By Ven. Walpola Piyananda –
Ven. Walpola Piyananda
I was greatly distressed when I heard about Naomi Coleman, a tourist from the UK, being deported because of the Buddha image tattooed on her upper arm. As everyone knows by now, Naomi was shamefully detained in Negombo for one night and then kept fpr another two nights at a detention center before being thrown out of Sri Lanka, a pattern that seems to be repeating itself. In an attempt to apologize and make amends the Sri Lankan Tourism Authority sent her off with a business-class ticket back home and gifted her with a future holiday on our beautiful island. This is, however, no consolation for the horrible way she was treated. Meanwhile, our international image and reputation have been damaged yet again, and we are now branded as intolerant, lacking in compassion, and narrow-minded – characteristics that can be added to the long list of negatives the international media has already tacked onto our profile.
If wearing Buddha images on the body is offensive to our hyper-sensitive Sri Lankan Buddhist society, what should we do about the monks from Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries that have ritual Buddha tattoos on their torsos? Should we deport them, too? In many countries faithful Buddhists wear Buddha images on amulets around their necks; should we ban those people from entering our country as well? Every year I give hundreds of children – both in Sri Lanka and in America – small images of the Buddha that they can wear to remind them of their Precepts, and help them remember to be compassionate and understanding in their daily lives. Should these children be tossed out of Sunday Dhamma School? In the West we Sangha members wear the yellow robes, unfamiliar attire to many in this society. How are we perceived here? How would we feel if we were persecuted for the way we dress as monks? Should we be deported from America and other countries just because we look different? Is dressing as a monk disrespectful to society?
Naomi Coleman was herself a faithful Buddhist, one who had already been on meditation retreats in Thailand, India, Cambodia, and Nepal. To her, the tattooed image of the Buddha on her upper arm was a mark of respect; she meant no offense to anyone. On the contrary: she only wished to honour her master teacher with an outward symbol of her beliefs. For our immigration officials and judicial system to perceive her mark of faith as offensive and defamatory, we do nothing but demonstrate our lack of skillfulness and compassion in recognizing other cultures’ perceptions and outward representations. Just because we in Sri Lanka don’t like tattoos of the Buddha on the human body, it doesn’t mean that we have the right to demonize individuals from other countries that wear them. In fact, our judgmental attitude totally goes against the fundamental teachings of the Buddha – especially in regards to defining kamma as “motivated action”; and Naomi’s motivation was certainly not to be disrespectful. I read that the magistrate didn’t even allow Naomi Coleman to speak in her defense; she was simply sentenced and shipped out. She was quoted as saying that there was no forgiveness or compassion in Sri Lanka, and her friend said that she would definitely not come back – not even with her free trip.
I have been speaking to our Ministers and other Government officials for years about properly utilizing the media to improve our national image. Unfortunately, my pleadings continue to fall on deaf ears. The only things published in other countries about Sri Lanka these days are articles that condemn us for our perceived wrong-doings. You can be quite certain that unskillful actions like the deportation of Naomi Coleman will do nothing but add fuel to the fires kept burning by the UN Human Rights Commission and others who have agendas to do us harm. I urge the Government to wise up and act skillfully so we can improve our image overseas, encourage tourism, and put the teachings of the Buddha into practice.
Sister Naomi Coleman, may you have the blessings of the Triple Gem! Thank you so much for wearing the image of the Buddha on your upper arm; by doing so you are promoting Buddhism to those who might see you, and present the opportunity to discover the Buddha’s teachings for themselves.
*Ven. Walpola Piyananda – Chief Sangha Nayake of America, International Religious Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka
Related posts;
Buddha’s ‘Blood Relative’ Tolerates His Tattoo But His Officials Can’t Tolerate Buddha Tattoo
Amarasiri / April 30, 2014
Dear Ven. Walpola Piyananda.
RE: Sister Naomi, Thank You So Much For Wearing A Buddha Tattoo On Your Upper Arm
“I was greatly distressed when I heard about Naomi Coleman, a tourist from the UK, being deported because of the Buddha image tattooed on her upper arm.”
Ven. Walpola Piyananda thank you for speaking up. We know there are quite a few Sinhala Buddhists Theros who know their Dhamma.
“Naomi Coleman was herself a faithful Buddhist, one who had already been on meditation retreats in Thailand, India, Cambodia, and Nepal. To her, the tattooed image of the Buddha on her upper arm was a mark of respect; she meant no offense to anyone. On the contrary: she only wished to honour her master teacher with an outward symbol of her beliefs. For our immigration officials and judicial system to perceive her mark of faith as offensive and defamatory, we do nothing but demonstrate our lack of skillfulness and compassion in recognizing other cultures’ perceptions and outward representations.”
