14 October, 2024

Blog

Political Buddhism In Sri Lanka

By Harsha Gunasena

Harsha Gunasena

Around the year 1945 there was a conflict between DS Senanayake, The Leader of the House and the Bhikkhus of the Vidyalankara Pirivena. Senanayake was of the view that to engage in politics was not suitable for the Bhikkhus, and Bhikkhus of the Vidyalankara Pirivena held the opposite view. The Vidyalankara Declaration was released on February 13, 1946 under the signature of Ven. Kiriwaththuduwe Pannasara, the Head of the Vidyalankara Pirivena. Bhikkhus of the Pirivena were facing grave difficulties as people were refusing to provide alms to the Bhikkhus under the influence of various interested parties. 

The following was stated in the Vidyalankara Declaration.

“We believe that whatever the work done for the benefit of the people in the contemporary world belongs to politics. Everybody believes that it is the duty of the Bhikkhus to work for the upliftment of the religion. The upliftment of the religion depends on the upliftment of the people who follow that religion. The history proved that whenever the Sinhala Buddhist person was developed the development of the Buddhism  also happened in that period. Therefore, to engage in any programme which benefits the people of this country  without causing any harm to the Bhikkhu hood, even though the name of that programme is politics or otherwise, is suitable for the Bhikkhus. We cannot forget that the Sinhalala Bhikkhus spent their life from the beginning working for the upliftment of Sinhala nation Sinhala country and Buddhism” (translation was by the writer)

According to this statement it is evident that development of Buddhism means an external superficial development but not an internal spiritual development.

Thereafter Ven. Walpola Rahula who was at the Vidyalankara Pirivena at that time published a book called Bhikshuvage Urumaya ( The Heritage of the Bhikkhu) With reference to Commentaries to Anguttara Nikaya, Digha Nikaya, Majjima Nikaya and Dhammapadaya, Ven. Rahula says that whether the realization of Nibbana (pativedha) and the practice of virtues (patipatti) are there or not the study of the doctrine (pariyatti) is sufficient for the stability of the Sasana (Religion). However Ven. Rahula  mentioned in the book that according to the original teachings of the Buddha the practice of virtues (patipatti) and the realization of Nibbana (pativedha) are far more important than the mere study of the doctrine (pariyatti). Also, the main intention of the Commentaries was to elaborate  the meaning of the Suttas of the Tripitaka. 

Ven. Rahula in his book, quoting from Milakkhathissa narrative from the Anguttara Nikaya Commentary says that Grantha Dhura (study of the doctrine) is for more energetic Bhikkhus, and Vipassana (path to realization of Nibbana) is for the less energetic Bhikkhus. He in the foot notes sarcastically mentioned that even at the time of writing the book there were some old Bhikkhus following Vipassana. Ven Rahula has neglected or deliberately not mentioned the fact that  Ven. Milakkhathissa realized higher states in the path of Nibbana (Manorathapurani).

Ven. Rahula mentioned in the book that during those days Pirivena which were associated with Buddhist temples  were the only places to study Thripitaka as well as languages and arts. Quoting from Samanthapasadika the commentary to the Vinaya he mentioned that during the time of King Bhathiya (38-67AD) the post of the Chief Justice was held by a Bhikkhu.  

From the Anuradhapura era the Bhikkhus were so powerful since the education was in their hands. These political Bhikkhus were outrageous to place the study of the doctrine above the noble research to be done on oneself which was the ultimate intention of Buddhism. The intensity of this outrageousness is proven by such ideas being crept into the Commentaries. This was the initial stage of Political Buddhism. That was why Ven. Rahula  who promoted Political Buddhism quoted from the Commentaries while indicating that those were against the Buddha’s teachings. 

This point could be stressed by quoting from S.N. Goenka, a renowned meditation master. He equated the practice of chanting the  doctrine without practicing it to chanting the prescription given by a doctor rather than taking the medicine. Ven. Rahula wanted to follow such Bhikkhus whose actions were justified in the Commentaries as well.

Sometimes the reason for this may be as mentioned by Ven. Rahula  that there could have been a danger to the continuity of Buddhism which was brought forward from generation to generation by memorizing, at the time of Baminitia famine where a lot of Bhikkhus died. However, after the famine Buddhism was documented. Now it is on the internet as well. I have read Manorathapurani, the Commentary to the Anguttara Nikaya from the internet.

According to the view of HL Seneviratne, Sri Lankan anthropologist, the Bhikkhus who were engaged in politics in line with the declaration of Vidyalankara and affiliated to Vidyodaya Pirivena have done immense service to the people in rural areas whereas the Bhikkhus who had taken the path of Vidyalankara Pirivena have entered into the Parliament.

