“Kes gaha pawa wena ratawala minisunne
Us nidahasa pinisa satanata sarasenne
His mola thibeddi me waga nothakanne
Es gedi dekata hena gahilada sinhalune”
(Oh! Sinhala folk, are your eyes too bedazzled by lightning… That you cannot even see–unless you step up, there can be no freedom)
Even today, no alternates for patriotic poems and songs written by S. Mahinda Thero who was a Tibetan can be found. Poems which were composed by S. Mahinda Thero who came here from Tibet during the Western colonial period to encourage nationalism, are still spirited. This is how he gave physical and mental strength to Sinhalese to fight against the enemies;
“Mithuruwa ethoth duvili wuwa walada ganu
Sathuruwa ethoth mera giri wuwa pasida wanu”
(Even if dust approaches you as a friend, embrace it. Even if a boulder comes with enmity, defeat it.)
Just and reasonability of the Sinhalese who took arms for the freedom of their country are mentioned as follows;
“Hithuwakkara kamakai meya no adahanu
Yuthukama eyai ehein ehi purudu wanu”
The poems woven with patriotism are completely free from the expectation of any advantage. The integrity of the Tibetan S. Mahinda Thero’s poetry and his goodwill shown to the Sinhalese nation are still superlative. Every passing second proves that the validity and utility of the patriotic principles woven by him are no less than everlasting. It is an extremely sad fact that the name of the Tibetan S. Mahinda Thero is only limited to verbal usage and most people are not aware that he came from the land of Tibet and that there is a country called Tibet.
The memory of Tibet and the Tibetan S. Mahinda Thero was brought to mind by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the world’s first and only Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who is celebrating his 87th birthday. He lives in Dharamsala, India; and his service towards the Buddha Sasana is extensive. Buddhist philosophy could win the world because of his ceaseless service. He who has adopted non-violence, kindness, and love, equally spreads his compassion towards all beings living on earth. The 14th Dalai Lama is descended from the lineage of the Dalai Lamas which is unique to Tibet. The 14th Dalai Lama is a ‘Bodhisattva’ who is destined to become a Buddha. In 1989, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle to bring peace to Tibet. Also, his humanitarianism and benevolence towards the global environment also attracted attention.
So far, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has received more than a hundred honors during his lifetime. Most of them are honorary doctorate degrees and awards given in recognition of services rendered for world peace, and interfaith harmony. Also, he has written and published about one hundred and ten books so far.
Let us wish that as long as he is alive, let us wish good health and to further fulfill his mission for the ‘Sambuddha Sasana’ and the entire world community.
“Nidahasa Maha Muhudak we – ehi ulpatha putha nuba we
E bawa sihikota melowe – yuthukama itu kala yuthu we”
(Freedom is like an ocean and its fountains are you. Dear son, you should keep this in your mind and fulfill your responsibility in protecting the motherland from various challenges.)
Let’s wish longevity to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who is a reincarnation of the ‘Bodhisattva’.
© Satipatthana Magazine
