Browsing by Author "Siddhartha, S."

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Anagarika Dharmapala’s contribution to the International Community
(Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Siddhartha, S.
One of the great revivalists of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Anagarika Dharmapala also worked in various parts of the world, to bring back to life, the eternal values of Buddhism for the peaceful betterment of humanity. [For the ‘homeless one’- Anagaarika, the entire world was home] Two Buddhist priests appeared on the horizon and prepared the ground for Anagarika to take it up from there. “Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayake Thera & Migettuwatte Sri Gunananda Thera.” Also two Theosophists, Col. H.S.Olcott and Mme Blavatsky came to Srilanka, with the purpose of reviving Buddhism. The one country which benefitted most from his contributions was India—the birthplace of Buddha . For him, all sites, specially Bodh Gaya and Sarnath, were verily the holiest of the holy. In 1891 he established the Maha Bodhi Society. With branches all over the world it is the symbol of the revival of Buddhism in the world. Starting the Maha Bodhi Journal was a welcome move and led to his being invited to the Chicago Parliament of Religions in 1893. This revealed Buddhism to the Western world too.Visits to Japan, Shanghai and Bangkok between 1893 and 1913, highlighted his efforts for the unification of the diverse streams. In 1893,1896, 1902, and 1925, he visited America. He visited the Industrial Schools in U S A, London, Holland, Denmark and Italy. On return he established such schools in Sarnath & Benaras.Built a Buddha vihara in Calcutta. (1920). British Buddhist Mission established in London. Died in the country of his Lord Buddha at Sarnath, Benaras .His message was for the entire Globe, even though his commitment was first and foremost to his countrymen. A true world- leader.
The Sacred Tulasi
(University of Kelaniya, 2015) Siddhartha, S.
Leaves Trees & Flowers, being an integral part of Nature, are intrinsically entwined with the lives of Human beings. Observing the benefits and the salutary effects of this Nature, Man started revering and worshipping it. The ancient text of the Atharva Veda gives us an indication of this. 1. O Earth, pleasant be thy hills, Snow-clad mountains & forests,  Numerous colored, Firm and protected,  Earth! On this earth I stand,  Undefeated , unslain , unhurt. 2. Whatever I dig out from you, O Earth! May that have quick regeneration again, May we not damage thy vital habitat & heart. This worship/ reverence led to the elevation of specific parts and elements of Nature. They were given special attention and protection. This enabled the people to observe them closely and get to know their importance, greatness and usefulness. To differentiate them from the less important aspects of Nature they were referred to and treated as SACRED. Sacred is something pure or holy. What is holy is generally consecrated, set apart or dedicated, religious and so on. Numerous are the sacred Flora, especially in Southeast Asia--- Tulsi, Neem Hibiscus, ginger, edible green leaves. As time went on, these objects and elements were personified; and then their worship became more marked, independent and involved. Tulasi became a goddess, a princess, a queen and was one concrete, important character in the innumerable stories that the Puranas in the Sanskrit Literature abound in. This paper discusses the sacredness of the Tulasi at the different levels in the cultural milieu of the regions ---social, religious, medicinal, herbal, spiritual and agricultural and last but not the least -- ENVIRONMENTAL.