Vesak Sirisara – Buddhist Annual 2564/2020

The first article in this annual is by Ven Siri Vajiraramaye Nanasiha Thera on ‘Taming the Animal Within’. He cites the Buddha in a sermon directed at a misbehaving monk when he compares unrestrained behaviour in man to six untamed animals and very effectively and succinctly points out that man’s six senses, if allowed to run unchecked, will surely cause untold damage to the man himself and to society in general. One of the strongest senses in a human, akin to animal instincts, is the sexual urge. It is necessary to gratify it for procreation and judiciously, but not by any means in an unrestrained manner. Of the six senses, the most difficult to hold in check is the mental faculty, identified by the Buddha as the forerunner of all good and evil.

K H J Wijedasa’s

‘Buddha Dhamma and Human Health’ is particularly apt in this time of raging infection. The article starts thus: “Even though the fundamental objective of Buddha Dhamma is to proclaim to humanity the way to release from the woes of Samsara, Buddha’s teachings include a multitude of guidelines that enable them to lead their mundane lives….”

Buddha declared “Arogya Parama Labha” and in its context guidelines for the preservation of environmental, physical and mental health were laid down, which are effective even at present. He enunciated ways to good health to those living monastic lives and to lay persons. The writer deals in detail on advice in the Buddha Dhamma on environmental health and physical and mental health of man. He mentions the benefit and power of meditation and ends with Kisa Gotami and how Buddha was a kind and concerned psychiatrist to her.

The other erudite articles you can choose from are:

‘Nature of Arahath’ by Prof N A de S Amaratunge; ‘Living the Dhamma’ by Asoka Jayasinghe; W A S Perera’s exposition of the Dhammachakkappvattana Sutta including a short biography of Kondanna Thera. More pragmatic are: ‘The importance of practicing generosity’ by Ven Ayagama Suseela Thera; ‘Be your own guru’ by Dr Susunage Weerapperuma; ‘The social service concept in Buddhist texts’ by Dr Leel Gunasaekera; and ‘Living the Dhamma’ by Asoka Mahinda Jayasinha. ‘Material phenomena and the mind’ by Dr Mass R Usuf; and ‘Pattica Samuppaada’ by Palitha Manchanayake are more in-depth studies of profound subject areas. Dr Usuf also contributed the concluding poem, which begins and ends with the cryptic:

“I know not …who am I!”

Chandra Wickramasinghe poetically explains the passing away of earthly glory headed by a Latin dictum: ‘Transit Gloria Mundi’ in which he poetically describes a cremation with flowers strewn from above. The inherent message is that all is unsubstantial; all end in death. This poem is somewhat different to most of Chandra’s poems with their allusions to the ancient classics and encapsulation of much into single words and phrases. The language here is simple.

Claudia Weeraperuma deals with Samatha –Tranquility in her poem.

Thus is seen the range of topics dealt with; and the balance of philosophical or esoteric in thought provoking articles along with the practical: translating Buddha’s advice on good lives and living graciously, striving to shorten samsaric existence.

Vesak Sirisara/ Buddhist Annual 2020 is in its 64th year of publication and free distribution, by the Government Services Buddhist Association whose current Editor is Neville Piyadigama; Assistant editor P Weerahandi. It is very commendable that a prestigious journal such as the Vesak Sirisara has continued its publication through the years with invaluable articles on Buddhism, by well known persons. This edition is dedicated to the memory of late Ven Dr K Sri Dhammananda Nayake Maha Thera of Malaysia.

The tranquility inducing beautiful cover design in soft shades of beige against a darker background is by Deepal Jayawardena who writes that it is a Ghandara statue of the first century BC; where the head of the Buddha shows Greek influence. The back cover carries a clear picture of the Dewanagala Raja Maha Viharaya in Mawanella.

N P Wanasundera