However, this incident shows that in Sri Lanka most Most Sinhala “Buddhists” including the Politicians and even some Judges do not know what Buddhism is. They are like Harak-Cattle or Mee-Harak, Water Buffaloes.
Wow, what a Resplendent Dhamma Depaya!
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Amarasiri / April 30, 2014
Dear Ven. Walpola Piyananda
Even the Capuchin monkeys have better ethics !
The Native Veddah Aethho, the Original Inhabitants of Lanka, would never have done that, because they have better ethics.
Capuchin monkey fairness experiment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KSryJXDpZo
Even the Capuchin monkeys have better ethics and fairness concepts than many Sinhala “Buddhists”, Sinhala “Buddhist” policemen, Sinhala “Buddhist”taxi Drivers and Even Sinhala “Buddhist” Judges and magistrates.
Published on Apr 13, 2012
This was clipped out of recent TED talk given by Frans de Waal regarding moral behavior in animals. In a nut shell we get to observe reaction and response of two Capuchin monkey when they receive different reward for same type of work.
http://www.ted.com/talks/frans_de_waa…
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JULAMPITIYE AMARAYA / May 1, 2014
Amarasiri;
Ven. Walpola Piyananda is a Buddhist monk, who practises universal truth call Buddhism.
Not so called Sinhala Buddhism , Jarapassa Buddhism or Badu Bala Buddhism with some saffron robe clad Thugs who are giving a bad nave the great philosophy.
We, Buddhists are much happy and appreciate that Ven Piyananda’s fear less words and who’s deed and advises a commendable.
And effort to show his displeasure on taking Buddhism as scapegoat to politics by Ruling F king Jarapassa Family.
To all of you ,Thisarana Srana Weva.
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Sama / April 30, 2014
All these because of lack of knowledge about other folks, how they would respect those symbols like Buddha, Jesus, hindu gods etc. I myself have seen some srilankens (sinhalaya) having tattoos of ” AMMA BUDUWEWA” or the like on their chests. Had the minister of regligious affairs studied the matter accordingly, nothing like this would have been emerged. If one passenger is punished in this way, that would spread to large amount of travellers across the globe. That can then become perceptions towards the ireal nature of lanken Buddhism. Actually, topleadership should long take actions in terms of these issues. Lack of that has led this to repeat reminding this is not the first time a EU passenger was sent back (not even 2 years ago, I read similar case on the lanken tabloids)
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Pooty Poo / April 30, 2014
Thank you for speaking up Rev. Walpola Piyanada.
Living in America, such a benevolent democratic country, seems to have helped you gain enlightenment. Something Sri Lankan Buddhism has been unable to achieve.
Your taste for American life is admirable. You even stand up for a British woman’s tattoo. Dont speeak up against the drone killings but.
[Edited out]
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JULAMPITIYE AMARAYA / May 1, 2014
Poo Poo;
Get a life man,
Every body can see, what is your mentality is?.
So you are wasting your time and space of CT’s page.
Feel sorry for you.
Thisrana Sarana weva.
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Amarasiri / May 1, 2014
Dear Ven. Walpola Piyananda.
RE: Sister Naomi, Thank You So Much For Wearing A Buddha Tattoo On Your Upper Arm
“I was greatly distressed when I heard about Naomi Coleman, a tourist from the UK, being deported because of the Buddha image tattooed on her upper arm.”
Let’s see how it could have turned up , if not for the Buddha Statue on her arm?
Because of the Buddha Statue, the the Dhamma Deepaya deported her after being put i jail for 3 days, courtesy of Sinhala “Buddhism”.
Suppose, she did nit have a Buddha tattoo. A Bunch of Politicians and parliamentarians may have got hold of her and raped her, before being sent back home, as has happened to another British tourist, after killing her boyfriend.
Do the Buddha tattoo saved her from the agony of rape.Besides, to add insult to injury, she may have to marry the rapist as well. Who knows how may wives the rapists or rapists have.
“Budun Saranai”, Buddha’s Blessings saved her.
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Sengodan. M / April 30, 2014
A very broad outlook from a truly venerable monk. Members of BBS should go out and see the wider world as often as possible in order to widen their outlook.
