On the auspicious day of January 28th, a significant event unfolded at the serene Waskaduwe Temple in Sri Lanka, as the foundation stone for an Ashoka Pillar was ceremoniously laid. The ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of notable dignitaries, including His Excellency Sri Santhosh Jha, the newly appointed High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, and Most Venerable Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, the newly elected Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC). The ceremony was graced by the Chairman of the Foundation of Buddhist Brotherhood, Dr. Damenda Porage, Dr. Shermila Milroy, Dhamma Secretary of IBC, and the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Maha Nayaka Thero. Buddhist monks from the Amarapura Nikaya, along with villagers from the surrounding area, added to the spiritual ambiance of the occasion.
Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Thero welcomed the esteemed guests with an inspiring speech, setting the tone for the sacred event. The foundation stone was then laid with the participation of the Indian High Commissioner, Most Venerable Jangchup Choeden Thero from India, Dr. Damenda Porage, and Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Maha Nayaka Thero.
After the stone-laying ceremony, the chief guests visited the shrine where the sacred Kapilavasthu relics are housed. Amidst rituals, Rinpoche and the High Commissioner received blessings from these revered relics. This marked a momentous occasion, as it was also the first official ceremony attended by the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka. The lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the chief guests added a spiritual glow to the event.
Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Thero conducted the Anushasana, translated into English by Dr. Shermila Milroy. During this, Thero narrated the historical journey of the sacred relics, emphasizing their authenticity and the British national Will Smith’s role in sending the relics to Waskaduwa temple. Explaining the importance of establishing an Ashoka Pillar in Sri Lanka, Most Venerable Waskaduwe Thero highlighted King Asoka’s patronage of Buddhism and his role in preserving the teachings.
His Excellency, the High Commissioner, echoed these sentiments in his speech, emphasizing the deep-rooted ties between India and Sri Lanka. He lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in strengthening bilateral ties, including a grant of USD 15 million to promote Buddhist relations.
Most Venerable Choedan Jungchup Thero in his speech, blessed the participants in Tibetan language and commended the establishment of the Asokan Pillar in Sri Lanka. Dr. Damenda Porage expressed gratitude to King Asoka for his contributions to Buddhism, pledging to establish nine pillars in each of the country’s provinces.
To foster cultural exchange, Sathipattana magazine was distributed among the attendees, generating significant interest and demand.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Ashoka Pillar at Waskaduwe Temple not only symbolizes the rich cultural and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka but also stands as a proof to the continuous efforts to preserve and promote Buddhism. As the pillars rise, so do the bridges that connect the two nations in shared heritage and spiritual devotion.
Guardian of the sacred Kapilavasthu relics
Rajaguru Sri Subhuthi Maha Viharaya in Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka, stands as a sacred sanctuary for the Kapilavasthu relics of Lord Buddha. Founded by the renowned Buddhist monk, Most Venerable Rajaguru Waskaduwe Sri Subhuthi Nayaka Thero (1835-1917), the temple is a beacon of spiritual and historical significance. Under the Thero’s guidance, it became a hub for national, religious, and educational revival. Noteworthy for bringing 21 relics of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka, the temple safeguards these treasures. The current custodian, Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawamsa Maha Nayaka Thero, continues to uphold the legacy, ensuring the spiritual vibrancy of this revered sanctuary. Establishment of Asokan pillar in this sacred premises will further enhance the value of this temple.
Asokan Pillar
The Ashokan Pillar, a symbolic structure commemorating Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism and the site of the Buddha’s first sermon, holds great significance in the history of Buddhism. The original Lion Capital of Ashoka, erected in Sarnath, India around 250 BCE, featured four life-sized lions on a drum-shaped abacus, surrounded by symbolic animals. This masterpiece, carved from a single block of sandstone, stood at 2.1 meters tall and became a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. Over the centuries, the original Ashokan Pillar suffered damage and eventually fell to the ground, but it was excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the early 20th century. The Lion Capital, though cracked and with damaged lions, was displayed at the Sarnath Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual legacy of ancient India. The Ashokan Pillar’s influence extended beyond its historical context, as it became the inspiration for significant national symbols. Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s interim prime minister in 1947, proposed using the wheel on the abacus as the model for the central wheel on India’s new national flag. The Lion Capital itself, without the lotus, became the model for the state emblem. This decision reflected the deep connection between cultural symbols and the identity of a nation.
Millenia-old Indo-Sri Lanka friendly ties
For centuries, the ties between India and Sri Lanka have spread across cultural, historical, and spiritual connections, forming a bond that stands as fine evidence to the enduring friendship between the two nations. The roots of this relationship extend deep into antiquity and both nations have a shared heritage that has weathered the test of time. The historical ties between India and Sri Lanka find their earliest expressions in the annals of Buddhism. Legend has it that in the 3rd century BCE, Venerable Mahinda, the son of Indian Emperor Ashoka, carried the teachings of Buddhism to the shores of Sri Lanka. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a cultural exchange that would shape the destiny of both nations. A sapling of the sacred Bodhi Tree, under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment, was brought to Sri Lanka, becoming a symbol of shared spiritual values.
The spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka resulted in the establishment of monasteries, stupas, and monuments, creating a landscape that echoed the teachings of compassion and enlightenment. The Isurumuniya and the Vessagiri-vihara, among others, stand as timeless witnesses to the impact of Buddhism on the island nation’s cultural identity. The enduring presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, with an unbroken lineage dating back to the 4th century BCE, exemplifies the resilience and continuity of shared values between the two nations. Periods of decline and external influences did not diminish the essence of this cultural connection. Revivals and resurgences, such as those in the 19th century CE, have kept the Theravada Buddhist tradition alive, reinforcing the ties that bind India and Sri Lanka.
In the contemporary era, Indo-Sri Lanka relations have evolved into a multifaceted partnership encompassing economic, political, and cultural dimensions. India has emerged as a crucial ally in Sri Lanka’s quest for economic revitalization, bureaucratic reform, and enhanced decision-making processes. The economic collaboration between the two countries has reached new heights, with India becoming Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner. The geographical proximity, marked by the Palk Strait, has led to a shared maritime border, positioning both nations strategically in South Asia. As republics and members of the Commonwealth of Nations, India and Sri Lanka have sought to build a common security umbrella in the Indian Ocean, reflecting a joint commitment to regional stability.
One of the remarkable recent initiatives reinforcing the friendship between India and Sri Lanka was unveiled during a Virtual Bilateral Summit in September 2020. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi pledged a grant assistance of USD 15 million to support various initiatives, including the restoration and establishment of Buddhist monasteries, education for young monks, cultural exchanges, and collaborative efforts in archaeology. This gesture underscores the commitment to preserving and promoting the shared Buddhist heritage, emphasizing the cultural threads that bind the two nations.
Despite the challenges posed by historical events, such as the Sri Lankan Civil War and shifts in global geopolitics, the friendship between India and Sri Lanka has endured. The bilateral relations have not only weathered the storms of the past but have also adapted to the changing dynamics of the present. Looking at the millennia-old friendship between India and Sri Lanka, it becomes evident that the ties between these two nations are not merely historical artifacts but a living, dynamic force that continues to shape the destinies of millions. The shared heritage, anchored in the principles of Buddhism, serves as a guiding light for future generations, fostering a relationship that spreads beyond borders, languages, and time itself.
By Panchamee Hewavissenti
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