DOCSLIB.ORG

The Significance of the Buddha Footprint in the Bagan Metropolis

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Significance of the Buddha Footprint in the Bagan Metropolis The Significance of the Buddha Footprint in the Bagan Metropolis Su Latt Win Buddhism in the Bagan Metropolis • King Anawratha conquered Thaton and brought the thirty sets of Tipitaka • Theravadha Buddhism had been highly developing • Pāli texts supported the meaning of religious structures eg; pagodas, temples, Buddha images and mural paintings etc., • Artists attempted to transmit messages about the Buddha and Buddhism • The pilgrims could learn the Buddhist teachings and doctrines • Buddha footprints have been developed in conformity with the other Buddhist arts • The majority of footprints reflect textual influence from Sri Lanka The tradition of the footprint veneration • A common devotional practice in many religions • Footprint could be regarded as the physical evidence • The devotees have been worshipping the footprint as the divine object • The footprint is actual trace of the venerated one, “Śākyamuni” o Pāribhogika-cetiya and Uddissaka-cetiya o Uttama Purisa lakṣaṇa (32 Characteristics of Buddha) o Royal renunciations • Touching the feet of a person is ritual practices of Indian tradition • Showing the great respects to the gods and deities • Buddhists had been inherited this concept and practice The Significance of the Buddha Footprint in the Bagan Metropolis • Footprints can be classified into at least three different forms o an image of the soles of the Buddha’s feet o an isolated object for worship o a painted on the ceiling of the religious temples • Veneration of footprint came from Sri Lanka • List of 108 auspicious symbols also mentioned the early texts from Sri Lanka o Samantabhaddika (during the 5th century A.D) o Jinalankara-tika (11th century A.D) • The complete set has not yet been found in Sir Lanka • The earliest example have been found in Bagan, mainly based on the Jinalankara Pāli text An image of the soles of the Buddha’s feet • Impossible to depict all symbols, only Cakka on the palms and soles since Pyu period • The earliest complete signs found reclining Buddha image of Kok-Thi-Nar-Yon • The few symbols have been remained on two-third of the right sole • This pattern probably early type because it is similar layout to Lokananda Reclining Buddha image at Kok-Thi-Nar-Yon temple Isolated Buddha Footprints • The cult isolated footprint is common practice of the lay devotees • The isolated Buddha footprints can be divided into two types pāribhogika-cetiya and uddissaka-cetiya • pāribhogika-cetiya refers to the real footprints of Buddha • uddissaka-cetiya is created by image maker for the commemoration • Normally found inside the pagoda yard or near the entrance of the temples • The source of the material easily obtained from the neighbor areas brown-sandstone for early period and red-sandstone for late period • No frame normally, the toes are uniform and have the conch lines in each toe • Bagan stone artwork is the best example for the later period Shwe-zi-gon Buddha Footprint Lokananda Buddha Footprint (Now Bagan Archaeological Museum) Ananda Buddha Footprint The depiction of the 108 auspicious marks • Upper part of the Cakra has 9x5=45 • Left and right of the Cakra has 9x9=18 • lower part of the Cakra has 9x2=18 • The heel has 2+5+9+11=27 9x9=18 • Total 108 auspicious marks Gu Taung Taw Ya Buddha feet with footprints (new finding) • It is loated at Gu Taung Taw Ya, the west of Myit Chae Township, one mile away from Tant Kyi Mountain • The big stone feet “uddissaka-cetiya” • Source from U Win Maung (Tampawaddy) Photo source : U Win Maung (Tampawaddy) Photo source : U Win Maung and Mr . Suzuki Takashi Painted footprints on the ceiling of the religious temples • The tradition has been originally started in the Bagan period • This form does not exist anywhere in Southeast Asian art • It probably used as protective emblem rather than veneration object • According to U Aung Kyine (Minbu) stated as “Symbol for prevent and protect to danger or harm” • A pair on the main hall’s ceiling or four pairs on the ceiling of each vestibule at the majority of temples in Bagan. Buddha footprints mural painting on the ceiling of temple no.475 Decoration Vs Message • The footprints decorating side by side the center of the ceiling • The framework is more prominently decorated rather than the footprint • Transmit messages about veneration practice of the Buddha footprints Buddha footprints mural painting on the ceiling of Hlan-Kya temple Relationship between Cosmology and Buddha footprint on the ceiling of Winido temple • Buddhapādamaṅgala represented the cosmologic themes • The most valuable things in the world contains in the 108 auspicious • Buddha occupies the ruler position at the center of the cosmos The impure part of a person (probably the feet) placed above the purest part of other’s (probably the head), described the absolute superiority and complete purity of the venerated one By : Strong, John S. (2004) Thank You.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Buddhist Pilgrimage