Sengodan. M
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srilal / April 30, 2014
This is DJ type of talk , who wouldn’t condemn these sort of obvious childish behaviors ? ( only extremist & hard liners would endorse the highly embarrassing/primitive action of SL government officials ) however this Ven Walpola Piyananda should know that he is partly responsible and accountable for all the chaos which are happening in SL , this thero was in SL for a special mission during the last presidential election , his mission was to promote and encourage all Srilankan people to vote for MR and to elect him as the president for the second term , he was among many of high profile “Expatriate Hamuduruwos” who were given free air tickets (round) to do the bidding for the king , now he had jumped the gun condemning the most obvious , typical !
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Sirimal / April 30, 2014
Thanks for this.
Srilal@, I watched a video that showed Ghanasa visting Mahanayakes lately. There, Mahanaayaka begged Ghanasara asking him the due ” please why not you would do something against the today´s problems in the society”. There, I got the feeling that Mahanayakas seem to have no idea how aggressive GALABOD AG has been. So Mahanayakas were not serious with BBS´s harm being made to the nation (not only muslims but to entire srilankens that love gentle way of buddhist culture).
Like you reveal here, if this particular Thero deliberately supported MR to win his election, he should unequivocally realize the danger his contribution has made to this day.
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srilal / April 30, 2014
Dear Sirimal ,
you know what , in colloquial sinhala we say ” Bole pass karanawa” (passing the buck), this is exactly what has taken place during the discussion , Mr Gnasara conveniently passed the ball to Mahanayake (if you asked us to stop , we will stop , as we would not listen to any one else) at the same time Mahanayake also seized the opportunity to pass the ball back to Mr Gnasara ( do some thing )!!!
PS; it is really disappointing to see how these Mahanayakes have chosen to react on these endless burning issues , basically they behave as if nothing has happened.
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Ben Hurling / April 30, 2014
Srilal,
This is a tolerant, progressive & intellectual monk. It looks like atleast.
Possible he was duped by MR like many others. Including Ban Ki Moon and Sharma etc.
Yet another victim of Rajapassa Clan’s “Suba Anagathayak” deception?
Nevertheless, on this issue he has taken considerable risk by indirectly taking on BBS lead religious intoelrance in Sri Lanka.
That must be appreciated.
Facists, religious or otherwise rule by fear. BBS is no exception. Many are already scared to speak up against them.
This monk has chosen to speak openly. Sri Lanka needs his voice at this critical time.
Cheers!
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srilal / April 30, 2014
Ben Hurling ,
“This is a tolerant, progressive & intellectual monk. It looks like atleast.”
if you insist on it , i would reluctantly agree with you.
“Possible he was duped by MR like many others. Including Ban Ki Moon and Sharma etc. “
i don’t buy that , how could a responsible adult be duped by some one else ? my chosen vocabulary for that type of people are ” arrogant, selfish scum bags”
” Yet another victim of Rajapassa Clan’s “Suba Anagathayak” deception?”
yes , i agree with you.
“Nevertheless, on this issue he has taken considerable risk by indirectly taking on BBS lead religious intoelrance in Sri Lanka. “
what risk has he taken ? Mr Gnasara lives in SL whereas ven Walpola Piyananda in LA ,which is the other side of the world !
“That must be appreciated.”
one could say it , i suppose ! but as for me , i don’t see that way ,rather i see them as the root causes of the wider problem .
“This monk has chosen to speak openly. Sri Lanka needs his voice at this critical time.”
well , not only this monk , very many people have already condemned this Thug Gnasara’s antics , don’t forget your buddy DJ also didn’t miss the opportunity to condemn the obvious , my friend Ben!
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Silva / April 30, 2014
“..You can be quite certain that unskillful actions like the deportation of Naomi Coleman will do nothing but add fuel to the fires kept burning by the UN Human Rights Commission and others who have agendas to do us harm..”
Ven. Walpola Piyananda – Chief Sangha Nayake of America, International Religious Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka
The above sums up of what this monk is made up of. Add to it what srilal has disclosed, man, this monk is a real rogue. He is trying to put the blame on pawns and exonerate the real culprits, the Rajapakshas, who are behind all this things. This mararized monk deserves the contempt of others and bears responsibility for the horrible state of affairs prevailing in the country today.
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srilal / April 30, 2014
Sengodan. M ,
“Members of BBS should go out and see the wider world as often as possible in order to widen their outlook.”
Don’t forget Mr Gnasara took time off to visit the USA , Norway ,Burma , Thailand etc.
