SL’s lead role in Sambuddhatva Jayanthi commemoration

After a stupendous struggle of six strenuous years, in His 35th year the ascetic Gotama, unaided and unguided by any supernatural agency, and solely relying on His own efforts and wisdom, eradicated all defilements, ended the process of grasping, and, realizing things as they truly are by His own initiative knowledge became a Buddha – an Enlightened or Awakened One.

- Venerable Narada, ‘The Buddha and His Teachings’

The Sambuddhatva Jayanthi commemorates the 2600th anniversary of the Enlightenment of Gautama the Buddha. Commemorative activities began in Vesak 2011 and continued for one full year.

The Sambuddhatva Jayanthi has seen a resurgence of Buddhism throughout the world creating a fresh interest in Buddhism, particularly in the spiritual aspect with more and more persons showing a keen interest in meditation. More meditation centres have been set up and regular meditation retreats are being held. The laity made it a habit to take time off their busy schedules to attend meditation sessions, partake in Dhamma discussions or participate in seminars.

In Sri Lanka, a comprehensive programme was drawn up by a special committee appointed by the government to commemorate the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi. The focus of the action plan formulated by the committee was to strengthen the practical performance of the Sambuddha Sasana; to ensure thereby the preservation of the Sasana in the future, to bring about a moral regeneration of the Sri Lankan Buddhist society; and to protect the Sinhala Buddhist cultural identity.

A well planned programme of work was prepared, incorporating activities both at religious and secular levels as well as at individual and social levels. Priority has been given to elevating human behaviour as expected in the Buddha's teachings.

A key feature in the plan was to ensure a Buddhist reawakening in the country centred around temples. As appropriate, relationships between the laity and the Sangha has been reaffirmed for enhancing Saddha (confidence in the Buddha, Dhamma and the Sangha), morality, generosity and wisdom. The resident monks were promoted to take the lead in this respect.

Bhikkhu education was another aspect which received attention. The curriculum is envisaged to be revised to comply with the Buddhist religious tradition, and necessary facilities to be provided towards this end.

The temples not having basic facilities to function properly were identified and necessary facilities provided. In addition to the state, private organizations were encouraged to help in the maintenance of temple buildings and procurement of necessities for Dhamma schools.

All Buddhist homes were encouraged to have in their homes, an environment conducive to the observance of the five precepts, and to allocate a specific time for the observance of Buddhist practices.

Poya Day programmes including the observance of the eight precepts were improved with a view to attracting better participation by the devotees. The support of the provincial state machinery was enlisted towards strengthening this activity.

The state and other institutions were made to refrain from holding functions devoid of Buddhist significance on Poya Days.

In order to promote the younger generation to participate in religious activities, the holding of private tuition classes on Poya Days and Sunday mornings was discouraged. Some provincial authorities used legal provisions to implement this decision. Incidentally, steps were taken to further encourage and enhance the practice of holding Dhamma schools in temples throughout the country on Sunday mornings. Another positive step in furthering the religious interest among the younger generation was to design religious activities in schools in a manner to infuse greater discipline among school-going children.

It was decided to give greater importance to Dhamma school education. The curriculum and other activities in Dhamma schools were drawn up in such a way that there was a close relationship between Dhamma education imparted to children in Dhamma schools and regular schools.

Measures for effective implementation of the provisions of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act were adopted. A scheme to monitor implementation of the provisions was put in place.

It was stressed that legal instruments for the prevention of converting Buddhists through unethical means to other religions should be introduced. Measures are being taken to check the forces attempting to undermine Buddhism and Buddhist cultural activities.

In order to usher in a regeneration of Buddhist culture, action plans are being organized at divisional level.

Heads of all state and private institutions are advised to create an ethico-moral environment within their institutions for all the employees to ensure an inner development for both character and attitude formation. While accepting that a monitoring and review process was essential in this regard, a common Code of Ethics is to be drawn up with that aim.

The need for media to get actively involved in the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi Commemorative activities was emphasised and it was pointed out that the media should develop and present invigorating programmes that contribute to the moral regeneration of society. All print and electronic media channels are advised to publicize the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi activities on a daily basis. The media was requested to keep the public constantly reminded of the motto, 'Let us commemorate the 2600th anniversary of the Buddha's Enlightenment by reorganizing and revitalizing our moral life.'

The international Buddhist community has been urged to actively participate in the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi. In at least 34 countries where Sri Lanka has diplomatic relations, special programmes were conducted to mark the occasion.

The character and personality development process leading to moral regeneration of the society that was begun in view of the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi will continue with much vigour in the years to come, so that the world at large could gain lasting benefits.

Courtesy: Towards Global Peace