Malalasekera’s finest hour

The World Fellowship of Buddhists [WFB] is now commemorating its 60th anniversary in Sri Lanka, and my memory takes me back to its founding in “Ceylon” in 1950 – where I had the good fortune to play a minor role.

As I write this account I sadly muse that I may be among the very few yet around who witnessed this historic event. As such, I believe my personal recollections will interest today’s participants.The inaugural conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists in 1950, I am convinced, gave both impetus and inspiration for the historic Buddha Jayanti celebrations of 1956.

It was the brain child of that indefatigable Buddhist savant and activist Dr.G.P.Malalasekera. In an Asia just emerging from the dark clouds of colonialism he realised that this was the appropriate moment to knit together the many Buddhist organisations and scholars of those countries which had Buddhist culture and traditions, before they could be submerged in the rising flood of “Western” materialism.

The beginnings

As President of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress [ACBC], a leading member of the Young Men’s Buddhist Association [YMBA] and Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies at the University of Ceylon, he was the undisputed leader of Buddhist laymen and women in “Ceylon”.

He won the enthusiastic support of his friends and colleagues in all these institutions when he discussed the establishment of a worldwide organisation for uniting Buddhists. No time was wasted in setting up a core group in which a key player was his dear friend and fellow activist, my father D.T. Devendra.

Dates were decided upon and the venue was to be the YMBA’s recently completed hall at Borella.
Malasekera then addressed his vast number of international Buddhist scholars , activists and organisations proposing an inaugural meeting to establish an organisation to unite the world-wide community of Buddhists.

The response was, understandably, enthusiastic. The organizers then got down to the nitty-gritty of arranging the conference. Half a century ago we were, as far as ‘information technology’ and communication goes, in the “old Stone Age” of typewriters, Gestetners and airmail letters [ which reached their foreign destinations faster than a letter goes today from one end of Colombo to another !!]

Organizing the conference

Today we live in a country grown bored and blasé with international conferences falling on our shores ‘like autumn leaves in Valambrosa’. It is well nigh impossible to envisage an inexperienced group of Buddhist volunteers organising the very first international conference in Colombo which had no large conference hall and only three “world class” hotels.

However, hundreds of volunteers, young and old, rallied round to offer their time and skills. There just was no question of stashing delegates away in hotels. Many temples and families generously threw open their ‘aramas’ and homes to accommodate the delegates – both clergy and laity. Arising from this hospitality many families developed long distance friendships with their exotic Buddhist house guests.
Interestingly the Theravada Bhikkus from Burma, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos conversed with their host Bhikkus, and Malalasekera himself, in Pali as their forbears had done in centuries past. Personal cars and drivers were placed at the disposal of the conference.

Students of Buddhist schools and undergrads, of whom I was one, staffed the reception and were the ushers. It was a heady atmosphere for us young people to meet Buddhists from faraway lands in colourful costumes we had only glimpsed in National Geographic magazines.

Delegates from afar

I must, however, confess we had little time to listen to the many distinguished speakers at the sessions. And it was a truly distinguished gathering . There was royalty – King Sisavong Vong of Laos and Rani Dorji of Bhutan in her national costume with multi-coloured ‘apron’ and Princess Poon Diskul of Thailand. The great Ambedkar was there, the Zen scholar Dr.D.T.Suzuki and Major General Tun Hla Aung of Burma, always garbed in magnificently patterned crimson silk lungis. Bhikku Sujivo of Thailand showed us how Thai bhikkus wore a shorter robe, to avoid mud when walking on ‘niyaras’.

They were the first to introduce the saffron sling bags for bhikkus , never seen before.There were elegant Japanese Buddhist ladies from the Young Buddhists of Hawaii. There were two delightful Chinese twins, with wispy beards, from Hong Kong. And there was the Catholic Minister of Religious Affairs representing Emperor Bao Dai of Viet Nam. From England came Miss I.B.Horner, great Pali scholar and Cyril Moore who stayed back to reside in meditation. Mlle. Suzanne Karpeles from France’s ‘Les Amis du Boudhisme’ tried hard to understand my rudimentary French.

As I write entirely from memory, with no access to WFB records or any diary, these are the most memorable characters I remember.

The Buddhist flag

Altough our ‘Bauddha Kodiya’ was universally popular in ‘Ceylon’ it was virtually unknown in the rest of the Buddhist world. Malalasekera had the brilliant idea of making it the universal symbol of Buddhist unity.