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Sun / April 30, 2014
Nothing can change GHANASARA´s genetics. He is aggressive as no other healthy monks in our society. It is highly advisable by ruling auhtorities to send him for a therapy (to get him tamed and socialized adequately) What instantly comes to my mind looking at him is , I m really sorry, “aggressive primate gorilla”.
Please listen to followings, that will then help you guys to get more about the current day politics in the country.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKY11JnXzGM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpZy8jNHC0U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wx0X05EwDo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dUHpo3_XYE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekXx6ZP2PW8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndinZzz6JvU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GIouiyafdY
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Amarasiri / May 1, 2014
Srilal,
“Don’t forget Mr Gnasara took time off to visit the USA , Norway ,Burma , Thailand etc. ”
Now it looks like Norway and Israel are funding them.
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/kusal-perera-april-26-2014/
http://www.asiantribune.com/node/62223
CT. Please do not delete the Sinhala paragraph.
[Edited out] Approximate translation. Israels primary transactions are carried out through Norway is being discussed at many places, these are used in many countries against Muslims is a subject that is being discussed. In the meantime, the Sunday Leader gave opinions on BBS from Dilantha Witahnage, when asked about from where they get the funds, he said ” some say we get the finds from Israel. It is a lie. If somebody has a query or question, anybody can come and look at it. Our activities are open. The truth and problem is finding an independent and trustworthy examiner or observer.
CT. Please do not delete the Sinhala paragraph.
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R. Varathan / April 30, 2014
A sane and balanced voice tempered by the teachings of that great Prince of Peace from the sacred Indian soil. If Buddhism, in its true essence, sinks into the consciousness of the Sinhala people this country will be a better place for everyone. My mother tells me, when we were little children young Buddhist priests, silent and serene, with their begging bowl come to our homes and Amma – a practising Hindu – also regularly contributed some dry rations – bowing in great respect. That was the great times when “we” were all united. All that was to be spoilt by the arrival of radical and politicised Buddhism (1956) that divided the country that progressively went down the precipice. The “We” and “You” division arrived and continues to the day.
True Buddhist teachings by committed teachers can be one way of regaining our lost togetherness. In that society there will be no room for degenerates like Galaboda Atte, Champika, Dinesh G, Udaya and other poor examples of the human race who make their living by keeping others divided.
R. Varathan
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SOMA / April 30, 2014
but I wonder why this Rev. Thero waited that long to raise his voice.
besides this is not the first time they the shenanigans acted against tourists with tatooes on their body.
Rev. Sobith Thero has always been adding his valuble comments. That is why we the peace loving masses, but minions, thought he is the great son of the nation to save this country from the clutches of Rajapakshe.
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Dr. Laksiri Fernando / April 30, 2014
Bravo Ven. Piyananda. Good to hear that you speak up. No need to comment on what you have said, loud and clear.
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I am no muslim / April 30, 2014
What if a woman tourist come up with a tattoo of PBUH Muhammad and his favourite wife Aisha in the act on her two bums and declares that she is a Muslim. I bet ACJU will immediately issue a fatwa for her head and the Sri Lanka police will have to guard her from Wahhabi and Salafi jihads.
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Kamal / April 30, 2014
Dog barking again and again man you a scum !
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I am no muslim / April 30, 2014
Kamal, You have called me a dog again.
I am not surprised, Koran 7:176 compares unbelievers to “panting dogs”. So, all non-Muslim commentators here are dogs. Is that what you say?
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Kamal / May 1, 2014
This is a figure of speech, I do not call people names, I do not degrade any religion even under extreme provocation.
What I am saying here is dogs bark whatever the reasons maybe, only thing they do is bark. I am only saying that.
If you think I am comparing you to a dog I can’t do much about it.
I have utmost respect to all kinds of views except the comments which makes no sense at all, for example like yours !
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Native Vedda / May 1, 2014
I am no human
“Kamal, You have called me a dog again.”
Kamal meant to insult the dog.
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Saman / May 1, 2014
I am no muslim,
You illetrate uneducated and uncultured a..s H…e.
Even if she has a tattoo of Muhammod or his wife in her body, nobody has right to ask for Bribes, humiliate, and sexually harass a foreign woman tourist and keep her three days in a dungeon looking detention camp without giving her civil liberty and rights to hear her side.
Only uncivilised Pig eating shit like you will do that.
This is a criminal offence under UN charter and the culprits should be punished under UN law.
