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Point
of view As any history book would show, the very survival of the Buddha Sasana and the Sinhala nation is a result of the roles played over time by several of Don Juan's so called "minority lay-Buddhist monks" such as the great Kudapola Thero - who organized and invigorated Veera Puran Appu and the Great Thera Puttabaya - who shed his yellow robe and fought bravely beside the great King Dutugemunu, to free the motherland from foreign invaders! The Maha Sangha's role is not self-proclaimed as alleged by Don Juan. If the writer had at least endeavoured to dig a little into the history of this great country, he would have found revelations to the contrary. This is definitely not the era of Prince Siddhartha, where the kings and rulers were governed by the code of ‘Dasaraja Dharma’, or that of the Lichchavies,who governed the land adhering to the Sapta Aparihani Dharma. This is an era where the only qualification required to become so-called national leaders and politicians is the use of violence, oppression, unethical and demeaning behaviour which is quite evident from the way parliamentarians conduct themselves today. Lord Buddha at one time explained the 18 premonitions seen by King Kosala, which foretold of the present bleak political scenario of India. Perhaps it may even be possible that Lord Buddha had foreseen the exact situation prevailing in Sri Lanka at present. Therefore it is justifiable that the utmost duty of the Maha Sangha today is to lead the country not by merely counselling politicians, but by coming to the forefront (even if it does mean entering the Parliament), to lead the country on a righteous path. As Don Juan would agree - the Dhamma and the counsel of the Sangha are meant only for the learned. Don Juan has got his wires crossed when he explains that the Sanghika Dana (almsgiving) is given for the Maha Sangha to attain Nirvana. He should amend his notebook to read that the Sanghika dane is given as a symbol to sustain the present and future Maha Sangha, and not only liberate themselves, but also to sustain them throughout to guide the people along the righteous path. Further it is an opportunity for the giver to practise the Dana Paramitha. Today when people are in the grip of ‘Devadattas’, people do not expect the Maha Sangha to attain nibbana, but to relieve them from the evils of society even if these are in the form of politicians. Don Juan may have probably witnessed the masses who shed tears at the funeral bier of the Ven. Soma Thera, who vowed to lead this country by contesting for the presidency should the need arise. These much respected monks need not have their faces adorning the walls - as they have already entered the hearts of the Sinhala Buddhist masses through deeds and not mere empty words! Don Juan believes that political debates would invariably turn into religious disharmony should members of the Maha Sangha enter Parliament - a thought-provoking observation even at a time where the present political debates reflect slander from every corner, without constructive arguments. The Maha Sangha have never been racists nor have they created religious disharmony. On the contrary, today even with threats from Christian fundamentalist organizations, they are in the forefront of creating religious harmony and equality. The younger generation of today has little respect or faith in our leaders. In fact school visits to witness Parliamentary sessions have turned out to be nightmarish experiences for them, with the state-media highlighting the behaviour of the Parliamentarians. At least one could hope that the presence of the much respected Buddhist monks would create some respect for the institution. Don Juan's view on the issue of the Bhikkus' observation of the Vas or Vassana period is amusing, especially at a time where, with many thanks to the politicians, half of the natural forests have been cut down resulting in severe droughts even during the vassana period! To conclude, a quote from the Dhammapada verses is appropriate: " If a fool knows his folly, he may thereby become wise. But a fool who thinks he is wise, is indeed called a fool." - (Bala Vaggo) |
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