At the time when Ven. Rahula was writing the book the Heritage of a Bhikkhu, Vipassana was not very prevalent. All of them were thinking of attaining Nibbana in a subsequent birth. This situation was changed when Thai and Burmese Vipassana Meditation Masters who brought meditation techniques from generation to generation handed over the same to the lay persons through 10-day meditation courses. Those who came from the West to learn these techniques went back to the West and upheld those practices there. Jon Kabat Zinn, a medical professor, Richard Davidson, a professor of psychology and psychiatry who did neurological experiments of the emission of gamma rays from the brains of meditators, and  Daniel Goleman, a psychologist were among them. All three of them were Americans.

As a result of the pioneering work of them and many others, in Western countries mindfulness is thought to the children in their schools. You may not believe that it has gone to the British Parliament as well. Now mindfulness is thought in the schools in Sri Lanka as well initiated by Ven. Uda Iriyagama Dhammajiva of Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya. Bhikkhu Bodhi, who is in USA states that mindfulness in the West has become a lucrative business.

MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) introduced by Jon Kabat Zinn is a relief for many in the West who are under stress in their day-to-day work.

Again, if an example is taken from SN Goenka, a sugar factory produces molasses as well. Therefore Sati or mindfulness helps in reduction of stress and the same Sati will help in attaining Nibbana. Buddha elaborated this at the beginning of Satipattana Sutta. Accordingly the Sutta will help in purification of the mind, overcoming of grief and lamentation, extinction of pain and sorrow, attaining the right path and realization of Nibbana. The West has entered into this path. They do not have a Political Buddhism in their hands.

On one hand Western culture is in line with the essence of Buddhism. One dictum prevalent in our society is that when a person goes ahead compared to the rest of the group it is said that he wants to attain Buddhahood all alone. Attaining Buddhahood or Nibbana should be done all alone and not with one’s ingroup. In Sri Lanka where collectivism is prevailed it is a thing not to be done. One should work in line with his ingroup. In Western individualism one is against the whole world and in Eastern collectivism one, together with his ingroup, is against the whole world. The essence of Buddhism is in line with individualism. 

Not only that. Buddhism mainly focuses on the noble research one has to do in order to understand oneself. What we mean by living is to get connected to the world through our organs. Buddhism says that by paying full attention to the process of connecting to the world, which is called the noble research, one can understand self. This process, which is in line with the scientific process could be understood well by the Westerners.

This easy task was done by the persons like Suneetha, Sopaka and Kisagothami during the time of the Buddha and they have not concentrated on studying Thripitaka like our Bhikkhus. We who are burdened with political Buddhism, are in the same place. If this is continued to the future, we may have to learn practical Buddhism from the West. There would be no demand for our variety, Political Buddhism.

Bandaranaike used this Political Buddhism for power. Thereafter all the leaders used it at different levels. Mahinda Rajapaksa has taken it to a very dangerous level. Now it spreads a totally opposite doctrine to Buddhism and  orchestrating a disaster for Buddhism. 

When Political Buddhism  which is to pay attention to the periphery ignoring the essence, was not so strong as of today, Martin Wickramasinghe has written Bavatharanaya. Following statement was in the book in page 144 describing the meeting of the Buddha and Yasodhara.  

She was not in her normal senses and started touching and kissing the legs below knees of the Buddha…The Buddha having seen various signs of the living area which led to the previous memories from winning the competitive armed drills  and winning the love of Yasodhara and to the birth of Rahula, have entered  from recollection of past memories to samadhi. Throughout the face tranquility was visible. Yasodhara who realized this change stopped the kissing of Buddha’s lower legs, got up and looked at the face of the Buddha.” (Translation was by the writer)

Ven. Yakkaduwe Pragnarama said that by this statement it indicated that the Buddha has not got rid of the defilements of the mind and in order to suppress those defilements Buddha has entered into Samadhi. He has written two books thrice the size of Bavatharanaya, to criticize it.

I agree with Ven. Yakkaduwe but I am not of the view that Wickramasinghe should have been punished. Ven. Yakkaduwe also has not claimed that.

Then Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike refused to prohibit Bavatharanaya or to punish Wickramasinghe . 

Recently in a comedy show. Nathasha Edirisooriya made the following statement.

“There could have been an immense pressure to the children at the time of Buddha and when he was Siddhartha as a small child. Suddhodana’s child walked soon after his birth. See our children. When we hold them straight their heads swing down. Suddhodana’s small fellow chanted a verse on the very day he was born. See our fellows. Suddhodana’s lad has decided on the day he was born that what he planned to do in the future. Our fellows wait till we do everything for them. That boy has lost his mother. Our fellow is having both the father and mother. He has everything. Too  much of comfort. Davadatta would have been scolded most. That was why he rolled a stone to Buddha.” (Translation was by the writer)

Here there is no insultation to Buddha. Not at all. Those who say, including the state, that this is an insultation, are idiots. They cannot understand what is wrong and what is correct. They have mastered the art of political Buddhism.

