The Emerald Isle’s Spiritual Anchor: A Timeless Gift from the Land of Enlightenment

On Jun 10, 2025

By Dr Damenda Porage

Centuries ago, across the azure expanse of the Indian Ocean, a priceless treasure journeyed to the shores of Sri Lanka, a gift that would forever shape the island’s destiny. This was not a material wealth, but a profound spiritual doctrine – the teachings of the Buddha – brought from India, the very land of its birth. This enduring connection, forged in the crucible of enlightenment, remains a testament to one of history’s most significant cultural exchanges.

The narrative of this spiritual genesis begins with a figure of immense compassion and foresight: Emperor Ashoka the Great. His reign in India marked a golden era for Buddhism, as he transformed from a conqueror to a devout patron, dedicating his life to the dissemination of the Dhamma. It was his noble son, the venerable Arahant Mahinda, who, carrying the torch of his father’s vision, embarked on a momentous mission to the resplendent island then known as Lanka.

Imagine the scene: a serene, full moon illuminating the ancient city of Anuradhapura. It was on such a day, now enshrined as the sacred Poson Full Moon, that Arahant Mahinda arrived, his presence radiating an aura of profound peace. His encounter with King Devanampiyatissa, the then ruler of Sri Lanka, was not merely a diplomatic meeting but a spiritual awakening. The King, captivated by the Dhamma, became Arahant Mahinda’s first disciple upasaka, marking the definitive moment when the Buddha’s teachings took root on Sri Lankan soil. This was more than just a conversion; it was the adoption of a philosophy that would become the very bedrock of Sri Lankan identity, art, and governance.

The spiritual blossoming did not stop there. Recognizing the need for a holistic embrace of the Dhamma, especially for women, Arahant Mahinda’s sister, the equally revered Arahant Sanghamitta, undertook a perilous journey to Sri Lanka. Her arrival was a catalyst for an unparalleled cultural renaissance. With her, she carried a sapling from the sacred Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment – a living testament to the awakened one. This sapling, planted in Anuradhapura, stands today as the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, an object of profound veneration and the oldest continually documented tree in the world.

Arahant Sanghamitta’s arrival also heralded the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sangha in Sri Lanka. Under her compassionate guidance, Queen Anula Devi, a figure of strength and devotion, became the island’s first ordained Bhikkhuni. This act empowered women in a deeply spiritual sense, granting them the opportunity to pursue the path to liberation, further enriching the spiritual tapestry of the nation.

Today, as the Poson full moon graces the night sky, Sri Lanka collectively commemorates the arrival of Arahant Mahinda. It is a day of profound reflection, of gratitude, and of rekindling the spiritual flame that was lit so many centuries ago. The ancient dagobas, whispering tales of devotion, the serene monasteries nestled amidst lush greenery, and the daily rituals of the faithful all stand as living testaments to that momentous gift.

As a nation, Sri Lanka holds an eternal debt of gratitude to India. It was from the land of the Buddha that the precious Dhamma was lovingly extended, not through conquest or coercion, but through a benevolent act of sharing profound wisdom. This invaluable doctrine has not only shaped Sri Lanka’s religious landscape but has also profoundly influenced its art, literature, architecture, ethics, and social fabric. It is a bond of spiritual kinship, a thread woven through centuries, reminding us that some gifts transcend time and material value, enriching the very soul of a nation. For this unparalleled act of spiritual generosity, Sri Lanka will forever remain deeply grateful to India, the cradle of Buddhism and the source of its most cherished spiritual heritage.