    Published for free distribution Buddhist Pilgrimage ew Edition 2009 Chan Khoon San ii Sabbadanam dhammadanam jinati. The Gift of Dhamma excels all gifts. The printing of this book for free distribution is sponsored by the generous donations of Dhamma friends and supporters, whose names appear in the donation list at the end of this book. ISB: 983-40876-0-8 © Copyright 2001 Chan Khoon San First Printing, 2002 – 2000 copies Second Printing 2005 – 2000 copies New Edition 2009 − 7200 copies All commercial rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or part, in any form, for sale, profit or material gain is strictly prohibited. However, permission to print this book, in its entirety , for free distribution as a gift of Dhamma , is allowed after prior notification to the author. ew Cover Design Inset photo shows the famous Reclining Buddha image at Kusinara. Its unique facial expression evokes the bliss of peace ( santisukha ) of the final liberation as the Buddha passes into Mahaparinibbana. Set in the background is the Great Stupa of Sanchi located near Bhopal, an important Buddhist shrine where relics of the Chief Disciples and the Arahants of the Third Buddhist Council were discovered. Printed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by: Majujaya Indah Sdn. Bhd., 68, Jalan 14E, Ampang New Village, 68000 Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Tel: 03-42916001, 42916002, Fax: 03-42922053 iii DEDICATIO This book is dedicated to the spiritual advisors who accompanied the pilgrimage groups to India from 1991 to 2008. Their guidance and patience, in helping to create a better understanding and appreciation of the significance of the pilgrimage in Buddhism, have made those journeys of faith more meaningful and beneficial to all the pilgrims concerned.
    [Show full text]
  • The Gandavyuha-Sutra : a Study of Wealth, Gender and Power in an Indian Buddhist Narrative
    The Gandavyuha-sutra : a Study of Wealth, Gender and Power in an Indian Buddhist Narrative Douglas Edward Osto Thesis for a Doctor of Philosophy Degree School of Oriental and African Studies University of London 2004 1 ProQuest Number: 10673053 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a com plete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. uest ProQuest 10673053 Published by ProQuest LLC(2017). Copyright of the Dissertation is held by the Author. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States C ode Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106- 1346 Abstract The Gandavyuha-sutra: a Study of Wealth, Gender and Power in an Indian Buddhist Narrative In this thesis, I examine the roles of wealth, gender and power in the Mahay ana Buddhist scripture known as the Gandavyuha-sutra, using contemporary textual theory, narratology and worldview analysis. I argue that the wealth, gender and power of the spiritual guides (kalyanamitras , literally ‘good friends’) in this narrative reflect the social and political hierarchies and patterns of Buddhist patronage in ancient Indian during the time of its compilation. In order to do this, I divide the study into three parts. In part I, ‘Text and Context’, I first investigate what is currently known about the origins and development of the Gandavyuha, its extant manuscripts, translations and modern scholarship.
    [Show full text]
  • Bridging Worlds: Buddhist Women's Voices Across Generations
    BRIDGING WORLDS Buddhist Women’s Voices Across Generations EDITED BY Karma Lekshe Tsomo First Edition: Yuan Chuan Press 2004 Second Edition: Sakyadhita 2018 Copyright © 2018 Karma Lekshe Tsomo All rights reserved No part of this book may not be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, or by any information storage or retreival system, without the prior written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations. Cover Illustration, "Woman on Bridge" © 1982 Shig Hiu Wan. All rights reserved. "Buddha" calligraphy ©1978 Il Ta Sunim. All rights reserved. Chapter Illustrations © 2012 Dr. Helen H. Hu. All rights reserved. Book design and layout by Lillian Barnes Bridging Worlds Buddhist Women’s Voices Across Generations EDITED BY Karma Lekshe Tsomo 7th Sakyadhita International Conference on Buddhist Women With a Message from His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama SAKYADHITA | HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I iv | Bridging Worlds Contents | v CONTENTS MESSAGE His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama xi ACKNOWLEDGMENTS xiii INTRODUCTION 1 Karma Lekshe Tsomo UNDERSTANDING BUDDHIST WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD Thus Have I Heard: The Emerging Female Voice in Buddhism Tenzin Palmo 21 Sakyadhita: Empowering the Daughters of the Buddha Thea Mohr 27 Buddhist Women of Bhutan Tenzin Dadon (Sonam Wangmo) 43 Buddhist Laywomen of Nepal Nivedita Kumari Mishra 45 Himalayan Buddhist Nuns Pacha Lobzang Chhodon 59 Great Women Practitioners of Buddhadharma: Inspiration in Modern Times Sherab Sangmo 63 Buddhist Nuns of Vietnam Thich Nu Dien Van Hue 67 A Survey of the Bhikkhunī Saṅgha in Vietnam Thich Nu Dong Anh (Nguyen Thi Kim Loan) 71 Nuns of the Mendicant Tradition in Vietnam Thich Nu Tri Lien (Nguyen Thi Tuyet) 77 vi | Bridging Worlds UNDERSTANDING BUDDHIST WOMEN OF TAIWAN Buddhist Women in Taiwan Chuandao Shih 85 A Perspective on Buddhist Women in Taiwan Yikong Shi 91 The Inspiration ofVen.