Latest comments

  • 12
    3

    What D.S.Senanayake said was correct. Religion should not be mixed with politics. I have evidence to show that Buddhist monks are smoking, engaged in illegal activities in the society and even engaging in protests, etc. Now that India is on the move towards achieving AKHAND BHARAT, which will be a reality in Ten to Fifteen years, how will the Buddhist monks react. Why can’t they stop the Military Forces building Vihares in non-Buddhist areas. If they request the Tamils to build a Vihare, they will happily build it. Why can’t the Buddhist monks raise their voice that such Vihares are a utten waste of money when Sri Lanka is in financial difficulties and begging other countries. Are these Buddhist monks really engage in Condidence Building Trust among the communities.

    • 3
      3

      As there is typing error, please read the last sentence as ‘Are these Buddhist monks really engaged in Confidence Building measures among the communities.’

    • 1
      1

      Dear Harsha,
      Insulting is just one major aspect of Sri Lankan society. Time passed, criticism came from true role model teachers, however, it is now the culture of Sri Lanka for the past few years. Some point to the prolonged state of civil war. Some to the Internet and revolutionary information technology.

      For me it is just an act of unethical media houses. The whole society must undergo “reconstruction”.

      If not irresponsible media whores, who created it? The immoral television culture has degraded this society to an alarming level. However, nothing seems to work to fix it. Why can’t the authorities introduce some kind of guideline or something like that to the code of conduct yet?
      .
      They don’t care about education in the country today. See how the JVP is beating everyone on the public stage today? As some of them have academic titles, according to them, they are the only fractions who know everything well but do not have enough experience.

      tbc

      • 1
        1

        cont.
        .
        2
        Today we hear the worst kind of defamatory public statements, but most of them attacking the one’s mother and parents. They do it while wearing “rope” like pirith noole around their wrists. Is this at all anywhere close to ” non-violence” led true teachings of buddha ?
        .
        . It can be seen that some people disguised as Sinhala Buddhists are ruining this nation by following the stupid system of the fake patriarchs.

        Often begins with beating the person’s mother. Same country, culture, anyone hits mother even for small trouble. Also talking about mom’s all good 24 hours a day. This is our twisted culture.
        :
        Everything you say in public while wearing “Sinhala Buddhist clothes” seem to be free from any punishments ?

        tbc

        • 1
          1

          3
          .
          I observed things impartially from outside the country and Sinhala Buddhists have destroyed this nation in my eyes. I don’t think Christians or Muslims did that much damage to our nation. Unfortunately, except few, the ordained are associated with their parents not being able to raise them due to lack of income.
          Most of them did not want to be ordained by their own will. However, they were indoctrinated in their childhood, killing their child’s growth, to make such human sacrifices that generations would be blessed. looking back, it should be taking away the child-rights by their parents.
          I can say this today because I am no longer a Sinhala Buddhist but seeking true buddhism further. Besides, I got to know true Buddhists in Europe and California. They have ordained to be buddhdist monks through convince.
          :
          Earlier Ghanasara (wild monk)what crime he did not do in public?

          drove on drunk in public, spread obsene language in public), the mad monks of Mangalarama and some other fake monks made even harsher and more sensitive statements in public, but this time it came from a young woman and a man that name as caberatist and self-proclaimed profet.

          • 1
            1

            4.
            .
            I think anyone should be free from racist thoughts no matter what they say in public. That is civilized culture. As far as religions are concerned, we cannot say which is better. The whole world is misled by feeding them with the human species created by God: However, no one is still clear who is behind the special creature Homo sapiens.

            When things go on after a blessing, if it ends positively, it can be supported as an act of God, and at the same time, those believers are brainwashed to accept that if something goes wrong, it is a punishment from God. In people living in the South Asian region it is called karma…are not the two definitions more or less the same ?

  • 17
    0

    The vast majority of voters who decide the results of elections are driven by emotions, are often racist and bigoted, are full of nationalistic fervour and are therefore easily engulfed in a burning fire when the Buddha is belittled in the fashion Natasha has. However, she was arrested and remanded under ICCPR laws which were in no way broken by her comment to a small and accepting private audience. The media on the other hand, have blatantly broken ICCPR laws by broadcasting to the community at large, thus igniting their indignance and umbrage for the seemingly sacrilegious comments. On the other hand, Gnansara and their ilk have openly incited the hordes into violence against minorities and remain scot free as double standards are blatantly applied to just dissenters and sycophantic acolytes. The majority of “Buddhists” have absolutely no Buddhist virtues in practice and are hypocritical at best.

  • 11
    1

    “We cannot forget that the Sinhalala Bhikkhus spent their life from the beginning working for the upliftment of Sinhala nation Sinhala country and Buddhism”

    Great! The state of Sri Lanka and Buddhism in the country could then be attributed to the Hard Work of the Bhikkhus.

    • 4
      1

      Bert,
      Good One!!??
      Then, I am constrained to disagree as facts do not Stack-Up!!!??
      Sinhala Buddhism (SB) couldn’t have been element of “UPLIFTMENT OF THIS TRIPLE BLESSED NATION”, by any measure!!!??
      BUT Buddhism did in no small measure and is attributable to the upliftment and progress for the past 2500+ years, UNDOUBTEDLY!!
      As you may be aware, Sinhala Language as such DIDN’T EXIST MORE THAN 800 YEARS AND IN ANY CASE POST 1000 CE!!!??? Buddhism practiced until then was by “Budda Demalu”!!!???
      Mahavamsa was originally written in Pali, not Sinhala Language!! WHY??
      Sinhala came into being a Language- Post that period!!!!!!
      Translated later into Sinhala!?

