Vesak Thoran: A Beacon of Light and Devotion-by Kalani-eLanka Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, is a significant festival in the Buddhist calendar. It marks the birth, enlightenment, and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. Celebrated on the full moon day of the Vesak month (typically in April or May), Vesak is a time for reflection, meditation, and rejoicing in the teachings of the Buddha. One of the most visually stunning and culturally significant aspects of Vesak celebrations in Sri Lanka is the creation of Vesak Thoran, or Vesak pandals. The tradition of Vesak Thoran dates back to ancient times when Buddhists used various means to commemorate and spread the teachings of the Buddha. Thoran, large, illuminated structures often depicting scenes from the Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha’s previous lives), have become an integral part of Vesak celebrations in Sri Lanka. These intricate structures are a testament to the artistic ...

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Vesak Festival in Sri Lanka: A Celebration of Light and Enlightenment – By Malsha – eLanka Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Sri Lanka, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. Observed on the day of the full moon in the month of Vesakha (usually May), this sacred occasion is a time for reflection, devotion, and festive joy across the island nation. Historical and Religious Significance The Vesak festival traces its roots to the ancient Buddhist traditions and scriptures. It commemorates the three pivotal events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha: his birth in Lumbini, Nepal; his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India; and his passing away at Kushinagar, India. These events are seen as milestones in the Buddhist journey towards the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana. In ...

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Mihintalaya: A Spiritual Oasis of Ancient Sri Lanka – Nadeeka – eLanka Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Sri Lanka, Mihintalaya, also known as Mihintale, holds a significant place in the island nation’s history and spirituality. This sacred site stands as a testament to the profound impact of Buddhism on the island, marking the momentous occasion of the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE. With its serene ambiance, historical significance, and spiritual allure, Mihintalaya remains a popular pilgrimage site and a cherished destination for travelers seeking to connect with the island’s ancient past.    The Origins and Significance of Mihintalaya Mihintalaya is located approximately 12 kilometers east of Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Its importance in Sri Lanka’s history stems from the pivotal encounter between King Devanampiya Tissa and Arahat Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka of India. In 247 BCE, Arahat Mahinda ...

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Pastor Jerome, Jesus, Buddha, and Sangha Discipline – By KKS Perera Source : dailymirror Gautama Buddha or his Dhamma cannot be subverted by anybody; but by the members of the Sangha community themselves; and today, a few among the Sangha community is quite enthusiastically engaged in this exercise; details are too shocking and appalling to pen; [for latest Ref. DM -19/05/2023], they are the worst conspiracies against the Buddhist order. Pastor Jerome, during a sermon to a large congregation of his followers, was alleged to have made several controversial utterings about other religions, specifically Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. The President has already instructed the law enforcement authorities to investigate and prosecute him, if he had violated the law of the land.  The investigators should focus their attention on multiple angles to ascertain any hidden objectives to deliberately insult religions causing a violent backlash, as part of an international or local political conspiracy, ...

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Dansala’s -way side street cooked food stalls – By Dr harold Gunatillake Buddha. Feeding poor people is one of the duties of a Buddhist. Generosity is a core practice of Buddhism, and one of the traditional expressions of this is through offering food to the monks and nuns. Buddhism emphasizes the fact that everybody lives on food and that is the main requisite. The Buddhist generosity culminates when one sacrifices his/her own life for the benefit of others. According to Buddhism, before asking the person to follow the teachings of the Buddha, one should check whether the person had enough to eat because the hungry cannot comprehend the essence of the teachings. The Buddha mentioned that hunger is the worst disease. Wesak is the most important Buddhist festival, taking place at the full moon when the sun is in the zodiac sign of Taurus, and commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and ...

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An a island country located in the Indian Ocean ” Sri lanka” – By Malsha – eLanka Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country located in the Indian Ocean, off the southern coast of India. The country has a rich cultural heritage and a history that spans over 3,000 years. The capital and largest city of Sri Lanka is Colombo, which is located on the west coast of the island. The country has a population of approximately 21 million people, with Sinhalese being the largest ethnic group, followed by Tamil and Muslim communities. Sri Lanka is known for its beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests, and ancient Buddhist temples. It has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient city of Anuradhapura and the Sigiriya rock fortress. The economy of Sri Lanka is primarily based on agriculture, with tea, rubber, and coconut being some ...

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The greatest king of Sri Lanka King Dutugamunu By Nadeeka – eLanka King Dutugamunu (also known as Duttagamani) was a Sinhalese king who ruled the island of Sri Lanka in Ceylon 2 BC. Considered to be one of the greatest kings in Sri Lankan history, he is also a national hero. According to legend, Dutugemunu was the son of King Kirti Sri Megha, who ruled the kingdom of Anuradhapura in the northern part of the island. When his father was killed in battle by the ruling King Elara, Dutugemunu vowed to reclaim the throne and unite the island under his rule. Despite the challenges he faced, Dutugemunu remained focused and determined and is said to have worked tirelessly to build an army and gain support from various factions on the island. He eventually defeated King Elara in a great battle and became the ruler of the entire island. During his ...

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Remain calm, accept things as they come ‘Remember, we all die’ – By SAMANGIE WETTIMUNY Source:sundayobserver.lk Following are excerpts from an interview with Theravada Bhikkhu and renowned meditation guru Venerable Ajahn Suchart Abhijato Thera of Thailand. Q: Sri Lankans are undergoing a difficult period at the moment with constant strikes, protests, constant fuel, and essential commodity shortages affecting their daily lives in a bad manner. The minds of the people are disturbed. What advice do you have to offer to these people? How can they maintain their mental balance? Please advise. A: Just look at other countries such as Ukraine that are in a worse shape than yours. People in Ukraine suffer more than anyone else. So if you can see things in a balanced manner, you will realise that the problems you are facing at the moment are not that bad. You better use your wisdom. That’s the way life ...

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