    [Show full text]
  • Okâsa Okåsa, Okåsa, Okåsa; Ahaÿ Bhante Tisaraùena Saha Pañcasílaÿ Dhammaÿ Yåcåmi Anukampaÿ Katvå, Sílaÿ Detha Me Bhante
    Okâsa Okåsa, okåsa, okåsa; ahaÿ bhante tisaraùena saha pañcasílaÿ dhammaÿ yåcåmi anukampaÿ katvå, sílaÿ detha me bhante. Dutiyampi ahaÿ bhante tisaraùena saha pañca- sílaÿ dhammaÿ yåcåmi anukampaÿ katvå, sílaÿ detha me bhante. Tatiyampi ahaÿ bhante tisaraùena saha pañca- sílaÿ dhammaÿ yåcåmi anukampaÿ katvå, sílaÿ detha me bhante. Requesting the Precepts With your permission, venerable sir, I ask for the five precepts together with the three refuges. Out of compassion, venerable sir, please give me the precepts. A second time venerable sir, I ask for the five precepts together with the three refuges. Out of compassion, venerable sir, please give me the precepts. A third time venerable sir, I ask for the five precepts together with the three refuges. Out of compassion, venerable sir, please give me the precepts. 1 Vandanâ Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammåsambuddhassa Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammåsambuddhassa Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammåsambuddhassa Homage Honour to the Blessed One, the Exalted One, the Fully Enlightened One ! Honour to the Blessed One, the Exalted One, the fully Enlightened One ! Honour to the Blessed One, the Exalted One, the Fully Enlightened One ! 2 Tisarana Buddhaÿ saraùaÿ gacchåmi Dhammaÿ saraùaÿ gacchåmi Saòghaÿ saraùaÿ gacchåmi Dutiyampi Buddhaÿ saraùaÿ gacchåmi Dutiyampi Dhammaÿ saraùaÿ gacchåmi Dutiyampi Saòghaÿ saraùaÿ gacchåmi Tatiyampi Buddhaÿ saraùaÿ gacchami Tatiyampi Dhammaÿ saraùaÿ gacchami Tatiyampi Saòghaÿ saraùaÿ gacchåmi The Three Refuges I go to the Buddha as my Refuge. I go to the Dhamma as my Refuge. I go to the Sangha as my Refuge. For the second time, I go to the Buddha as my Refuge. For the second time, I go to the dhamma as my Refuge.
