‘Rebel’ monk’s endeavour for social justice
“I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done,” said Lord Buddha. Personifying these words is the most recent spiritual labour of Ven. Kirama Wimalajothi Thera – the International Bhikkhuni Training Centre in Kananwila. Affiliated to the Dekanduwala Dhamma Training and Meditation Centre for Bhikkhunis in Kananwila which was [...]
Washington meditation centre to honour Ven Madihe Mahanayaka Thera
This year’s Vesak will be of special significance to the Washington Buddhist Vihara which is opening a new meditation retreat centre. Named the ‘Lion of Wisdom’ (‘Pannasiha’) Meditation Centre, it has been erected in memory of the founder of the Washington Vihara, Most Ven. Madihe Pannasiha Mahanayaka Thera. The Vihara – the first Theravada Buddhist [...]
This Vesak celebration will be like no other
Vesak which marks the Birth, Enlightenment and the Parinirvana of the Buddha, is commemorated as no other religious event in Sri Lanka. This year, which is the 2561st year after the Passing Away of the Buddha, Sri Lanka hosts the United Nations Day of Vesak thus taking Vesak commemoration to a global dimension. Elaborate preparations [...]
A legacy both religious and cultural
Fame it has achieved as a seat of learning nearly 150 years ago, spreading the gentle and all encompassing message of metta (loving kindness), karuna (compassion), mudita (sympathetic joy) and upekkha (equanimity) of Lord Buddha. Even now, about 250 samaneras, small and big, in their saffron-robes gather after regular school for lessons on the dhamma [...]
Sri Lanka, ambassador for Buddhism over the years
The universally relevant Buddhist prayer, sabbe satta bhavanthu sukhitatta (may all living beings be happy) transcending religious and ethnic barriers expounded by Lord Buddha 2600 years ago, has remained valid to this date as Sri Lanka prepares to host the 14th UN Vesak Day celebrations on the theme of ‘Buddhist Teachings for Social Justice and [...]
Heeding the Buddha’s word in a world fast hurtling to disaster
Are you sitting comfortably? Perhaps not! Right now, the whole wide world is looking at the future with great trepidation. Is it going to continue as we know it, albeit with unceasing violence here and there,or is it going to continue to grumble and rumble into a full-blown world war III? There is no need [...]
Embracing a “world-centric ethic” based on the Dhamma
“I knew nothing about Buddhism during the first 20 years of my life. In my early twenties, I developed an interest in Buddhism as a meaningful alternative to the materialism of modern American culture, an interest which grew over the following years. After finishing my graduate studies in Western philosophy, I travelled to Sri Lanka, [...]
A commendable scholarly work that fills a vacuum
While remarkable discoveries are made in the fields of medical and physical sciences, seldom do we learn of further research being done to appreciate and reflect on the glory of our Buddhist heritage. Civilisations have been born and have been buried. But, it is known that philosophies and teachings of revered religious men still stand [...]
A good book to gain a broad understanding of Buddhism
Three months after the passing away of the Buddha, 500 of his enlightened pupils under the chairmanship of Arahant Kassapa Maha Thera held a conference at Rajagaha to collect his teachings and preserve them for posterity. It consolidated the Dhamma (teachings) and the Vinaya (rules of discipline). This compilation of texts gave future generations a [...]
Galle’s wonderland that is ‘Serengeti’
Sitting atop Galgamu-kanda, accessed by a winding, steep pathway is ‘Serengeti’ in Walahanduwa, with a view of the sea off Galle in the hazy and sunny distance. ‘Serengeti’ surrounded by lush greenery, large trees giving a wide canopy, smaller trees, plants, bushes and undergrowth is the home of Sarath and Premila Seneviratne. Nay, it is [...]
Cry for justice for our four-legged friends at Sri J’Pura Uni
As Aristotle said, “Education of the mind without education of the heart is no education at all.” And, in our country, hailed as a great Buddhist nation, let’s remind ourselves of the very tenet of Buddhism – ‘universal compassion’where it is wrong to kill or harm any living being. Let us now recall a recent [...]
Delicious waffles have their day
Hungry for some waffles? Did you know a new place for mouthwatering Belgian waffles has opened in Etul Kotte? Waffles – the sturdier cousin of the pancake has sadly been away from the spotlight in restaurants and cafes in our country while other delicacies dominated the menus. But now waffle lovers can rejoice. ‘The Waffle [...]
A quintessential British farce that will have you in fits of laughter
‘It Runs in the Family’ is the quintessential British farce. Written by Ray Cooney, the British playwright, known for plays such as ‘Funny Money’ and ‘Run for your Wife’, it is set in St. Andrew’s hospital, a few days before Christmas. Dr. Mortimore, a pretentious and self-centred neurologist, is preparing for a potentially career-defining speech [...]
Cutting edge fare and nostalgia from Liberty’s Scope Cinemas
When Scope Cinemas launched the new and improved Liberty, it was clear that the company was committed to transforming Sri Lanka’s cinema experience. Apart from the top-notch screens, sound system and seating, Scope had opted to go a few steps further. Food and beverages offered at their cinemas include a greater range than what is [...]
A glittering tribute among family and friends
‘Mallika Hemachandra –A legacy’, a coffee-table book tracing the milestones in the inspiring journey of jewellery entrepreneur Mallika Hemachandra was launched at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo. The Oak Room was abuzz as guests awaited the arrival of Mallika Hemachandra while the soft strains of the Colombo Philharmonic Orchestra filled the air, a reminder of the [...]
A woman’s most important job?
The role of a woman has actively been discussed through the ages and across the board and has evolved with time and often differs according to the context of the discussion…the cultural background, religious influence, politics of the region, mindset and nature of the people, the historical context and many other factors. Somehow or the [...]
A heartwarming, inspirational autobiography
Entrepreneur Jayantha Mangala Rajapakse recently released the English translation of his autobiography, “Amawaka Anduru Ne”, a heartwarming story of inspiration and hope. Titled, “Golden Rays on the Dark Moon”, the book tries to capture the facets of contemporary Sri Lankan life, where instant gratification has become the norm and age-old traditions and loyalties are increasingly [...]
Rasa Sayang-Malay cuisine demo
The Association of Muslim Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs have organised a cookery demonstration of Malay cuisine to celebrate Mother’s Day and in aid of a vocational training centre for the needy, on Sunday, May 14, at the Conimara Hall, Concord Hotel, Dehiwela from 9 a.m. It will be followed by a sumptuous Malay lunch and [...]
A much loved teacher turns hundred tomorrow!
A century, whether in a cricket match or a break on the billiard table calls for congratulations and celebrations. It is a great honour to write about my very dear sister-in-law, Sumana de Silva, my husband’s sister, on her 100th birthday, on May 8 (tomorrow). Sumana Akka as we all affectionately call her was born [...]
Letters
Merit transfer: Refrain from offering alms with flesh “One should not kill a living being, nor cause it to be killed, nor should one incite another to kill. Do not injure any being, either strong or weak.” — Buddha As a consequence of good actions merit is accrued and carries over through life and the [...]
Appreciations
Justin Abeygoonesekera A soft-spoken, generous, simple and unassuming gentleman “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” Born amidst the rolling silky mountains in the rustic village of Rikillagaskada, [...]