Vesak
Series III: Perfections (Paramitha)
The third series of the 2006 Vesak
stamps depicts how the Buddha in his numerous births
developed the qualities necessary to attain Buddh- -ahood.
As a Bodhisatva, he worked hard on achieving these perfections,
which are depicted through a series of Jataka stories
vividly featured in temple murals. The wall paintings
are typical of the 19th century style.
The Perfection of Generosity (Daana
Paaramita) which helps to restrain from being selfish
and develop selflessness, is depicted (top left stamp)
through a scene from the Vessantara Jataka where the
Bodhisatva gave his wealth and cherished possessions
as well as his kingdom, his limbs, his children and
his wife. He was even willing to sacrifice his own life
if such sacrifice was going to benefit humanity. The
stamp carries a mural from Bodhiraja Vihara, Eluvapitiya.
Wisdom (panna) is the apex of Buddhism
and is described as the right understanding of the nature
of the world in the light of all conditioned things
being transient (anicca), sorrowful (dukka) and souless
(anaatma). This perfection is depicted through the Paduma
Jataka illustrated in a rock painting at Kaballalena
Vihara. (Top right stamp).
A wall painting at the Degaldoruwa
temple illustrates the Perfection of Renunciation (Nekkahamma
Paaramita). The selected tale is the Sutasoma Jataka
(second row left). This perfection implies renunciation
of worldly pleasures by adopting an ascetic's life.
As is seen in the painting, the Bodhisatva realising
the futility of fleeting material pleasures voluntarily
leaves the earthly possessions and lead towards a life
of absolute purity.
Sivi Jataka depicted in a wall painting
at the Paramaakanda Vihara, Anamaduwa (second row right)
illustrates the Perfection of Equanimity (Upekkha Paaramita).
Equanimity means discerning rightly, looking impartially
without attachment or aversion, without favour or disfavour.
Slights and insults such as praise and blame, loss and
gain, pain and happiness are our common experiences.
Amidst the trials and tribulations of life, the Bodhisatva
attempts to stand unmoved, as firm as a rock, exercising
perfect equanimity.
The Perfection of Loving Kindness
(Metta Paaramita) is the subject of the last stamp.
A wall painting at the Sunandaarama, Ambalangoda depicts
the Sachchakira Jataka where the Bodhisatva practises
the quality of boundless goodwill towards all beings
irrespective of their differences. It has been proved
in the Bodhisatva life that a pure heart that radiates
the beneficent force of loving kindness is capable of
transforming wild beasts into tame ones, murderers into
saints.
The stamps are of the denomination
of Rs 4.50. Each one carries a sketch of the temple
where the relevant painting can be seen.
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