    [Show full text]
  • The Miraculous Life of Gotama Buddha a Study in the Psychology of Mythology of the Historical Bodhisattva
    The Miraculous Life of Gotama Buddha A study in the psychology of mythology of the historical Bodhisattva being SD 52.1 of the Sutta Discovery series by Piya Tan 2018 THE MINDING CENTRE Singapore First published in 2018 THE MINDING CENTRE Singapore ©2018 TAN Beng Sin All rights reserved Piya Tan (TAN Beng Sin), 1949- The Miraculous Life of Gotama Buddha: A study in the psychology of mythology of the historical Bodhisattva Publisher: the author ISBN 978-981-11-7432-2 (E-book) National Library Board, Singapore Cataloguing in Publication Data Name(s): Tan, Piya, 1949- Other title(s): Tipiṭaka. Suttapiṭaka. English. Selections | Miraculous life of Gotama Buddha : a study in the psychology of mythology of the historical Bodhisattva : being SD 52.1 of the Sutta discovery series Title: Sutta discovery. 52.1, The miraculous life of Gotama Buddha : a study in the psychology of mythology of the historical Bodhisattva / by Piya Tan. Description: Singapore : The Minding Centre, 2018. | Includes bibliographical references. Identifier(s): OCN 1028012130 | ISBN 978-981-11-7432-2 (paperback) Subject(s): LCSH: Tipiṭaka. Suttapiṭaka--Criticism, interpretation, etc. | Theravāda Buddhism--Doctrines. | Gautama Buddha. | Wisdom--Religious aspects-- Buddhism. Classification: DDC 294.3823--dc23 THE MINDING CENTRE, based in Singapore, is part of Piya Tan’s Dharma ministry. It was founded in 2006 to provide non-religious Dharma-based services to those in need of counsel and solace. It also serves as a haven and hub for those seeking Dharma by way of critical thinking, creative feeling, meditation, sutta translation and study, spiritual experience, and sharing that light and joy.
    [Show full text]
  • 1.5 Seeing the Buddha 1 Aniconic Representations of the Buddha by Piya Tan ©2003 Main Source: Piyasilo, the Image of the Buddha, 1988A
    Background to Buddhism Buddha 5 1.5 Seeing the Buddha 1 Aniconic Representations of the Buddha By Piya Tan ©2003 Main source: Piyasilo, The Image of the Buddha, 1988a. 1. Early representations of the Buddha The Commentaries say that the Bodhi tree sprang up on the same day as the Bodhisattva was born (DA 2:425; J 1:54, 6:489; BA 131, 276, 298). After his Enlightenment, he spent a whole week in front of it, standing with unblinking eyes, gazing at it in gratitude. A shrine was later erected on the spot, north of the Bodhi tree, where he stood, and was called the Shrine of the Unblinking Eye (P. animisalocana cetiya) (J 1:77). The spot was made into a shrine even in the Buddha’s lifetime, the only shrine that could be so used. While the Buddha was yet alive, he allowed the planting of a Bodhi tree in front of the gateway of Jetavana in Svatthī, so that people could make their offerings in the name of the Buddha when he was away. For this purpose, Moggallna took a fruit from the tree at Gay as it dropped from its stalk before it reached the ground. It was planted in a golden jar by Anthapiaka with great pomp and ceremony. A sapling, it is said, immediately sprouted forth, fifty cubits1 high, and in order to consecrate it, the Buddha spent a night meditating under it. Since this tree was planted under the direction of nanda, it came to be called the nanda Bodhi (J 4:228 ff).
    [Show full text]
  • 3. the Buddha's 'Residences'
    THE BtJDDHA'S < KESIDENCES.' 339 and that place, according to the Pali, was the Capala Cetiya, mentioned in the same passage in the Divyavadana. For Dhura the Chinese must have heard Dhanu. 3. THE BUDDHA'S ' RESIDENCES.' THE following is the substance of a paragraph in Buddha- ghosa's Commentary on the Duka Nipata of the Anguttara, giving the places at which the Buddha passed his ' resi- dences,' that is, his retreat during the three months of Was : 1st year (after the Buddhahood). At Isipatana in Benares. o J " I At the Veluvana, near Rajagaha (on the special ,.1 " j invitation of King Bimbiaara). 5th „ At the Mahavana, near Vesali, on the invitation of the Licchavis. 6th „ At the Mamkula Hill. 7th „ In the Tavatimsa Heaven, on the invitation of Sakka, King of the gods (!). 8th „ At the Sumsumara Hill, in the Bhagga country. 9th „ At the Ghositarama at Kosambl. 10th „ At the foot of a tree in the Parileyya forest. 11th „ At the Brahmin village of Nalaka. 12th „ At Yeranja, on the invitation of the Brahmins there. 13th „ On the Maliya hill. 14th „ In the Jetavana at Savatthi. loth „ In the Nigrodha Arama at Kapilavatthu, on the invitation of his father, Suddhodana. 16th „ At the Aggalava Cetiya. 17th „ At Rajagaha. 18th „ On the Caliya Mount. 19th „ I 20th „ } ^ Rajagaha. The remaining twenty-five periods of "Was were spent, nineteen of them, on Anathapindika's invitation, in the Jetavana at Savatthi, and the other six, on the invitation of the lay sister Visakha, in the Pubba Arama at Saketa. T.
