When I was looking for a suitable gift to be given to an overseas friend of mine who was interested in the history and culture of Sri Lanka, I came across “A Fresh Dawn- Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist Heritage", a high quality coffee table book published by the All-Ceylon Buddhist Congress for the 60th anniversary of the World Fellowship of Buddhists and to commemorate the 2600th Sambuddhatva Jayanthi in 2011.
The history of Sri Lanka and the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka is nothing but one. One cannot be considered without examining the other since both are intricately intertwined. Every aspect of this island has been influenced by Buddhism in some form or the other.
By using authoritative sources such as Mahavamsa , and History of Buddhism in Sri Lanka by Ven. Walpola Rahula Thera,' A Fresh Dawn' traces the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka from the visits of Buddha to the island up to the modern era.
Though it is a very well researched document that can stand the test of professional scrutiny, the presentation is so simple and elegant it can be read in one go unless you want to dwell on the beautiful collection of photographs.
It traces the visits of Buddha to the island with appropriate photographs of locations from the murals of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. Then it goes on to describe how Arahat Mahinda brought the message of the Buddha and the subsequent renaissance of a civilization based on Buddhist values. Among the most important features of this civilization are the irrigation system and stone sculptures of unparalleled beauty. The book presents some of the masterpieces of Sri Lanka’s stone sculptures which are linked very much to Buddhist beliefs.
One of the most significant events of the history of Buddhism and the country is the documenting of the teachings of the Tathagata at Aluvihara, Matale.
Since its introduction by Arahat Mahinda, Buddhism turned out to be the main, if not the only, religious practice of the people. The evolution of these practices is very well captured and presented in the book and it covers many temples and places of worship across the country with photographs that have captured the moods and actions of the people like frozen shots seen in the movies.
The Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha became the symbol of royalty in the country. It became the duty of the king to protect the Tooth Relic. The history of the Tooth Relic traces various ups and downs of the Sinhala kings over the ages. This too is very well presented along with an impressive presentation on the Kandy Temple of the Tooth and the Perahera using some rare paintings and photographs as well.
With colonization by the British, Buddhism in the country had to face unprecedented challenges such as forceful conversions, restrictions to practise the religion and to the teaching systems of the country. How Buddhists rose against these oppressions through debates such as 'Panadurawadaya' that brought about a revival of Buddhism. 'A Fresh Dawn' has captured salient events of this era and brought in the role of the World Fellowship of Buddhists.
Under the theme 'Sri Lanka creates global interest', the book has covered the pioneering Dhammadutha efforts of Ven. Narada and the like in the modern world and the emergence of Western Buddhist monks in the country who made an invaluable contribution to the propagation of the Dhamma.
This is one of the few publications that captures the role Western Buddhist monks played in the island.
In 164-pages, the reader is swiftly taken from the introduction of Buddhism and its evolution to date like a pilgrimage visiting the most important Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka.
This book I feel is 'a must' for anyone who wants to get a grasp of the inner core of the people of this country, their value systems and a brief history.
The book is what it is not only by the simple reader-friendly text provided by veteran journalist D. C. Ranatunga but captivating photographs of Sarath Perera and the intricate layout by Somachandra Pieris.
'A Fresh Dawn' is certainly a collector's item and an ideal corporate gift during the Vesak season. |
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