Vesak Series II: The Life of the Buddha
The second set of Rs.2.50 Vesak stamps 2006 deals
with, 'The Buddhahood' recording some events from the life of the
Buddha.
'Maara Paraajaya' or the defeat of 'maaras' (evils)
by the Buddha is a popular subject featured in temple murals. The
one featured in the stamp (top left) is a 19th century painting
at the Hindagala Viharaya in Peradeniya (seen on the right of the
stamp).
The first sermon of the Buddha after Enlightenment
as depicted in a mural at the Dambulla rock temple (late 18th century)
is featured in the top right stamp. Delivering the Dhammackkapav-
-attana Sutta to five ascetics, the Buddha preached
on the need to avoid the two extremes and follow the Middle Path.
In the sixth year after Enlightenment, the Buddha
set off on foot to meet a ferocious demon named 'Aalavaka' who resided
in a city named Aalavi. The Buddha saw that the demon could be helped
to give up his vicious nature and follow the path of the Buddha.
The 19th century painting (second row left) is from the Sapugoda
Viharaya, Beruwala.
The painting depicting the funeral pyre after
the Buddha's Parinibbana is from a wall painting at the Veheragalla
Samudragiri Vihara, Mirissa.
The fifth stamp shows the Buddha's lay disciples
Tapassu and Bhalluka arriving at Tiriyaya near Trincomalee with
the Buddha's hair relics which are enshrined in Girihandu Seya,
Tiriyaya. |