  • 16
    4

    Ayathury, the solution for political Buddhism is not political Hindutva. The consequence of which is clearly felt where I live. Haven’t we gone the same path before ???? At last someone from the community has addressed politicizing religion, which has now got to the stage of religionization of politics and country. ( SB Lanka, SB political parties, SB politicians, SB Ministry, SB votes, SB media, one SB law / one SB country, SB mafia, SB terrorism , SB ………., SB………, SB…………)

    • 16
      4

      By the way D.S was the “father of SB racism ” ( V. G may not agree) a typical Lankan hypocrite. Senanayakas were followed by Bandas, uncle / nephew, Premadasas ( Sajith says he doesn’t agree with all, what his father did , can he be more specific ?????) and finally “mother of all” Rajapaksas.

    • 17
      1

      chiv

      “( SB Lanka, SB political parties, SB politicians, SB Ministry, SB votes, SB media, one SB law / one SB country, SB mafia, SB terrorism , SB ………., SB………, SB…………)”

      At the last count Sinhala/Buddhist numbered 6.9 million.
      The saddest part is the stupid Tamils are increasingly being drawn into the same stupid and dangerous path, the Hindutva.
      Tamils, Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Sinhalese and Buddhists now need to find a way to separate their faith from their languages. Essentially they have to wise up. It does not mean each individuals have to carry Mao’s Red Book, (it is SJ’s full time job)

      The island cannot and will not develop and progress until its people renounced all their stupid faith in religion, untie and liberate their languages from their faith/religion, made an real effort to modernise their feudal mentality.

      There is a vast difference between religion and spiritualism.

      • 9
        0

        You are right

    • 7
      0

      Absolutely on the money!!! Cannot agree any more with you!!??

  • 0
    23

    Re: your second translation. Of course, it is a deliberate defamation of Prince Siddaththa. The statement made by the woman in question injured Prince Siddaththa’s reputation. Your opinion on the matter shows that you are not a Buddhist. I agree with you. Idiots cannot understand what is right and what is wrong. Therefore, your interpretation is not important. Freedom of speech does not give anyone the right to defame others’ religions, beliefs or faiths. It is interesting to note that the woman in question became a comedian (some even say she is a Buddhist!) after backlash. Even the name of her show is to ridicule the Sinhalese Buddhist heritage. Therefore, it should be banned. I don’t think she should be jailed. Instead, she should be ordered to sign a legally binding agreement that prohibits her questioning, criticizing, ridiculing, insulting or defaming others’ beliefs.
    The case of the Catholic Pastor is different. He is now evading prosecution. He continues his presentations via Youtube. He is a wanted man in Sri Lanka for spiritual abuse, defaming Lord Buddha and attempting to religious discord. Therefore his presentations should be banned.
    Derana owner, Dilith Jayaweera should also be arrested for defaming Prince Siddhaththa.
    Contd’…….

    • 2
      25

      Harsha Gunasena
      Re: Political Buddhism
      There is no such thing as “political Buddhism”. In fact, the term “political Buddhism” is very offensive.
      For your information, Buddhism is the official religion of Sri Lanka. There is a close connection between Buddhism and Sinhalese nationalism throughout Sri Lanka’s entire history. You cannot deny the fact that every aspect in the country is touched by Buddhism.
      You may not be aware of the strong circular connection amongst Maha Sangha, State and the Sinhalese Buddhists. All attempts made by settler colonists and non-Buddhists to break that link and confine Maha Sangha to monasticism were failed. However, from the colonial time and to-date, English-speaking Catholics managed to take the best political, administrative and judiciary positions in Sri Lanka.They have a zero understanding of the role played by Maha Sangha in Sri Lankan society. I strongly suggest a separate court system, a “Sanghadhikarana” for Sinhalese Buddhists headed by an “Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka” (Buddhist Chief Justice) and guided by Buddhist principles. There are a number of undesirable yellow-robes who distort Lord Buddha’s teachings and engage in activities prohibited in Buddhism. Only a “Sanghadhikarana” can expel them from monkshood and nationalize their unlawfully acquired assets and properties, if any.

      • 12
        1

        Champa,
        “However, from the colonial time and to-date, English-speaking Catholics managed to take the best political, administrative and judiciary positions in Sri Lanka.”
        Obviously you don’t know the difference between “Catholics” and “Christians “. But then, you don’t know the difference between “Putin” and “Buddha” either.
        “They have a zero understanding of the role played by Maha Sangha in Sri Lankan society.”
        Like raping children and then forbidding anyone to talk about it? Or investigating how Jerome got his billions , but ignoring the Dalada Maligawa’s billions?
        “Only a “Sanghadhikarana” can expel them from monkshood and nationalize their unlawfully acquired assets and properties, if any.”
        How can they do that when even Somararama wasn’t expelled for killing the PM?
        In our local temple, the hamuduruwo got caught raping his abittiya. He was thrown out by the dayakayas. No “Sanghadikaranaya”. The Buddhist laity must rise and throw out their exploited.