She should either file a case against GOSL in UK or bring it to the attention of UNHRC.
Wash you your dirty mouth and brains before you write in this forum.
Thank you.
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Native Vedda / May 1, 2014
Saman
“Wash you your dirty mouth and brains before you write in this forum.”
Where is I am no human going to find his brain? Don’t forget he is sitting on it.
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Ranjith Gamage / April 30, 2014
We, the Sri Lankans have the habit of showing our backwardness and regressiveness to the world, time to time. In this incident the law enforcement and judiciary acted like uncivilized primitives. I applaud the venerable thero for his courages and timely words.
It is sad that today, in 2014 our citizenry behave in the most despicable manner.
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Kamal / April 30, 2014
Ranjith you need not look far, just read the comments from “I am no muslim” ample evidence to prove your point.
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Park / April 30, 2014
If a tattoo offended the Sri Lankan Buddhists then are they going to strip every one in Sri Lanka to see what other tattoos they have in their body? Now we have a police force to monitor religious violations, are they going to strip every one. There may be crosses, Oms, moons, starts etc… do we know what tattoos the Buddhists priests have?
If the picture of the Buddha which is only a symbol as no true picture of Buddha is available, are these Buddhists in Sri Lanka believe that Buddha looked like the tattoo? If they are offended by the Buddha tattoo since no one has a picture of true Buddha, does it mean all the Buddha statues in Sri Lanka in various positions too should offend them?
This is height of stupidity! What have we become at last, worst than ANIMALS!
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I am no muslim / April 30, 2014
Park,
No Buddhist including Ven W. Piyananda believe in Allah.
Koran (8:55) says “Surely the vilest of animals in Allah’s sight are those who disbelieve, ….” And in (7:176) disbelievers are compared to “panting dogs” with regard to their idiocy and worthlessness. And (7:179) says unbelievers are like “cattle”.
So, in the eyes of Muslims Ven Piyananda is worse than an an ANIMAL.
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Park / April 30, 2014
I am no muslim,
Koran also says
O you who believe, no people shall ridicule other people, for they may be better than they. Nor shall any women ridicule other women, for they may be better than they. Nor shall you mock one another, or make fun of your names. Evil indeed is the reversion to wickedness after attaining faith. Anyone who does not repent after this, these are the transgressors.(Qur’an49:11)
So why do you ridicule a Buddhist Monk? Are you staying true to your name?
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Upul / April 30, 2014
Finally, MR has convinced the ‘business man’ Hamuduruwo from Los Angeles to come to his aide.
If the Ministry of Tourism was that concerned about the stupidity of the Police and the Magistrate, why did they not intervene in the first instance? Obviously more idiots running Tourism in Sri Lanka.
Even God will take a pass, at helping us.
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Wickramasiri / April 30, 2014
In Sri Lanka Buddhism is mutating in to a cruel virulant form. The Buddhism that will remain will be one of cement mortar,concrete and tree worship, one of talismans, emulets and mumbo jumbo, ‘mal pahan’ poojas, beautifully sung ‘gathas’. No metta, muditha, karuna, upekha. Buddha’s teachings are now being ditched in favour of the worship of the robed and those robed are fast preaching and practising by example the antithesis of Buddha’s doctrine.
For those who believe in Buddha’s teaching this is nothing but an example of change and impermanence, but yet, in pointing out the error of Sri Lankan Buddhists, there will be many, who will criticize those good people just as much as Ven Walpola Piyananda will be criticized in this very forum.
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Mallaiyuran / April 30, 2014
Well said!
Where are those Jihadi Buddhist, Wahabi Buddhist and Mahavamsa Buddhist guys who wrote here for hours and hours, paragraph after paragraph, without feeling the pain on their fingers on the name of protecting the Buddhism?
Come on guys!
As long as you guys eat well, take rest, sleep and keep your mouth shut, Buddhism will be the healthy flourishing religion on the earth.
If you not know say so please!
Give me break!
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Razeek / April 30, 2014
There is no point in apologising or giving a business class ticket to Naomi. The main problem is the attitude of Buddhists in SriLanka. They think they are guardians of Buddhism and other religions must be excluded. It is the Buddhist monks who led the mob attack on Tamils in 1983 riots. It is Buddhist monks who are leading the attack against Catholic churches and Muslim public and Mosques.
But there is absolute impunity enjoyed by the monks.It is a Buddhist monk who killed a former prime minister Bandaranayake. Why does the Sinhalese nation tolerate these monks.Why do Sinhalese leaders use them for politics.