    [Show full text]
  • The Pratītyasamutpādagātha and Its Role in the Medieval Cult of the Relics
    THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BUDDHIST STUDIES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Roger Jackson Dept. oj Religion Carleton College Northfield, MN 55057 USA EDITORS Peter N. Gregory Ernst Steinkellner University of Illinois University of Vienna Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA Wien, Austria Alexander W. Macdonald Jikido Takasaki Universite de Paris X University of Tokyo Nanterre, France Tokyo, Japan Steven Collins Robert Thurman Concordia University Columbia University Montreal, Canada New York, New York, USA Volume 14 1991 Number 1 CONTENTS I. ARTICLES 1. The Pratityasamutpadagathd and Its Role in the Medieval Cult of the Relics, by Daniel Boucher 1 2. Notes on the Devotional Uses and Symbolic Functions of Sutra Texts as Depicted in Early Chinese Buddhist Miracle Tales and Hagiographies, by Robert F. Campany 28 3. A Source Analysis of the Ruijing lu ("Records of Miraculous Scriptures"), by Koichi Shinohara 73 4. Pudgalavada in Tibet? Assertions of Substantially Existent Selves in the Writings of Tsong-kha-pa and His Followers, by Joe Bransford Wilson 155 II. BOOK REVIEWS 1. The Dawn of Chinese Pure Land Buddhist Doctrine: Ching-ying Hui-yiian's Commentary on the Visualization Sutra, by Kenneth K. Tanaka (Allan A. Andrews) 181 2. Three Recent Collections: The Buddhist Heritage, ed. Tadeusz Skorupski; Chinese Buddhist Apocrypha, ed. Robert E. Buswell, Jr.; and Reflections on Tibetan Culture, ed. Lawrence Epstein and Richard Sherburne (Roger Jackson) 191 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS 195 The Pratityasamutpddagathd and Its Role in the Medieval Cult of the Relics by Daniel Boucher I. Introduction Over the past one hundred and fifty years, thousands of clay seals, miniature stupas, and images inscribed with the famous "Buddhist creed" (the ye dharmd hetuprabhava..
    [Show full text]
  • Vision of the Dhamma Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto
    Vision of the Dhamma A Collection of Buddhist Writings in English Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto Sabbadàna§ dhammadàna§ jinàti The gift of the Dhamma excels all other gifts. Vision of the Dhamma A Collection of Buddhist Writings in English © Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto ISBN: 978-974-09-3420-2 Cover design by Ven. Chaiyos Buddhivaro First published — October 2007 6,000 copies This publication, supported by a number of donors, is reverentially offered as a tribute to the Venerable Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto on the occasion of his appointment as Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of Thailand on December 20, 2006. Wat Nyanavesakavan Tambon Bang Krathuek Amphoe Sam Phran Nakhon Pathom 73210 Thailand Tel. 662-482-1552–3, 662-889-4396 Preface The present volume is a collection of my Buddhist writings in English on different occasions over a span of some twenty-five years. Upon learning that although some of the writings were already published, their circulation was confined to a relatively narrow circle of readers, while others were still unpublished, Dr. Somseen Chanawangsa, Fellow of the Royal Institute of Thailand, came up with the idea of gathering them into a single volume for ease of reference. Here is a brief account of their sources: The first paper, “Peace Through Freedom and Happiness,” was the acceptance speech delivered in Paris on the occasion of receiving the UNESCO’s Prize for Peace Education on December 20, 1994. The second paper, “Foundations of Buddhist Social Ethics” was originally entitled “Foundations of Buddhist Social Ethics in Contemporary Thailand” and subsequently published in Thailand under the title “Social Dimension of Buddhism in Contemporary Thailand.” It was a commissioned paper presented on June 19, 1981, at the “Moral Values in Comparative Perspective” conference, which was sponsored by the Berkeley/Harvard Cooperative Program in Comparative Religion, and held at the Graduate Theological Union, UC Berkeley, June 17–20, 1981.