        • 0
          0

          OC,
          “EXPLOITED”???
          Is this an Oversight/Typo – did you mean to say ‘EXPLOITERS’ instead???

          • 0
            0

            Mahila
            Yes, thanks, a typo. These tabs are too intelligent sometimes.

      • 7
        0

        Buddhism is politicized in Sri Lanka. If Buddhism is allowed to function independently as per Buddhist Philosophy, without interference from politicians to win votes, Sri Lanka will be a better place for all citizens.

      • 5
        0

        ”a separate court system, a “Sanghadhikarana” for Sinhalese Buddhists headed by an “Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka” (Buddhist Chief Justice) and guided by Buddhist principles”
        Great, I look forward to seeing the assets of ‘business’ monks seized. Would those luxury vehicles & ‘donations’ exempt? I always thought SL would soon have its own version of Sharia law & a Buddhist police to enforce it. I am sure Gnanasara would make an excellent chief of the Buddhist Police. Just wondering how this Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka will be selected though.
        By the way, will Buddhist monks be exempt from the normal justice system for breaking the law but will be judged only by this separate court system?

      • 6
        1

        Champa,
        STATE WITHIN STATE???
        How would that be Justiciable!!!!???
        NO, certainly not, when the 13th Amendment to SL constitution fully implemented with Police & Land Powers would (?) as claimed by detractors!?
        If these claims are validated, may lead to DISINTEGRATION OF THE NATION STATE of Sri Lanka!??
        Another kind of Federalism/Devolution effort, by Patriotic Nationalist – Insatiable desire as Sinhala Buddhist (SB), who expound eternal love – ‘SAVING THE NATION’, from disintegration on racial basis to DISINTEGRATE THE COUNTRY ON RELIGION!!!??? EXCELLENT FUTURISIC PLAN!!
        Unified on Race, Divided on Religion!!!??? WHAT PURPOSE BLOOD-LETTING up to May 2009!??
        What about GR’s, “ONE COUNTRY, ONE LAW”???
        Importantly, what happens to PTF head, Reverend Galagoda Gnanasara??
        Will he be “ACCUSED” of defiling Buddhist religious ‘EDICT’ by “Adhikarana Sangha Nayake”!? What then about Importantly GR in retirement, who appointed him!!?? No Immunity NOW!!??
        Why should the justice system be separate for each Religious bodies – Buddhist, Catholics, Christian, Hindus, Jains, Jews Muslims and Sikhs? LIKENED TO UNFORGETTABLE JRJ’S MOMENTOUS ETHNIC SOLUTION – 9 PC’S!?
        FULL CIRCLE – LANGUAGE FIRST, THEN RACE SECOND AND NOW RELIGION AS THIRD important question is would it be the LAST and END of TURMOIL in this THRICE BLESSED LAND!!!!????
        Whither Sri Lanka!!!???

    • 8
      1

      Champa

      “Freedom of speech does not give anyone the right to defame others’ religions, beliefs or faiths. “

      What is religion?

      By the way read the following excerpt by Charles Ponnuthurai Sarvan is from his book
      Sri Lanka: Reign of Anomy, An essay on the ethnic conflict.

      “As Professor K. Indrapala observes, present-day nations and
      regimes have a strong inclination to believe that they and their
      forebears have ‘possessed’ their present territory since time
      immemorial. Belief in the bond between ‘blood’ and ‘soil’ was one
      of the most powerful psychological motors of nineteenth century
      “racist” nationalism. This kind of “nationalism” dresses up myth as
      history. Nations are (historically) recent entities pretending to have
      existed for a very long time. Identity-history can lead to anachronism,
      omission, de-contextualization and, in extreme cases, lies (pp. 12-13).”

      https://tamilnation.org/books/eelam/sarvan.pdf

      • 1
        1

        What is the meaning of Religion? Please explain.

        • 3
          0

          Kanapathy Varunan,
          You have made an observation – comment – prior to this comment.
          Was that comment made without understanding what Religion is?

        • 4
          0

          KV
          Should you not desist from comments on the subject until you know what it means?

        • 1
          1

          Kanapathy Varunan.
          Religion is meant to inspire a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear and wonder in the believers in God and make them reach higher and connect them to the mystery. There can be different ideals and approaches, but the vital point is that realization of God is the Universal Truth. The very foundation of Vedanta or Hinduism is not to deny the people from having a direct experience of God or divine feeling. God can be realized through a tangible, exquisite and intimate personal relationship with Him by way of Bakthi Yoga meditation. This does not mean that Hinduism is against other religions. Hinduism promotes religious pluralism and encourages the creation of a peaceful co-existence within the global society in order to respect religious diversity. Hence Religion is the realization of the ultimate concern of the individual. The realization of the Ultimate Truth depends on how an individual disciplines himself in totality. Spiritual self-discipline plays a vital role in the pursuit of realizing the Ultimate Truth.