The problem is there is controlled press and the masses know only what the government stooges publish in their media. Only Buddha can save these masses.
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mike / April 30, 2014
Eventually Venereal Gandasara of the Balu Bala Sena Group of Companies will play the role of Somarama!
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sach / April 30, 2014
clarification.
when a buddhist monk killed SWRD he was arrested, sent to courts and jailed as the law would treat anyother person.
In 1983 the riots were not lead by buddhist monks as a whole. when you make a comment , do that knowledgeably though i know it is hard to expect from CT forum.
The reason BBS attacks and go unpunished is not because of attitude of a some buddhists rather the breakdown of rule of law (tragically) in this country. It is the same impunity that protected UPFA UC chairman with a pistol that is protecting BBS.
And this is very high coming from a guy who will block the roads in colombo because a random jobless american made a porno movie about a man lived in arabia 1400 years before :)
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Anpu / April 30, 2014
Dear Ven. Walpola Piyananda,
Thank you for your message.
I agree with everything you have written except
“add fuel to the fires kept burning by the UN Human Rights Commission and *******others who have agendas to do us harm******”.
UNHRC is not there to harm any one. HRC – Human Rights Commission.
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kaputakukula / April 30, 2014
Dear monk,
You are talking sense and shedding some light of what buddhism is and should be. You are right in saying that the forceful repatriation of Naomi would only add to the already growing negative impression on Buddhism. By this action the SL officials must have thought that they are proving the world that SL is a true buddhist country BUT the truth is that this lunacy resulted in dragging buddhism to the mud in the minds of non-buddhists.
However, dear monk this incident is not the spark of ignition. The rowdy BBS monks have already tarnished the buddhism and continue to do so. Why the monks like you DO NOT TALK about these rowdy monks who shaming the SL buddhists? Why even the chief monks of the nikayas have self-zipped their lips? In this situation, the only conclusion one can come is “there is buddhism BUT there is NO BUDDHISM IN SRI LANKA.
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Vibhushana / April 30, 2014
Instead of going into damage control with a narrow focus on tourism only, the Ven Sanga should try to to educate the wider society and indeed the Sanga itself to follow moderation in everything. Everyone needs to be reminded the basics and the fundamentals.
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LAL KANTHA / April 30, 2014
“However, this incident shows that in Sri Lanka most Most Sinhala “Buddhists” including the Politicians and even some Judges do not know what Buddhism is. They are like Harak-Cattle or Mee-Harak, Water Buffaloes.”
Hahahaaa!!! Well said. They are indeed MEE HARAK BAANA!!!
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Rajash / April 30, 2014
Dear Ven. Walpola Piyananda
I noticed that you signed off as :
“International Religious Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka”
what exactly are you advising?. You have not stated in your article whether you discussed the issue with the President or not.
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Spring Koha / April 30, 2014
Rajash: Just to say that it is not obligatory for a Venerable to consult anyone, most of all a layman, before making a statement. Again, if he did, it is not obligatory for a Venerable to take notice of anything we say. Ground realities!
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Rajash / April 30, 2014
does it also apply to Gnanasara of BBS as well? is he not Venerable yet?
any how just to clarify my question to Ven Walpola Piyananda is in his capacity as International Adviser to the President of Sri Lanka does he discuss the current state of religious affairs with the President, including the Naomi Coleman affair.
Are you saying that The Presidnet of Sri Lanka is a layman when it comes to religious affairs
or did you misunderstood my posting and thought I have queried Ven Walpola Piyananda if he discussed his statement before he posted it here in CT?
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Spring Koha / May 1, 2014
Rajesh, one of the sad facts of life is that sometimes people DO NOT live up to their titles. Gnanasara and his henchman in the BBS would fall into that category. They are widely regarded as a disgrace to the noble calling, and their downfall will surely come – soon. YES, I am saying that the President of SL is a layman – just like you and me and everybody else who is not ordained and appointed a priest at a certain level in the priesthood. The President has in fact many ‘advisors’ – what they discus is rarely known or generally cared about – it is what each says when he speaks to the world at large that matters.
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Rajash / May 1, 2014
Hi Spring Koha
Thanks for you clarification.
We the public need to keep debating these issues even though “they” wnat to sweep it under the carpet
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Afzal / April 30, 2014
Timely reminder to the Sri Lankans diminishing ethics by Ven. Walpola Piyananda tero.