He had hundreds of little silk flags made to be placed on delegates’ desks and for distribution. They were eagerly snapped up by the delegates who took them back to their home countries after enthusiastically endorsing Malalaskera’s proposal.

Travelling round Buddhist countries and seeing this wonderful flag fluttering in the breeze one realizes what vision the man had.

Triumph

Looking back across a gap of 60 years I cannot conceive how Malalasekera master-minded and organized this country’s first truly international conference with absolutely no precedent to guide him. In hindsight I am amazed at the professional finesse [though nobody was a professional] with which the whole Conference was conducted – the seating of delegates, inauguration, plenary sessions, sub-committees,final resolutions and solemn pilgrimages to the Dalada Maligawa and Buddhist sites.
At the untroubled centre of this activity was the benign Malalaskera who reposed supreme confidence in his army of lieutenants to whom he had delegated various responsibilities which they fulfilled with untiring efficiency and unflagging enthusiasm.

This was Malalasekera’s finest hour which was crowned by the establishment of the World Fellowship of Buddhists with him as its unquestioned leader. I can boldly assert that the success of Buddha Jayanti 2500 was built on the solid foundation of world Buddhist solidarity cemented by Malalasekera.
Let us honour his vision on this 60th anniversary of the founding of the World Fellowship of Buddhists.

‘I have an idea to unite the world’s Buddhists…’

Dr. Mahinda P. Malalasekera looks back at the role played by G.P. Malalasekera in the formation of the World Fellowship of Buddhists in 1950

If a person could translate noble thoughts and insights into action and achieve success, such conduct would never be meaningless. They would bear fruits at the appropriate period, time and opportunity. This indeed is a universal phenomenon. Any step to provide for the wellbeing of the community would indeed bears fruits of success. This universal law, has been proved and bears desired results as evident from incidents recorded in world history. Those who embark on social well being endowed with merits acquired earlier, have achieved fruitful results.

The fact that Professor Gunapala Piyasena Malalasekera had acted in accordance with that universal law and achieved success is evident to anyone with an inquisitive mind from the accomplishments achieved by him to fulfil the noble wishes from the day he was acquainted with this world order. Professor Malalasekera has stated that the most distinguished service he had rendered was the establishment of the World Fellowship of Buddhists.

It was undoubtedly no mean task. Looking back, it was a task which even Emperor Dharmasoka who unified India could not accomplish. Even Colonel Henry Steele Olcott of the recent past was not able to organise such a service.

Although Venerable Anagarika Dharmapala intended to establish an organisation for the propagation of Buddhist Philosophy and its spread, even after several decades of propaganda and discourses, to bring together the World Buddhist Community he was unable to commence such a mission. The main cause for the failure was the conflict of wars and the widespread disunity of the people belonging to the two schools, Mahayana and Hinayana.

The fact that Professor Malalasekera was able to achieve his ambition, in such a historical environment is replete with such interesting anecdotes as if unveiling a fairy tale.

The All Ceylon Young Buddhist Congregation of Societies which had its birth on December 20, 1919 and later transformed as the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress, elected Professor Malalasekera as its President at the 21st session held on December 25, 1939 at the Maliyadeva Vidyalaya, Kurunegala. A Buddhist leader who addressed the gathering after Professor Malalasekera’s election to the post of President recollected his contribution so far and wished the Congress a steady and successful future deviating from the slow movement to date.

At the time he assumed office as President and rendered yeoman service, he explained his mission as one in his forties in the prime of youth. The honour he received as an esteemed intellectual, undoubtedly created an ambition to devote his contribution for the well being of the community and the world at large. He commenced a scheme to re-organise Buddhist Societies islandwide. Realising the fact that an intellectual leader of the calibre of Malalasekera would provide the leadership, Buddhist leaders both lay and ordained countrywide followed his example to contribute their might for the progress of Buddhism.

Although a decade had passed by, no one attempted to change the Presidentship from Malasekera. His service and unchallenged wisdom were great strengths to the Buddhists, and it was acclaimed by all. Hence Professor Malalasekera was unanimously re-elected to the post of President.

It was in 1947 that Professor Malalsekera at the 28th session of the Congress proposed the union of World Buddhists under the sponsorship of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress. At a gathering of World Philosophers in June, 1949, at the Hawaii University, Professor Malalasekera in the course of his special lecture stressed the need to form a Federation of World Buddhists. This idea received the acclaim of Buddhists as well as others who respected wisdom. When he announced his desire to formulate proposals for such a venture, almost every one expressed the desire to support it.