        • 2
          1

          KV,
          The word religion comes from the latin word ligare: to join, or link, classically understood to mean the linking of human and divine.
          What constitutes a religion is subject to much dispute in the field of theology and among ordinary people..
          .Buddhism is not a religion because there is no such devine forces under Buddhism.
          .
          Sinhala buddhism is not true buddhism which is now a survival form for horu in various form [ politicians, artists, media fraudsters, money launderers, criminals 🤔, law manipulaters etc.].
          .

      • 0
        3

        Thanks, Native Vedda.
        .
        I clicked on the link
        ; I wish that those who think very differently from us would.
        .
        We haven’t heard from Professor Sarvan for a long time. He writes so well, now with difficulty.
        .
        Sarvan’s entire book is there. How many will stop their bickering and look at it?

    • 5
      1

      Champa,
      “The case of the Catholic Pastor is different.”
      What Catholic pastor? There is no Catholic Pastor any more than there is a Buddhist Bishop.
      Jerome is NOT a Catholic.

      • 2
        2

        OC,
        .
        they criticise today Jerome, another paradise bird, who makes the religion his occupation, but the very same ” sinhala buddhist” stood as if they were fed with clay, at the time, Mangalaramaya Mad Monk and DODORIYA aka Ghanasara ran on amok standing against cathelic (christian) priests and muslim religious leaders. I see, that srilanken media is somewhat biased time to time. It has been revealing how much harm mlechcha media could do. TO me sorcerers of any nature are fraudsters, so as, so called religious propets.

        Jerome might have gone an extra mile selling out his own daughter to that gold digger from Zimbabwe or south africa (really dont know where he is from) Uebert Angel in order to buy cheap popularity. However these men and women are equally mentally sick in their own way because none of the religions expect what they are practising.
        In srilanka V8-sanga brigades did all the last to the nation, being cheap to country’s politicians in the guise of so called ” sinhala buddhism”:

        • 1
          1

          Dodoriya should be written as ” DADORIYA”.

    • 3
      0

      Champa
      Most of the commentators here are not prepared for a serious discussion and you are no exception.
      You said” The statement made by the woman in question injured Prince Siddaththa’s reputation. “
      What is your response about the statement of the man in question? i.e. my previous translation.

      • 8
        1

        Raj UK , truth is SB monks already have a parallel SB court system in place. Otherwise how on earth can
        Ganasara be set free by the very President MS (under watch of current President RW ) so that, next fugitive President GR appoints Ganasara, in charge of formulating one SB family / one SB low and odor / one SB country. Have you ever heard of Law Breaker being the judge and Law Maker with help of conniving Presidents ( not one but three) . I will like to hear from Harsha G , ” is minority cleansing an agenda of political Buddhism ???? ” Hope this question is considered as serious discussion.

      • 2
        1

        HG,
        “Most of the commentators here are not prepared for a serious discussion and you are no exception.”.
        .
        It has become their later day activity. Their priorities are killing time and bashing out others.

  • 4
    3

    “We cannot forget that the Sinhalala Bhikkhus spent their life from the beginning working for the upliftment of Sinhala nation Sinhala country and Buddhism” (translation was by the writer).”
    It is great that Sinhala Bikkhus spent their life from the beginning working for the upliftment of Sinhala nation and Buddhism from the start. However, they also accept that Sinhala Bikkhu’s are not bothered about other nations in the country and other communities in this island. Nearly five centuries before 1972, Sri lanka was not ruled by Sinhala rulers. Before that there were different nations existed and Buddhists are not lived in some parts of the island. The North East neglected under Sinhala rule because the area was purely Tamil areas and Sinhalese did not live there. So, the racism and fundamentalism combined with Political Buddhism is a new chapter created by SWRD in this island.

  • 5
    1

    Excellent article. We don’t seem to understand that Buddhism, an international religion, & the Sinhala race, are two different subjects. Buddhism has flourished in the past without being forced on people & continues to be so in other countries. There is no danger of Buddhism fading away internationally but if Buddhism in SL is in jeopardy, it is the political monks & thugs in robes who are responsible.
    Monks are expected to provide spiritual guidance & can ‘uplift’ the people through Buddhist philosophy but what qualifies them to advise the govt. on economic & other matters? Certain self acclaimed pundit monks advising the govt. brought about catastrophic disasters from which we are still recovering. Isn’t that enough to convince the public that these political monks have gone too far?

    SWRD let the genii out & no way it can be forced back into the bottle, particularly, when politicians have no intention of doing so.

