Emperor Asoka must be remembered with gratitude as we celebrate Poson
Asoka, the Mauryan Emperor embraced Buddhism after his victory in the Kalinga war. Walking around the battleground, when he saw thousands of corpses and the vast destruction of war, he realized that this was because of his greed to conquer lands. He repented his actions and felt remorse. He dispatched emissaries to the East and West to propagate Buddhism.
His son, Arahat Mahinda Maha Thera came to this island during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, on a Poson Poya. His entourage
Thousands of devotees will flock to Mihintale on Poson Poya to commemorate the arrival of Arahat Mahinda. Pic by Ranjith Perera
comprising Theras Ittiya, Uttiya, Baddhiya, Sambala, Buddhasala, Sumana Samanera and Upasaka Banduka arrived atop the Missaka rock in Mihintale. The Maha Thera had a discourse with the King who was on a hunting trip. The Maha Thera realising that the king was able to comprehend the deep meaning of the Dhamma, recited and explained the Chullahattipadopama Sutta. The King and the people embraced Buddhism. This was the first step for the establishment of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, where earlier people worshipped trees and rocks seeking blessings or fulfilment of their wishes.
It is stated that Emperor Asoka had a close friendship with the King of Sri Lanka. It was the Emperor, the king and Arahat Mahinda who were responsible for the establishment of Buddhism in this country.
Asoka too should be remembered on this Poson Poya. Six months after the arrival of Arahat Mahinda, he sent his daughter Theri Sanghamitta with a sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi from Buddha Gaya to Anuradhapura, where it is still venerated by Buddhists. The arrival of Theri Sanghamitta gave rise to the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Order.
Chandragupta is the first in line of the Maurya dynasty, who conquered Kashmir and Gandhara. Thereafter, his son Bindusara expanded the kingdom. Asoka, son of Bindusara too continued this trend amassing neighbouring lands. Due to the wars he fought and his destructive ways, he was known as ‘Chanda Asoka.’ Finally he realised the futility and waste of war and became a Buddhist and was known as Dharmashoka.
In India even today, pillars and rock inscriptions with Asokan messages of Buddhist thoughts are seen. It is believed that the Emperor showed compassion to all humanity and animals. One of his rock inscriptions states “whilst honouring one’s religion, one should not dishonour other religions. Other religions too should be respected for certain facts. By doing this you honour your own religion. If you do not, your religion is also not honoured…”
Buddhism brought a change in the cultural and social attitudes of the people of this island. It also gave rise to Buddhist art, sculpture and literature. The construction of temples, dagabas, Buddha statues and paintings evolved bringing out the creativity of artisans and artists. Many such Buddhist sites have been preserved as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO due to their archaeological and historic importance.
The influence of Buddhism was seen in the day-to-day lives of the people.
Mihinthale, which was earlier known as Ambasthalaya is about 12 km east of Anuradhapura. To commemorate the arrival of Arahat Mihindu Maha Thera, thousands of devotees will flock to Mihintale on Poson Poya, which falls on June 2 .
The Maha Thera lived in Mihintale for 48 years teaching the Buddha Dhamma and passed away at the age of 80 years as the first Buddhist missionary to visit the island. ‘Mahindagamanaya’ the arrival of Arahat Mahinda Maha Thera is explained in the Mahawamsa (Great Chronicle).