Collection of views and commentaries on Buddhism

Vesak Lipi Digest.Vol. 23 May/Vesak 2007. A Minuwangoda Potgul Maha Vihara Publication. Compiled and edited By Upali Salgado. Reviewed by C.A. Gunawardhana.

Despite the advances in the technology of computer aided printing, the publishing of a Digest of this nature, we all agree, is a difficult task. One must be mindful of the fact that one has to gather material for publication; in this process, the respective contributors have to be invited to write, and such requests, more often than not, have to be followed up with gentle persuasion. The fact that Upali Salgado has succeeded in continuing this exercise for the 23rd year in succession during both good and bad times has to be admired.

The 23rd issue of Vesak Lipi has already been released and is an excellent digest that contains thought provoking articles on Buddhism. The contributions cover a wide range of subjects, in both prose and verse and for the most part are expressions made out of devotion. They indeed inspire the reader, and in simple and lucid language open out the intricacies in the doctrine.

To adorn the cover of the book Upali Salgado has chosen a photograph of a beautiful marble Buddha head image. It is described as one of the Gandhara period of the 1st century BC. It shows the Greek influence in Buddhist art of the period that was in present day Pakistan. This picture speaks of the lost Buddhist civilization which in the distant past covered the whole continent.

It is no exaggeration to say that this is one of the better compilations where some of the more difficult issues in the doctrine are discussed. Many of the contributors are well known exponents of the Dhamma. Valuable contributions made by Prof. Emeritus Y. Karunadasa Ph.D., Prof. P.D. Premasiri of the Peradeniya University, Ajaan Cha of Thailand, Ven. Dr. Pathegama Gnanarama Thera, Ph.D. of Singapore, by the Editor himself, and poems written by Irene Abeyesekera and Chandra Gunasekara enhance the value of this publication. Editor Salgado must be commended for putting together the compendium in a logical, easy-to-read, and illustration-rich text. The book covers some of the more pressing and important topics of Buddhism.

The publication of Buddhist literature in the two languages is an onerous task. The business aspects of it are well known. The costs incurred in typesetting, procuring of colour plates, printing and finally the distribution of the book, here in Sri Lanka as well as overseas can be quite expensive. However, Upali Salgado has a large number of devoted friends and well wishers who subscribe to and fund his mission. One of the more outstanding achievements of this publication is, that part of the subscriptions has been channelled for numerous charities. The maintenance of a 15 bed ward (No. 69) at the General Hospital, Kandy, is one such cause. The specialized ward for kidney transplants was set up by the readers of Vesak Lipi in 2004. The more recent donations, made this year, included furniture, and appliances such as refrigeration equipment for the storage of vaccines etc.

Overall, Vesak Lipi is an interesting Digest that should be read by all Buddhists and those interested in Buddhism, irrespective of their religious convictions.

(Copies of Vesak Lipi could be obtained by contacting the Editor at 29, Deal Place, Colombo 3)