  • 6
    2

    Since this is about Buddism, I request CT to publish my answer to SJ’s comment (and I will answer other parts one by one.).
    This is what SJ said.
    “Have you heard of ‘Monsoon Steel” and its home to far the south of the Chola kingdom. Arabs bought the monsoon steel regularly.
Where is your evidence for Chola steel? Any records among buyers?”
    The main point is that SJ is not critically looking at it, and his brief comment is obviousness of no and biased knowledge, missing critical analysis and thinking (which the original post alluded to).
    There is no Monsoon steel as such.
    The name of Monsoon steel is by the smelting furnaces are fanned by monsoon wind for having forceful fire, thereby for raising the temperature.
    The Monsoon steel, which Sinhalese (fake) historians and archaeologist are attempting to claim with the aid of current orientalist of Exeter university that Monsoon steel is unique to the Island & Sinhalese is none other than a version of Wootz steel.
    The same (fake) Sinhalese (fake) historians and archaeologist are claiming that Wootz steel, was brought to the Island by Tamils for denying the fact the Eezham Tamils are already indigenous to the Island.
    The Arabs could have bought it, but from Arab’s point of view it was Woortz steel and Arabs never, ever recorded it as Monsoon steel.

    • 7
      1

      You are correct it is Wootz steel from Wook which is the corruption of the Tamil word for steel Urukku. It was the ancient Tamils who invented and produced this steel and others copied it from them.

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wootz_steel

      • 2
        6

        Rohan25,
        The first steel was produced in Anatolia about 4000 years ago. The Cholas reigned in parts of Sri Lanka about 1000 years ago. Please show us the evidence for steel in Tamil Nadu from 4000 or more years ago. See also the article in Nature by GillJuleff published 1996
        “Here I report the discovery and excavation at Samanalawewa, Sri Lanka, of a previously unknown furnace type. The furnaces are all situated on the western margins of hills and ridges, where they are exposed to the strong monsoon winds. Field trials using replica furnaces confirm that this furnace type uses a wind-based air-supply principle that is distinct from either forced or natural draught, and show also that it is capable of producing high-carbon steel. This technology sustained a major industry in this area during the first millennium AD, and may have contributed to South Asia’s early pre-eminence in steel production”
        The Vitrified Forts in North East Scotland are very similar to the Sri Lankan furnace sites, maybe we stole the idea from the Tamils.
        Best Regards

        • 6
          1

          Please also show us evidence about your fibs and fairy tales and your constant veiled anti-Tamil comments. You are no native Scot but a Sinhalese extremist and hardliner living the good life in Scotland. Maybe even our fried Lester. I am not talking about where and when steel was originally produced but the origin of Wootz steel it came from the then Tamil country In South India and others later copied it. Here is the history of steel in the Indian subcontinent. Typical like all Sinhalese hardliners and extremists constantly running down the Tamils, from whom the vast majority of the present-day Sinhalese are descended, Either openly or subtly, or twist the story and deliberately muddy the waters. Have not learnt anything even if you are now living in the west.

          • 2
            4

            In 2011 channel 4 in the UK produced a documentary on the War Crimes committed by the Sri Lankan government at the end of the Civil War. On my first visit to Sri Lanka in 2013 I was advised that I couldn’t visit my wife’s sister in Anuradhapura as it wouldn’t be safe for UK visitors because of the documentary. It has taken me 10 years of constant discussion/argument to convince my Sinhalese friends and family that the documentary was correct and that the President and his brother were War Criminals, Horas and Liars. So please don’t accuse me of being anti-Tamil.
            You mistake a request for evidence as being anti-Tamil. Ask my friends at our local Hindu Kovil if I am anti-Tamil. I asked the same (show me the evidence) of a learned professor who believed that the Island/Continent of Kumari Kandam existed until relatively recently, after which he refused to discuss the subject. If you make extraordinary claims you should have very good evidence to back it up.
            Just to prove that I do live in Sri Lanka it is 11:30 pm on June 12th and I am watching PEO TV, Salakuna Live. The presenters of this program really give the politicians a hard time.
            Best Regards

            • 3
              1

              Chingkallam living in Scotland and calls himself ” Lankan Scott” What has the Kumari Kandam legend got to do with historical facts like the origin of Wootz Steel? Kumari Kandam is a legend that some idiotic people like to believe like Atlantis but the origin of Wootz steel and other facts about Thamizh are historical facts. You are again cunningly trying to mix the stupid beliefs of some Thamizh with historical facts that have been proven, to deliberately muddy the waters and deny Thamizh people their history and the credit that is due to them. What Rohan Anna stated is true, may have been born in Scotland to Chingkalla immigrant parents and lived there all your life but still brainwashed and anti-Thamizh to the core. I have read all your previous comments too. Very anti Thamizh and constantly trying to steal the achievements of the history of the Thamizh, especially on the island and claim it as Chingkallam, just like the way the Chingkalla extremists and the fake Archaeological department are now trying to do.

