| Appreciations |
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Buddhist philanthropist Devotees of the Buddha hold that doctrine in the highest esteem. Even today, outstanding Buddhist devotees make it their lives' primary aim to extend assistance to people. Sir Cyril De Zoysa, whose 107th birth anniversary we commemorate today is an embodiment of the Buddhist ideal of helping people. The essence of his life was service to others. He followed the footsteps of numerous Buddhist devotees, promoting the welfare of people and substantially contributing towards the advancement of the teachings of the Buddha. Without any doubt, Sir Cyril was one of the most distinguished sons of Sri Lanka, who, as a Buddhist leader, patriot and philanthropist of high eminence, elevated contemporary Sri Lankan society in a variety of ways. Utilizing every resource he possessed, he made it his life's mission to ensure that Buddhist culture flourished uninterrupted in this noble land, overcomoing whatever obstacles. One could very well construe that it had been pre-ordained as it were, that he should pioneer a Buddhist revival in this country in the 20th century. Sir Cyril De Zoysa was born at the dawn of the 20th century in Galle. He received his early education in Matara, renowned for its contribution to learning at a time when Sinhala was being enthusiastically resuscitated. His father
was a Notary Public and young Cyril had to change schools whenever
his father moved to a new area due to work. Back in Galle, he studied
at Richmond College, from where he came over to Colombo to study
at Royal College. Even in those early years, he exhibited a personality suffused by kindness. An anecdote illustrates this deep feeling for others. His father went about in a hired buggy-cart, as he was not able to afford one of his own at that time. Young Cyril assiduously saved his hard-earned pocket money, acquired as a private tutor while still at Law College, and bought his father a brand new buggy-cart and bull. The doting father was immensely touched by his son's gesture. From childhood on, the Buddhist way of life was a built-in facet of his personality. He was raised in a family where Buddhist values were highly esteemed. Eventually, a historical meeting occurred that determined the course of his life and the story of Buddhist worship in Sri Lanka. He started practising law in Kalutara. Here Sir Cyril met the sacred Bodhi tree at Kalutara. This spiritual meeting was the beginning of a new chapter in Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This Bodhi tree has a history dating back to about 2,200 years. When the sacred branch of the Bodhi tree was brought to Sri Lanka in the days of King Devanampiyatissa, 32 seedlings from that holy tree were planted at selected sites in the country. The Bodhi tree at Kalutara is one of them. But when Sir Cyril came over to Kalutara, the sacred Bodhi tree was neglected. Devotees who visited the site were driven away by the security personnel appointed by the Government Agent. There was also an attempt to cut this sacred tree. Sir Cyril’s interest was roused when he visited this place once to take a dip in the river. There he met a devotee, who had attended upon the Bodhi all by himself over a long period. The young lawyer impressed by the religious fervour of this devotee, opted to help him to continue his service to the sacred tree. On September 7, 1951, Sir Cyril established a committee to protect this sacred site. Investing personal funds, he transformed this holy site into one of the most venerated religious places in this country. Millions pay homage to this sacred tree each year. Vehicles stop at this holy spot. There is hardly any other wayside holy site in Sri Lanka that receives this kind of adoration. With the passage
of time, a variety of religious adjuncts grew around the Bodhi tree. Although Sir Cyril's name is associated very much with the Bodhi tree at Kalutara, his service to the cause of Buddhism has been multifarious. Many Buddhist shrines, sites and institutions have flourished through his generosity. He was the foremost force in the restoration of the Kiri Vehera at Kataragama. Education was yet another field that received his attention. He donated his land for school buildings. An inevitable outcome of his involvement in social welfare was his entry into active politics. There, too, he was able to achieve success. He was the Vice-President of the Senate for six years. Then again, he was the President of the Senate for eight years. He was conferred a Knighthood by the British. Though kept exceptionally busy, Sir Cyril never neglected to observe Buddhist rituals. Each morning he would start the day by making offerings to the Bodhi Tree.In the late evening of his life, he attained a state of deep spiritual serenity. His words summed up the quintessence of Buddhism. "Now I am free. The state of your wealth does not really matter. These are all illusions. I was born without any wealth. I will die just as I was born-without any wealth. As I reach the end of my days, Buddhism is my sole consolation, my happiness and my strength." He said farewell to life with words that could only come from the depths of a truly Buddhist mind. Sir Cyril De Zoysa passed away on January 2, 1978 at the ripe age 82. To the millions who pass the Bodhi tree at Kalutara each year, his memory is ever fresh. May he attain Nibbana. Weligama Gnanaratana Maha Nayake Thera A gentleman
par excellence Bevil St. Elmo de Bruin came to London in the early 1960s. My husband, who had been his student, and I had the good fortune of meeting him when he was occupying the room next to Prof. and Mrs. E.O.E. Pereira's flat in Ealing. He had been a great admirer of my father-in-law, the late M.M. Kulasekaram, former Vice Principal of Royal College and was very happy to meet my husband. From then onwards, a great friendship developed. My husband always kept his master posted on the Royal-Thomian scores and the results of Bradby Shield rugger matches. Mr. Bruin in
return would always send us the latest on motor racing which was
my husband's favourite sport having known Graf and Grafin von Trips
personally, the parents of Wolfgang von Trips who crashed in the
Italian Grand Prix at Monza in 1961. It was one of the most memorable periods of our life. During that month, old Royalists who were living in England and who had heard that Mr. Bruin was in London came to see him and reminisce about their school days. They spent time with their old master drinking Jamaican rum and relishing Sri Lankan food. Our son who was taking his first footsteps had Uncle Bruin saying, "Come Putha", almost falling over in his eagerness to run to Mr. Bruin's outstretched arms. Often Mr. Bruin would carry our son perched on his shoulders, having a grandstand view, while walking around London. Mr. Bruin never failed to keep in touch with us up to his last few months.He was able to write on any subject - be it a very descriptive train journey from Kingston to Mo-Bay, cricket, Jamaican politics - he had a large repertoire. He wrote on the thousands who perished in the 9/11 Twin Tower disaster and also gave exact figures on the victims of the atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. When the Jamaican government conferred on him the honour of Officer of Distinction, he sent us the newspaper clippings where past students of Cornwall College had written in with such admiration of their master. When Mr. Bruin was offered the Headmastership of Cornwall College he graciously declined to accept it saying that he preferred to live in his single room. His keynotes were simplicity and generosity. When I was expecting
our second baby, my husband who did not have a very good job said
to me that I would have to go into a government hospital to deliver
the baby. Royal lost an excellent and dedicated master; it was Cornwall's gain. I am sure he loved Mo-Bay and Cornwall as he got the respect he richly deserved for his dedication to his pupils. But he was also very much for Sri Lanka as well. Until we meet again - may his soul rest in peace! Nel |
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