Reciting Parithrana for Sri Sambuddathwa Jayanthi
- by Rupa Banduwardena
(17.05.2011 - dailynews.lk)
Sakyamuni Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, the fountain of compassion with his intense love and kindness for all beings, set out on his quest to find the gem of truth which was fulfilled for the sake of the humanity. The noble idea of service to suffering humanity motivated Buddha to convey his message of Dhamma with great delight. Ever since his enlightenment he was engaged in his mission for human welfare. With his universal gift of the absolute truth, he blessed the human being with moral, cultural and spiritual uplift worthy of their existence.
These are all included in his code of ethics offered to man in his attempt to find a solution for liberation of evil and sorrow embedded in life. Buddhism therefore symbolises a chain of supreme knowledge on the fundamentals of life. Hence Sambuddhatwa Jayanthi to be celebrated will bring joy peace, harmony tranquility and unity to humanity, regardless of race, cast, creed etc.
The epoch making events
The 2600 anniversary since the enlightenment of Sakyamuni Gauthama Buddha is being celebrated worldwide. It is a great landmark in the history of Sri Lanka which will go down memory lane till the world lasts. It is to the great delight of the Buddhists in particular, that the Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi is going to be marked by a series of events and a vast array of activities to herald the most sacred occasion. It was inaugurated on May 14 at the most venerated sacred historic Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura in all its glory and magnanimity unequalled among all celebrations held so far. Indeed the picture unfolded and the vast programme of events to be held is so vivid beyond imagination. Among the many religious observances, Parithrana Desana to be held will be of great significance to our Dharmadweepa.
Jaya Piritha
The Buddha after reaching the summit of perfection, His main aim was to bless the people with the outcome of His intellect the noble teachings in which Parithrana is accorded a very high position and undoubtedly it plays a vital role in the lives of Buddhists. The Jaya Pirith recital to be held at the BMICH on May 10, is the most welcome and blissful news that occupies a prominent place in SJ celebrations, organised by the Defence Ministry.
The importance of Buddhist teachings is highlighted on this special occasion, while the idea is to invoke blessings on the country and the people. Dhamma fragrance emerging out of Parithrana and the severity and sanctity that follows will definitely create a soothing environment to stressful minds, pushing our own lives more towards the noble teachings.
Glittering occasion
Buddha the spiritual Master, Dhamma his message Sangha the holy order are that three gems that guide one's life. The honour of preserving the essence of Buddhism by the spiritual Master for the benefit of the mankind for 2600 years goes to Maha Sangha. Bhikkus always focus their dedicated attention to the religious welfare of the people. This is very well reflected in pirith chanting for, it is their superior performance that gives perfection to the sacred recital.
The most remarkable and amazing event in relevance to the Sambuddhatwa Jayanthi is the arrangements made by the organisers for the participation of 2600 bhikkus representing the Tri Nikaya from all parts of the country. Above all the most noteworthy is the invitation extended to the Maha Nayaka Theras of the Malwatta Asgiriya chapters to grace the occasion. This will definitely be one of the marvellous events (the above mentioned pirith pinkama) that will offer true meaning to Sambuddhatwa Jayanthi celebrations.
It will also be a notable sight to witness thousands of Buddhist monks clad in sffron robes, carrying vatapatha, moving slowly providing a serene and inspiring scene. This is something that has never happened before not to our knowledge. Further the place will be lit up with spiritual illuminations.
With pirith chanting spirituality will be radiating everywhere giving the impression, that the country is being led along the correct spiritual path. When the chant is conducted with pure love and compassion, it gives expression to religious emotions and its soothing effect creates inner peace, serene joy devoid of hatred, evil and ill will, exactly what is currently needed in this Dharmadweepa after years of terrorism.
Contents of the blissful message
Now going back to Jaya Piritha, the topic dealing with, is of great significance to the entire event. As the name suggests it is the attainment of victory and success in life. Victory is not from a war or a fighting process in the literal sense. But as Buddha saw through his pure intellect, it is a war or in simple terms a struggle against suffering.
He sheds light on the truth of life, the war that one has to wage to obtain protection, security and victory, reflecting on the principles, values, virtues as well as the qualities of the perfect one. The Thathagatha the enlightened one. Since He has identified the issues of life such as illness, sorrow, danger and disaster, misery, hatred and agony, His ultimate wish is that "May all beings be happy, safe and relieved from evils of life and attain Nibbana".
In Jaya Piritha all the qualities that the Buddha is in proud possession of is well revealed. His glory, strength, wisdom, great psychic powers, victory and success, great virtues like boundless compassion and the ability of repelling all kinds of perils and relieve man for the ultimate goal to be achieved – Nibbana. He says may you live long happily blessed with the following:
The majesty of the thirty two signs
Eighty secondary signs
One hundred and eight auspicious signs
Six coloured rays
The ten higher virtues (paramita)
The Dhamma, the doctrine
The Sangha, the desciples
Eighty four thousand sections of the Dhamma
Eightfold path and eightfold meditation
Triple Gem and the Tripitaka
In addition to the above may guardian dieties of the universe defend you. Hence Jaya pirith is one of the best chants for the present day society. Any small attempt by any organisation, in whatever way, to reform society as Jaya Piritha denotes, will be a great victory, in keeping with SJ celebrations. The credit goes to the Defence Ministry.
Pirith at Agrarian Service centres
All night Pirith chanting ceremony at all agrarian service centres (556) in the country commencing at the same time, under the guidance of the wild life Ministry is another measure to be appreciated. These are being held to bless the country and the soldiers in particular who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland. All these should be well performed to ensure the success of this glittering occasion – the Sambuddhatwa Jayanthi. If everyone makes his or her selfless sacrifice to this precious task they will be making Sri Lanka a proud Dharmadweepa in the eyes of the Buddhist world. May the message of the Buddha upheld by the SJ celebrations lasts for ever, till the universe lasts. Parithrana chanting is one of the most fitting tributes to this sacred event.
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