            • 1
              3

              Rohan 25
              PS In our schools in Scotland (in the 50s and 60s) we were constantly fed the propaganda that just about everything was invented by Scottish scientists and engineers. This was probably a reaction to the London-centric attitudes of Central Government. Later on I realised that claims of primacy are usually pretty flawed because many inventors in different countries would be working on the same problems/technologies. Nowadays there is a Patent System followed by most countries (with notable exceptions) that is fairly robust.
              Modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens) are a diverse mixture of many peoples and there is little to be gained by claiming primacy of one group over another. Ancient DNA research (David Reich et al) is showing just how diverse we are.
              The Scots like the Tamils felt discriminated against by the majority in Central Government (English). The BJP is driving its Hindutwa ideology in India (which probably filters down to Sri Lanka) against minorities. One of the best books on Hindutwa that I have read is “Why I Am Not a Hindu by Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd”
              Always examine the evidence in a scientific manner (where possible) and be prepared to accept that you (and me) may be mistaken in our beliefs.
              Best Regards

      • 3
        1

        Typical Chingkalla mindset. Within a generation or two of immigrating to a western land, they claim and state that they now belong or now a part of this new land. Calling themselves Lankan Scott or Lanakan Yankee or whatever, however, many of these people have been so brainwashed by their immigrant parents and grandparents to still hate the island’s Thamizh, who has an older history than the Chinkallams on the island and have their own homeland and have convinced them that they do not belong and the island is the promised homeland of the Chingkalla Buddhists only. Hence all these anti-Thamizh rantings and comments.

        • 1
          2

          Panda Kutti
          Did you read what I said above about the Civil War?
          As for your comments about me being a 2nd or 3rd Generation Sinhalese, you are completely wrong. My ancestors on my Father’s side came from Dol in Brittany and moved to Scotland in 1134. My ancestors on my Mother’s side have been farmers dating back to William Strachan and Margaret Steven who were married in Arbuthnot, Kincardine, Scotland on the 25th September 1669. Their ancestors were the indigenous people of the North East of Scotland – descended from the Picts and probably earlier than that from the Beaker Folk. There is a legend that the Picts may have come from Scythia, but until there is any evidence to substantiate this, it remains a legend. Oh and by the way I am very polite and don’t rant on Public Forums.
          Best Regards

    • 3
      1

      KA,
      This may not console you very much, but Chola Steel is alive and well in Tamilnadu.
      https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/company/chola-steel-industries-private-limited/U27109TZ1979PTC000864
      And let’s not forget Chola Automation:
      https://www.easycounter.com/report/qtrac.chola.murugappa.com

  • 3
    0

    Ohhhh,…..so cute what Natasha Edisooriya said about the Buddha 😊….awww! Buddha himself would have been thinking these things under the Bo tree and smiling, before floating into Nirvana. Is it disrespectful? Unlike Saudi Muslims, Buddhists know the art of using humor to boost up a more refined and elegant religion that also incorporates the quirks of the human funny-bone.

  • 4
    0

    This article brought me back to a thought that I always wondered about – Is adding the word “Sinhala” in front of Buddhism and coining the words “Sinhala Buddhist” or “Sinhala Buddhism” the reason for the warped Buddhism we have in Sri Lanka? There are Buddhists all over the world who follow the teachings of Buddha. They do not name their country or call themselves by the name of their race followed by the word Buddhism or for that matter no other religious followers do that. That raises the question, is Buddhism in SL a “Racist Religion”? Did Buddha teach his followers to be Racists? I have not heard or read about it anywhere other than in Sri Lanka, that too at times spoken by Buddhist Monks. Why should we call ourselves “Sinhala Buddhists”, why not allow members of other races also to be Buddhists? When a Westerner follows Buddhism in SL, does he become a “Sinhala Buddhist” or he is not accepted as a Buddhist, or he is thought of by the “Sinhala Buddhist” as a different “Buddhist”?
    When are we going to open our minds and say, any religion can be followed by any race and no religion is the exclusive right of a race?

    • 2
      0

      Even the president has told the fake Archaeological department head who recently resigned, that all these ancient Buddhist sites in the north and east belong to the ancient Thamizh Buddhists and these should be preserved with the correct history recorded, just like what the Naga Vihara priest stated but not falsely claim them to be Chingkalla Buddhist sites, which they never were. and then take over hundreds of acres of private Thamizh land, as Vihara upkeep, in order to settle outside Chingkallama, even huge Chingkalla Buddhist Viharas do not have so much land and this ancient not so big Thamizh vihara that is in ruins needs hundreds of acres. As well as other Thamizh Buddhist ruins. Trying to steal private Thamizh lands nest to ancient Thamizh Buddhist ruin sites in the north and east, to settle Chingkallams from the south. In Thirayi in Trincomalee, they have appropriated around 3000 acres of private Thamizh land adjacent to the historic ancient Thamizh Buddhist Vihara.
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYTkM2u0MwA

Leave A Comment

Comments should not exceed 200 words. Embedding external links and writing in capital letters are discouraged. Commenting is automatically disabled after 5 days and approval may take up to 24 hours. Please read our Comments Policy for further details. Your email address will not be published.