If one ponder a bit longer, how did the perception of the general Singhala Buddhist changed so drastically ? parties involved here are Immigration officers, police and a JUDGE. These are all supposed to highly educated people (sans the police maybe)
How did a learned Judge fell in to a such a low ?
We can put the blame squarely in the hands of Balu Senas and their backers for radicalizing the mind set of general public.
Recently Immigration offices accused a Sri Lankan mans Thai wife to be a prostitute, imaging someone in official capacity labels your wife a prostitute !
What have we become ? Can we stoop lower than this ?
In my view it was a blessing in disguise that this lady was deported, imaging educated lot’s behavior is this and what would have been her fate if she was allowed entry and got caught to some national hero’s in down south !
UK will be having the 2nd Khuram Sheik case by now.
This country has gone to dogs!
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Ajith / April 30, 2014
Thank you honorable Ven. Walpola Piyananda you your facts and truths about what happened to Naomi. Unfortunately Buddhism is the one that is used for justifying the crimes committed in this Nation, unlawful activities such as corruption, destroying the cultures and divide the people by all politicians, religious leaders and even by the educated professionals. I don’t know who to blame for this but one thing is clear, that is people have no understanding of Buddhism and Truth but they are hijacked by opportunistic and blood thirsty liars.
There is a responsibility on you and people like you to educate the people at village level about real Buddhism.
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Spring Koha / April 30, 2014
Rest easy everyone! Good sense prevails. I would say clone this venerable man and spread him far and wide. If not already done, his message should be translated and published in the media of our blessed land so that those who can read will do so and see the light.
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Surawimala Jayaratne / April 30, 2014
Now BBS and power men in the ruling virulent outfit would brand this thero – as one Sanga that may have same qualities similar to that Watareka thero raised the voice for those muslims.
Intolerance towards any kinds of opposite views – are becoming clear. This CBK pointed out very clearly not once several dozens of time. I really dont think even if her second term did fail, her administration did nt allow issues of the mentioned kinds to send a message across the globe that we the buddhists are intolerant. Since the shameful incident occured, many of my friends and their friends worry to travel to srilanka this time. They keep asking why current administration is so intolerant. They allow KUDU, drugs and drug traffickers to make fat their pockets, by the direct mediation of President, but harming tourists that travel long away to make their holidays in their dream paradise (from beauty on).
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Bensen Burner / April 30, 2014
The Ven. Walpola Piyananda deserves to be congratulated for expressing his views so boldly.Bensen
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Prof.Dr.S.J.Emmanuel / April 30, 2014
Thank you Rev. Walpola. You have spoken well I hope in the Name of the majority Buddhists in Sri Lanka.
As Int. advisor, we like to hear more from People who are enlightened like you.And in good time before wrong decisions are made by the authorities.
Buddhism as a noble Religion of Peace do not Need Rowdies to protect it.More harm is done by the passivity of the good, than by the activity of the bad!
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sach / April 30, 2014
oh you could not listen to him when you funded the LTTE to blow off people.
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Burning_Issue / April 30, 2014
Such,
Please grow up!
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Hooker / April 30, 2014
This is not the Rev. Emmanuel of Global Tamil Forum. This is an impostor.
Hooker
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blind man / April 30, 2014
“Ven. Walpola Piyananda – Chief Sangha Nayake of America, International Religious Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka”
So was this written at the request of the President of SL? He is well known to do the most dastardly things and then get someone to talk some sense in parliament – just to shape things up….
And if he is really the advisor – CAN HE RESIGN? SINCE HE HAS SO OBVIOUSLY FAILED IN HIS DUTY AS ADVISOR?
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Peace / April 30, 2014
Still Ven. Walpola Piyananda is not really apologetic from his open heart to Naomi. He is worrying UN resolution and countries image more than countries human rights situation, democratic system and law and order as a advisor to the Rajapaksa. It is too late crocodile tear.
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blind man / April 30, 2014
Saadhu! Saadhu!
thava desanna hamuduruwane….
katada adambara?
ape janadhipathithumatane…..
Translation
How wonderful oh monk
tell us more…
all this goes to the credit of your employer and our president…..
(what suckers we all are)
we can be fooled just like this….
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A.A.W.Amarasinghe / April 30, 2014
Venerable Piyananda,
Thank you.
We need more from you and the likes of you.
