was bona fide. Arahant Sanghamitta was accompanied by a number of Buddhist nuns as a result of Sinhala royal ladies requested Buddhist nun order be set up in Sri Lanka.

The arahant died at 59. The celebrations had lasted for a whole week.

Mahawamsa account

WHEN the lord of chariots had appointed to watch over the Bodhi-tree eighteen persons from royal families and eight from families of ministers, and moreover eight persons from brahman families and eight from families of traders and persons from the cowherds likewise, and from the hyena and sparrowhawk-clans, (from each one man), and also from the weavers and potters and from all the handicrafts, from the nagas and the yakkhas; when then the most exalted prince had given them eight vessels of gold and eight of silver, and had brought the great Bodhi-tree to a ship on the Ganges, and likewise the theri Samghamitta with eleven bhikkhunis, and when he had caused those among whom Arittha was first to embark on that same ship, he fared forth from the city, and passing over the Viñjhä-mountains the prince arrived, in just one week, at Tamalitti.

Great Bodhi-tree

The gods also and the nagas and men who were worshipping the great Bodhi-tree with the most splendid offerings, arrived in just one week.

The ruler of the earth, who had caused the great Bodhi-tree to be placed on the shore of the great ocean, worshipped it once more by (bestowing upon it) the great kingship.

When the wish-fulfiller had consecrated the great Bodhi tree as a great monarch, he then, on the first day of the bright half of the month Maggasira, commanded that the same noble persons, eight of each (of the families) appointed at the foot of the great säla-tree to escort the great Bodhi-tree, should raise up the great Bodhi tree; and, descending there into the water till it reached his neck, he caused it to be set down in seemly wise on the ship.

When he had brought the great theri with the (other) theris on to the ship he spoke these words to the chief minister Maharittha: 'Three times have I worshipped the great Bodhi-tree by (bestowing) kingship (upon it). Even so shall the king my friend also worship it by (bestowing) kingship (upon it).'

When the great king had spoken thus he stood with folded hands on the shore, and as he gazed after the vanishing great Bodhi-tree he shed tears. 'Sending forth a net like rays of sunshine the great Bodhi-tree of the (Buddha) gifted with the ten powers departs, alas! from hence!'

Filled with sorrow at parting from the great Bodhi-tree Dhammasoka returned weeping and lamenting to his capital.

The ship, laden with the great Bodhi-tree, fared forth into the sea. A yojana around the waves of the great ocean were stilled. Lotus-flowers of the five colours blossomed all around and manifold instruments of music resounded in the air.

By many devatas many offerings were provided, and the nagas practised their magic to win the great Bodhi-tree. The great theri Samghamitta, who had reached the last goal of supernormal powers, taking the form of a griffin terrified the great snakes. Terrified, the great snakes betook them to the great theri with entreaties, and when they had escorted the great Bodhi-tree from thence to the realm of the serpents and had worshipped it for a week by (bestowing on it) the kingship of the nagas and by manifold offerings they brought it again and set it upon the ship. And on that same day the great Bodhi-tree arrived here at Jambukola.

Welfare of the world

King Devanampiyatissa, thoughtful for the welfare of the world, having heard before from the samanera Sumana of its arrival, did, from the first day of the month Maggasira onwards, being always full of zeal, cause the whole of the highroad from the north gate even to Jambukola to be made ready, awaiting the arrival of the great Bodhi-tree, and abiding on the sea-shore, in the place where the Samuddapannasälä (afterwards) was, he, by the wondrous power of the theri, saw the great Bodhi-tree coming.

The hall that was built upon that spot to make known this miracle was known here by the name Samuddapannasala.

By the power of the great thera and together with the (other) theras the king came, with his retinue, on that same day to Jambukola.

Then, uttering an exulting cry moved by joyous agitation at the coming of the great Bodhi-tree, he, the splendid (king), descended even neck-deep into the water; and when together with sixteen persons (of noble families) he had taken the great Bodhi-tree upon his head, had lifted it down upon the shore and caused it to be set in a beautiful pavilion, the king of Lanka worshipped it by (bestowing on it) the kingship of Lanka. When he had then entrusted his own government to the sixteen persons and he himself had taken the duties of a doorkeeper, the lord of men forthwith commanded solemn ceremonies of many kinds to be carried out for three days.

King of trees

On the tenth day he placed the great Bodhi-tree upon a beautiful car and he, the king of men, accompanying this, the king of trees, he who had knowledge of the (right) places caused it to be placed on the spot where the Eastern Monastery (afterwards) was and commanded a morning meal for the people together with the brotherhood. Here the great thera Mahinda related fully to the king the subduing of the nägas which had been achieved by the (Buddha) gifted with the ten powers.

When the monarch heard this from the thera he caused monuments to be raised here and there in such places as had been frequented by the Master by resting there or in other ways. And, moreover, when he had caused the great Bodhi-tree to be set down at the entrance to the village of the brahman Tivakka and in this and that place besides, he, (escorting it) on the road, sprinkled with white sand, bestrewn with various flowers, and adorned with planted pennons and festoons of blossoms, bringing thereto offerings unweariedly, day and night, brought the great Bodhi-tree on the fourteenth day to the neighbourhood of the city of Anurädhapura, and after, at the time when the shadows increase, he had entered the city worthily adorned by the north gate amid offerings, and (when he then), leaving the city again by the south gate, had entered the Mahämeghavanäräma consecrated by four Buddhas, and here had brought (the tree) to the spot worthily prepared by Sumana's command, to the lovely place where the former Bodhi-trees had stood, he, with those sixteen noble persons, who were wearing royal ornaments, lifted down the great Bodhi-tree and loosed his hold to set it down.

Hardly had he let it leave his hands but it rose up eighty cubits into the air, and floating thus it sent forth glorious rays of six colours. Spreading over the island, reaching to the Brahma-world, these lovely rays lasted till sunset. Ten thousand persons, who were filled with faith by reason of this miracle, gaining the spiritual insight and attaining to arahantship, received here the pabbajja.

When the great Bodhi-tree at sunset was come down from (its place in the air) it stood firm on the earth under the constellation Rohini.

Then did the earth quake. The roots growing over the brim of the vase struck down into the earth, closing in the vase.

When the great Bodhi-tree had taken its place all the people who had come together from (the country) round, worshipped it with offerings of perfumes, flowers and so forth. A tremendous cloud poured forth rain, and cool and dense mists from the snow-region surrounded the great Bodhi-tree on every side. Seven days did the great Bodhi-tree abide there, awaking faith among the people invisible in the region of the snow. At the end of the week all the clouds vanished and the great Bodhi-tree became visible and the rays of six colours.

power of the gods

The great thera Mahinda and the bhikkhuni Samghamitta went thither with their following and the king also with his following.

The nobles of Kajaragama and the nobles of Candanagama and the Brabman Tivakka and the people too who dwelt in the island came thither also by the power of the gods, (with minds) eagerly set upon a festival of the great Bodhi-tree. Amid this great assembly, plunged into amazement by this miracle, there grew out of the east branch, even as they gazed, a faultless fruit.

This having fallen off the thera took it up and gave it to the king to plant. In a golden vase filled with earth mingled with perfumes, placed on the spot where the Mahääsana (afterwards) was, the ruler planted it. And while they all yet gazed, there grew, springing from it, eight shoots; and they stood there, young Bodhi-trees four cubits high.

When the king saw the young Bodhi-trees he, with senses all amazed, worshipped them by the gift of a white parasol and bestowed royal consecration on them.