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2006-05-13
 Review
Focus on perennial truths of Buddhist doctrine
Dinamina Vesak Kalapaya 2550-2006, Edited by Dr. Ranjith L.
Abeywickrama, ANCL publication, 96 pp Price Rs. 60
BUDDHISM: The Editor of the annual has focussed his attention in
giving the readers a popular and readily digestible collection of
essays which normally fill the pages of such issues, published
during Vesak. Of course, such material is necessary to reiterate the
perennial truths of Buddhist doctrine.
Buddhists have to keep in mind during the difficult periods of
our lives at present. The annual also shows a diversification of
content as it covers an expanded range of themes and topics which
demonstrate the uniqueness of Buddhist thought and its influence not
only in Asian lands but also in almost every country where Buddhist
teachings and practices have penetrated.
When observing the 2550 anniversary of the origin and spread of
Buddhism, it is relevant to think that Buddhist values and norms of
conduct are still even more valid in our daily living not only as
individuals but also as citizens comprising several communities. It
is time to lay emphasis on ethical and socially acceptable values to
guide us in the progress we have to achieve to justify the
designation given to the island as the Dharma Dvipa.
The Editor commences his introductory essay with pertinent
observations on the need to recall the events in the Buddha's life
which demonstrates the mental and spiritual development he attained
by severe adherence to principles and pursuit of varied practices
(to reach the goal of Enlightenment).
It was no easy task for him for he had to give up the extremes of
mortification of the body as well as the gratification of the senses
to arrive at the Middle Path through mental discipline and
meditation.
As the Buddha was conscious of the need to discover the right way
to attain deliverance from the suffering to which human beings were
subjected to by unceasing effort and expound to his disciples and
followers the right path, so should all of us follow the Dharma to
overcome the challenges and difficulties.
By taking to this path to progress, Buddhism will again thrive
fifty years hence and illuminate the world and its people whatever
the future holds for all of us. It is this message of faith in the
Buddhist way of life we have to uphold.
Philosophy
As Buddhism can be understood both as a religion and a philosophy
in our worldly life it is necessary to discuss and elucidate the
concepts involved. Among the important and valued expositions are
the problems and interpretations of philosophical concepts occurring
in the Buddha's teachings in the canonical texts.
Critical Study
A Philosophical inquiry and analysis of the concept of
'Perception' (Pratyaksa) in Buddhism is, in my view, a well-reasoned
explanation (under the title above) of an important postulate in the
light of genuine epistemology. In his contributions to journals
Prof. A.D.P. Kalansuriya tends to pose the critical study of
philosophical issues, often pointing out invalid comparison between
Buddhist and Western philosophical concepts.
In the above essay, he offers an incisive analysis of the terms,
pratyaksaya (Perception) and inanaya (Knowledge) from a scrutiny of
the 'reasoning' process observed in two Buddhist suttas, maha hatti
padopama and Madhupindika (in the Majjhima and Sanyutta Nikaya
texts).
He also points out the significance of the concepts of
'perception' and 'sensation' in the exposition of philosophical
theories contributing to the origin of analytical philosophy and
also access to epistemology.
He emphasises the difference, however in conceiving these
concepts for the study of epistemology in Buddhist thought and
Western philosophical theory concluding that the Buddha
appropriately and distinctively holds the view and states in the two
Suttas that the reasoning involved therein is 'value-oriented and
ethical' leading to the noble 'Eightfold Path'.
Popular journal
He perhaps had the more academic and mature readers in mind when
he wrote this essay in a popular journal so as to raise its level of
readership. The reader has to be familiar with Western philosophical
thinking and also its leading exponents (whom he mentions) in
grasping his arguments. It is our hope that the Annual would be able
to accommodate more thought-provoking essays of that type in future
numbers.
In a similar vein, the Chief Justice, Sarath Nanda Silva poses
the question in the query 'Is Mind and Body Nama Rupa? It is a
well-argued and easily understood treatment of the fundamental
mind-body differentiation dealing with diverse aspects in the
definition and interpretation of constituent elements from the
canonical and related texts.
He also refers to medical and contemporary Western thinkers whose
experiments and findings seem to compare with the Buddhist line of
thinking.
The lucid style adopted by the writer invites the reader to
re-examine the contents in this effective statement influencing the
individual's progress in spiritual advancement. References made to
the canonical sources, Abhidharma explanations and also modern
research on the mind-body relationship offers readers a clear
unravelling of the nama-rupa concept.
Discussions
The Annual also contains several discussions on ethical and
religious problems of useful study by the average readers. Some
authors have adopted the method of formulating a title which readers
should try to grasp from their knowledge and reading of texts.
Interesting contributions on the history of Buddhism and its
connection with the island and its culture and development, the
Bhikkhuni Order in Siam, the Chinese Relic and its place of origin,
the Writing of the Tripitaka and its exact venue for recording
raises the inquiring attitudes of readers.
Of historical value are the accounts of missions sent here, the
connection of Indian Universities and the influence of Buddhism,
architectural structures such as vahalkadas, shrine rooms and their
distinctive features, connection of Isurumuniya to the holy sites in
Anuradhapura, the inscription of the Gangarama (Kandy) which not
only gives the Annual a diversified content, but rouse the critical
and inquiring minds of both the young and old readers.
Even economic considerations of Buddhist doctrine and teachings
have received comment as well as Clay Vessels and their varied
designs, patterns and utility values indeed imparts a very academic
and research oriented look, the writers showing their perseverance
in undertaking surveys for the purpose.
Doctrinal ideas
There are several essays on doctrinal ideas and the ethical,
righteous way of living according to Buddhist principles, a vital
necessity nowadays when people are confronted with many difficult
situations in their daily living.
As usual, the Annual is replete with short and long verses and
poems on a variety of topics, all driving home the vital need to
live while observing the noble teachings of the Buddha.
There are one or two short stories as well as thoughtful essays
on the teaching methods and the use of riddles, similes and other
literary devices introduced to emphasise the validity of the
Buddha-word.
Before concluding this estimate of the Annual, it is necessary to
mention a striking piece of writing on 'Womanhood evaluated in
Buddhism' which pays a high compliment to the Buddha's attitude to
women and the contrast in social, cultural, economic reforms and
egalitarian values between Buddhist social norms and the antecedent
Brahmanic social standards and conduct.
The Annual is a definite improvement on the previous issues, a
credit to the officials and editorial staff and the numerous jobs
which required speedy attention on to bring out the issue in time
seem to have been expeditiously done.
Professor J. Thilakasiri
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