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Snowden Edward Asange / April 30, 2014
well said Ven. Theroa.. and you being the International advisor to the President, should make a BIG case about the atrocities of BBS’s Galbodaththe, he is the one whom Gota may use to get rid of MR… like the Rev Somawansa who killed SWRD… only time will tell. W havea huge Tsunami forming in SL.. the days are not too far…. for it to reach the shores… this time it aint a disaster via water but red colored water known as BLOOD… let’s wait and see…
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Jayagoda / April 30, 2014
Totally agree with Rev. Walpola, Sri Lankans’ are normally peace loving some what backward people, today most people including the law makers are confused. Where is the law? who is policing? Basically who is calling the shots ? President says I didn’t know,supporting one party in public another party behind closed doors.With due respect to our Police and Armed forces.. They need only one hour, just one hour to sort all these. The ugly and the unlawful.
Never in our history our police department has fallen to such low level, even below than the dogs eating waste under the table.
All what we need to pray today is for a strong but sincere LEADER,who will be fair to all and earn nothing but respect from all islanders.
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Truth / April 30, 2014
The pathetic Naomi Campbell issue shows the need for a Tourist Police office at the Airport and a suitable judicial mechanism to ensure that in the future no Tourist suffers the trauma of spending two or three days in remand in Negombo.
Thank you Ven. Walpola Piyananda for your lucid article highlighting all that went wrong in dealing with Naomi Campbell.
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sinhalese buddhist / April 30, 2014
Thanks you for this article, and the comments. It’s heartening to see positive comments from the majority here, and especially so from non-buddhists.
Buddhism is a universal religion and Sri Lanka should be rightfully proud in helping nurture it during the tough years (medival times) when it dies out in India. Sri Lanka was the first place on earth where the buddhist cannon (which had been transmitted orally until then) was first written down.
This documentation is what helped buddhism reach lands far and beyond India. It was then translated into Sanskrit (from Sinhalese Pali) and re-introduced to India and that lead to a rennaisance of Mahayana buddhism that spread fast through east Asia.
So Sri Lankan buddhist heritage is something we should be proud of. But taking pride in these accomplishments does not and should not mean other faiths on Lankan soil should be persecuted. THe Lord Buddha would not approve of such action!
Unfortunately, like many other religious institutions (Catholic churches under the various papalcies, Wahhabs, Irani Ayatollah regimes, Confucian Chinese courts etc. etc.) have at one time or another usurped political power and done harm to practitioners of other religions. In the US, there were christian priests and monks who justified everything from slavery to segregation and withholding suffrage from women, using quotes from the Holy Bible (some continue to do so). I am sure we can find similar examples from other religions as well (Laws of Manu in Hinduism had been used to for example drastically lower women’s status in Hindu society).
The abuse of great spiritual teachings by politicians and those seekign power/revenge is nothing new in this world. However, we should learn lessons from the past, and prevent their repitition.
Hitler’s genocide of European Jews was at one time supported by christian religious leaders using biblical interpretations. But what Hitler and his army did is unequivocally evil by the teachings of any religion. But it happened! That is the danger of interpretation of religious ideas by mere mortals. So we, as peace-yearning humans, should forever be vigilant and oppose the abuse of religions by extremists.
Sometimes what builds successful coalitions is a common threat. The threat this time seems to be buddhist extremists – an unprecedented happenign in modern Sri Lanka. So instead of letting them further radicalize our faith and ethnic communities (fueling an islamic Wahhabi-backlash for example), those from other faiths and non-Sinhala backgrounds whould form a coalition for peace and become vocal in poosing religious extremism in Sri Lanka. THe Tamil Buddhists, the Sinhalese Catholics and Anglicans, Sinhala-speaking Muslims should join the moderate Sinhalese Buddhists in this effort.
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ramona therese fernando / April 30, 2014
Hello Ven. Walpola Piyananda and above peoples,
Isn’t the whole lesson of this demerit something to do with people getting pleasure out of pain when pin-pinpricking oneself to emboss and embellish a huge picture of the Divine and Holy Buddha on one’s robust upper-arm?
However, I agree there was no need to hustle and deport the poor lady. She could have merely covered it up (as she said she would) as respectable Sinhala Buddhists would cringe otherwise in the thought of the Divine Master being needle-pricked into the flesh as a gross reminder of Himself.
As for the casinos, there is somehow a lesser immediate pleasure/pain response associated in them, albeit a more pervasive and damning eventual corruption of the mind (however, we can safely say that this has nothing to do with Buddhism, but is fact a response to forces away from the goodness of religion, and an unfortunate result of consumerism, capitalism, and Westernization). With that particular tattoo however, it has everything to do with Buddha.
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