During this visit, Professor Malalasekera had received an invitation to visit and venerate Buddhist shrines in Siam (present day Thailand) in his capacity as President of the Congress. After the conclusion of the Congress he embarked on a tour in Siam. The Buddhist leaders in Thailand, cordially received him and having toured the main shrines conducted him to the summit of the Saccabuddha Mountain which was held in high esteem by them to provide him an opportunity to venerate it. Like the summit of the Sri Pada mountain it was a difficult climb. The time was twelve noon and the sun was at the zenith. Professor Malalasekera venerated the Foot Print with profound respect. A miracle occurred at that time. The parching sun transformed into a Mandala (halo) and emanated mild radiance. This Mandala formed itself in to a large circle and emanated an illuminating light. The radiance was pleasing and mild. It was possible to view the sun with the naked eye. This wondrous event evoked emotional exclamation “Sadhu” in their language and joys of happiness.

Another thought that spread among them was that the Gods expressed this wondrous scene out of joy that a Buddhist from Lanka visited this site to pay homage. When Professor Malalasekera realised this from them a great joy dawned in his mind.

The Buddhists were so taken up by the event Malalasekera was carried to the foot of the mountain on their shoulders. This news appeared as the main headline in several newspapers which dealt with the Buddhist leader from Lanka who venerated this Foot Print. Along with that, some newspapers carried a photograph of Malalasekera being carried down by devotees on their shoulders.

Arrangements had been made for Malalasekera to deliver a talk in one of the main Viharas in Thailand. He saw a large gathering at the Temple who had assembled to see the Sri Lankan Buddhist leader who had pleased the deities in Thailand and also to listen to his lecture. He was so delighted that he delivered a hearty talk and expressed the following desire in his mind:

“I have an idea to unite the World Buddhists and establish a World Buddhist Organisation. If it were possible for the Deities to be happy and perform a miracle at the veneration of the Foot Print in Thailand by a Buddhist from Lanka, if the Buddhists in the world gather together, imagine the happiness of Deities in the world. Would you support me in such a venture?" he inquired.

At that moment the entire assembly expressed in one voice “We shall support such a move.” Professor Malalasekera made further inquiries about the imprint of a Foot Print on the Saccabaddha summit. He could realize the reference after 200 years as stated by them.

200 years prior to the date, a group of Siamese Buddhists had visited Lanka, climbed the Sri Pada amidst great hardships and had venerated the Foot Print. During the visit, having understood about the imprint of the Foot Print in their country from a Pali stanza they were delighted about the reference:

“Yam Nammadaya nadiya pulineca tire
Yam Saccabaddha girike Sumana calagge
Yam tattha Yonaka pure muninoca padam
Yam Pada lancana maham sirasa namami”

On the sandy banks of river Narmada
Atop the summit of Saccabaddha mountain and of the mountain Sumana
And in the land of Yonakas
I shall bend my head in veneration to (worship) the imprint of the foot.
(of the Buddha)

This gatha enumerates the availability of a Foot Print in Saccabadda. They informed Som Tam, the Ruler at the time. Delighted about the information, he instructed his officials and the people to inform him immediately after locating it.

Even after a considerable period, no one could find the location. Meanwhile, a hunter on his expedition directed his arrow at a deer at the foot of a hill. Though the arrow hit the deer it ran to the summit of a hill. The hunter ran to the top of the mountain to catch his prey, but could not locate the deer which had sustained injuries. Distressed by this incident, he was examining the environment and found a large foot impression of a man on a stone slab. It was filled with water. After a while, the hunter recollected the order by King Som Tam who was informed by the Siamese pilgrims visiting the foot print on Sri Pada in Lanka about the availability of such a foot print in Siam and was eager to locate it.

Having returned, to the foot of the mountain, he immediately informed a Royal official. This was brought to the notice of the King as soon as possible. King Som Tam who climbed the peak with the hunter, venerated the Foot Print and built a shrine in a short period of time.This shrine is now known as Maha Vihara Vat Phra Buddha Bhath. In Siam (currently known as Thailand) this shrine is found 160 miles to the North in SarBur. It is venerated over the past two and half centuries by pilgrims of Thailand and foreigners.

After a tour of several Buddhist countries, Prof. Malalasekera returned to the island, summoned responsible persons associated with the Buddhist Congress and disclosed his plans. All of them agreed that the event should be organised on a grand scale. The expenditure for this project was undertaken by several philanthropists. The main concern was the provision of accommodation to the leading delegates both from among layman and the clergy. This was considered more important than sending out invitations. Everyone realized the enormous expenditure involved if they were to be accommodated in main hotels.

