Book launches

The mechanics of Buddhism and its Sinhala translation Bududahame Yatharthaya by Tilak Marapana will be launched on March 21 at 3.30 p.m. at the Committee Room A of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7. The book is published by Vijitha Yapa Publications.

The purpose of this work is to give a better understanding of the underlying principles upon which the Buddha's teachings are founded. All the faith and engagement in the many popular rituals, good as they may be in themselves, if resorted to with this understanding are bound to be more productive. This benefit can be reaped only by an exposure to the Abhidhamma.

This work is an attempt to inform the readers of some aspects dealt with in the Abhidhamma. Every effort has been made to make the subject understandable to a beginner. For this purpose, there is a considerable degree of brevity avoiding complex expositions. It is also hoped that this basic exposure would stimulate the reader to embark on a deeper study through recourse to more comprehensive and instructive works on the Abhidhamma.

Ven. Dr. K. Mahinda Sangharakkhita in his Foreword says: "Useful instructions and a synoptic view of the Abhidhamma are presented according to the Theravada tradition, for average people. The author analyses the concept of mind, mental factors, the different planes of consciousness and their states with reference to healthy and unhealthy attitudes towards human life. The book presents genuine Buddhist doctrine with the aim of creating a real Buddhist, free from ritual adherence and intent on working out his own future with his self as the light."

The author has gathered this knowledge from all available literature on the Abhidhamma and presented in a condensed, yet readable and comprehensible style. The English book contains 160 pages and the Sinhala translation 180 pages.

The author Tilak Marapana needs no introduction. A eminent lawyer, he held the post of Attorney General in the 1990s and is a former Minister of Defence.

Of people and their stories

“Nova Peraniya Lipi Saraniya” (Writings that do not age), a book of articles by senior journalist A.D. Ranjith Kumara will be launched at 4 p.m. on March 20 at the Great Wall Restaurant, Sumathi Court in Bambalapitiya.

The book contains articles about unusual incidents in the field of literature, the arts and pen-sketches of literary luminaries of the earlier generation, their views and opinions.

The book contains interesting subjects for instance, the search for the real-life Dhammi in Golu Hadawatha, J.R. acting in a radio drama, the first three books banned in Sri Lanka, books read by VVIP, Mahagama Sekara who was seeking to write songs for singers like Jothipala, MS and Milton etc. The book has 26 such articles.

The launch will be presided over by Chief Editor of “Lankadeepa” Siri Ranasinghe. Among the speakers will be Professor J.B. Disanayaka, Professor Carlo Fonseka and Chief Editor of the Sunday edition of “Lakbima” Sundara Nihatamani de Mel, and Ravindra Randeniya, veteran film actor.

The launch will be compered by Bandara Eheliyagoda, the veteran lyricist.“Nova Peraniya Lipi Saraniya” is a Sarasavi Publication.