    [Show full text]
  • Sects and Sectarianism: the Origins of Buddhist Schools
    Sects & Sectarianism The origins of Buddhist schools Bhikkhu Sujato 2006 This work is copyright©2006BhikkhuSujato.All rights reserved. Permission to reprintmay be obtained on application to the author. Available for free download online at http://sectsandsectarianism.googlepages.com Available for purchase from www.lulu.com. This isat COST PRICE ONLY. Neither the author nor Lulu receives any royalties for purchases. This book must not be sold for profit. Santi ForestMonastery http://santifm1.0.googlepages.com The Sangha of bhikkhus and bhikkhunis has been made unified. As long as my children and grandchildren shall live, and as long as the sun and the moon shall shine, any bhikkhu or bhikkhuni who divides the Sangha shall be made to wear white clothes and dwell outside the monasteries. What it is my wish? That the unity of the Sangha should last a long time. King Aśoka, Minor Pillar Edict, Sāñchī Contents Foreword 1 Abstract 2 1. The ‘Unity Edicts’ 4 2. TheSaintsofVedisa 15 3. The Dīpavaṁsa 24 4. Monster or Saint? 41 5. ThreeSins&FiveTheses 54 6. More on the Vibhajjavādins 79 7. Vibhajjavāda vs. Sarvāstivāda? 89 8. Dharmagupta:TheGreekMissions 98 9. The Mūlasarvāstivādins of Mathura 113 Conclusion 122 Appendix: Chronology 125 Bibliography 128 Mahāsaṅghika Śāriputraparipṛcchā Theravāda Dīpavaṁsa The Mahāsaṅghika school diligently study the collected Suttas and teach the true meaning, because they are the source and the center. They wear These 17 sects are schismatic, yellow robes. only one sect is non-schismatic. The Dharmaguptaka school master With the non-schismatic sect, the flavor ofthe true way.Theyare there areeighteen in all.
    [Show full text]
  • The Theravāda Lineage the Nikāya Saṅgrahaya
    The Theravāda Lineage The Nikāya Saṅgrahaya or Sāsanāvatāra by Saṅgharāja Dharmakīrti being A History of Buddhism in India and Ceylon translated into English by C. M. Fernando, M.A., LL.M. Cantab., Barrister-at-Law Revised and Edited (With Introduction, Analytical Summary, and Notes) by Mudaliyā R W. F. Gunawardhana, Public Instruction Department, Ceylon Colombo: H. C. Cottle, Government Printer, Ceylon, 1908 Further Revised by Ānandajoti Bhikkhu This Edition 2020 Preface [iii] The Sinhalese text of the “Nikāya Saṅgrahaya” was first edited and published by Mr. D. M. de Z. Wickremasinghe in 1890. A second and revised edition, in which I had the honour of taking part, was published by the Government of Ceylon in 1907. On that edition the present translation is based. As a few mistakes still occur in the revised edition, they have either been corrected in this translation or attention has been drawn to them. But this has been done as merely an expression of my own individual opinion, for which my co- workers in the revision are not responsible. W. F. G. Colombo, May 1908 Preface to the New Edition The Nikāya Saṅgrahaya, which was written in the Sinhala language in the 14th century A.D.,1 treats of the various sects that arose in Buddhism after the passing of its founder as they developed in India and later in Śrī Laṅkā, and how they were dealt with and the religion purified by the kings and great elders of old. Our author being a convinced Theravādin, and a strict adherent of that orthodoxy, who ascended to the leadership of the Saṅgha, carried out such a purification himself, and the book may have been written as a defence of that action, showing how it has historical precedents.
    [Show full text]
  • Gautama Buddha Was Born in Helabima 2
    1 2 Gautama Buddha was born in Helabima (Volume II) The English translation of අපඋපන් මේ මෙළ�ම �뷔න් උපන් ජන්�뷊Ǔපය (මෙලන ම ොටස) (This Helabima, where we were born, is Janbudveepa, the birth place of the Lord Buddha) Introduction 3 This is the second volume of the book අප උපන් මේ මෙළ�ම�뷔න් උපන් ජන්�뷊Ǔපය what I published 16 months ago. It is a must to be fulfilled by all of us, as the people who are born in this Helabima and live in this Helabima, to read, analyze and understand the absolute truth highlighted in this book. Every human being is having the mental freedom of speaking the truth, writing about the truth and recording them for the future use. After reading most of the things mentioned in this book, you will experience a total new, different understanding in Dhamma which is not going hand in hand with the opinions what you knew all this times and what you had learnt following the conventional thinking, systems and methodologies. Buddha Dhamma stands for “Penetrating in to Paramartha Dhamma through the traditions”. What you read in books and learnt from someone is the tradition, the conventional thinking. They are nothing but guessings that you have experienced based on what you heard, saw and learnt. You should penetrate in to what you learnt on traditions and based on them you should see the absolute truth. Seeing the absolute truth is limited purely to you yourself. Seeing the absolute truth for you, cannot be done by someone else.
    [Show full text]