Professor Malalasekera expressed his ideas thus: “I have already thought about this. On several occasions, when I attended some conferences abroad, I stayed in main viharas or in the residences of organisers. We enjoyed better hospitality in an atmosphere of cordiality. Similarly, let us accommodate the Delegate Monks in the main viharas in the capital and laymen in our own homes. We will be able to achieve the results.”

It was agreed to organise this Great Conference on the Full Moon day of Vesak in 1950 in the precincts of the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Professor Malalasekera and Dr. W.A. Fonseka served as the organisers of the Committee which comprised Mr. C.W.W. Kannangara former Minister of Education, Messers D.T. Devendra, Daya Hewavitarana, Leelananda Caldera, Cyril de Soyza, W.J. Fernando, D.T.R. Gunawardana and P.H. William Silva.

Invitations were sent to World Buddhist leaders under the signature of Professor Malalasekera in his capacity as the President of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress. The expectation was the arrival of thirty to forty delegates from ten to twelve countries. The response from all the 29 countries was indeed an encouragement to the organisers. The day before the final meeting a total of 129 delegates had arrived well in advance.

Arrangements included the transportation of delegates in a motorcade to Kandy, to inaugurate the World Buddhist Organisation at the historic Audience Hall, and a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic for the delegates. The delegates were surprised to see the reception enroute and the pandals, Buddhist flags and decorations in their honour.

The Buddhist delegates expressed their appreciation to Professor Malalasekera and to the other leaders for the excellent arrangements, with some of them even making commendable proposals as reported later in the media.

The leaders of Buddhist Congress informed about the intention to inaugurate this world acclaimed activity to those responsible in the Government at the time and sought assistance, but to no avail. However, due to the sole efforts of the organisers of the Congress the intention of Professor Malalasekera yielded the desired results.

The leaders gathered at the historic Audience Hall in Kandy on May 25, 1950 and the World Fellowship of Buddhists was inaugurated on the following day under the patronage of Venerable Maha Nayakas of Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters.

The proposal to inaugurate the World Fellowship of Buddhists was mooted by Mr. C.B. Nugawela, the Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of the Tooth Relic. It was seconded by B.R. Ambedkar, the Minister of Justice of the Indian Government. After the delivery of a lecture in Pali by Chief Priest Ven. Buddegama Piyaratana, Professor Malalasekera outlined the potential enshrined in the establishment of such a World Fellowship of Buddhists for the propagation of the Buddhist philosopy and the benefits. Almost all Buddhist leaders endorsed the sentiments and pledged support.

Several Buddhist leaders including laymen and clergy delivered speeches extolling the merits of such a union. The speakers included Constance Soulbury from England, U.Tan Tun from Burma, Reverend Pa Poin, Dr. Aravinda Baruwa from Japan, Ven. Ananda Kaushalyana of India, Ven. Lokanatha of Italy, Ven. Riri Nakasami from Japan, Piti Tikhui of Malaysia, Prince Sukhit Nimyakmenda from Thailand, Ven. Gin San Po of Tibet and Ven, Go Liyen of Vietnam.

The main function in Colombo was held in the Race Course under the chairmanship of Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake. The welcome speech was delivered by S.W.R.D Bandaranaike who was the Leader of the House and the Cabinet of Ministers. This historic event, claimed later by Professor Malalasekera was instrumental in spreading the tidings of the Buddhist Philosophy in the world.

Later, when some people inquired how it was possible to accomplish such an honourable task, Professor Malalasekera replied thus:

“I have heard of the saying that any quantity of milk will not coagulate until some coagulated milk is added. Similarly, when it was opportune, it was possible for all to line up irrespective of status, considering only the need to accomplish a task methodically till the achievement of results. This great meritorious act was performed in accordance with that universal law. It was a success to the very letter.”
The World Fellowship of Buddhists was an eye opener to both the World Buddhist leaders and leaders in our country.

However, since our leaders failed to offer a suitable site and the capital to establish the headquarters in Sri Lanka, it had to be established in Bangkok in Thailand. The magnificent building in the heart of that town, depicting the honour of the World Buddhists, presently is housing this World Federation with a network of 164 centres in 41 Buddhist countries. It is a great honour to us as Buddhists spreading its radiating glory.