Ven Sangamitta first lit up Thanthirimale

BY CHRIS EDIRISINGHE

As I sit cross legged on a bare rock of Thanthirimale on the eve of the Poson Poya I watch the devotees winding their way in single file some with lotus flowers, others with small lamps climbing chanting 'Saadu Saadu' making their way to Bo Maluwa. Nearly all of them are ladies, in white, mainly the upasaka mathas. It is the time for Bodhi Pooja. The moon is just one day short of its full bloom, but nevertheless spreading a gentle light on the rocky outcrops casting enough light for these devotees to get to the top of the rock where the sacred Bo Tree is, its tender leaves swaying with the gentle breeze. The Bo tree has just undergone a change with new tender leaves sprouting from its branches just in time for Poson, the principal Buddhist festival in the Anuradhapura District. Tomorrow this place would be full of devotees from all parts of the country, may be a few foreigners too would come drawn mainly because of its historical and peaceful surroundings. I go back in my mind to a little over two millennia to capture the scenes that made this place so important. It was Ven. Sangamitta the woman chosen by her father Asoka, the king of Bharatha who started the whole process of making this place such a wonderful and hallowed place. Her personal involvement changed the outlook of this place and gave a new meaning to the lives of people, especially women. She was given the task of bringing the sacred Bo tree to this island, and this was 'Thivakka Bamunugama', the first main village that she passed through with her retinue accompanied by the local king, Devanampiyatissa, himself. Ven. Sangamitta had a special affection for this village because the simple villagers welcomed her and gave shelter for the night when she was on her way to Anuradhapura, walking along the Malwathu Oya through the thick jungle some 40 kilometers. As a token of gratitude the village was gifted with the eighth shoot of the Sacred Bo tree, the Ashtmahapala Bodhi, which was planted on the highest location of the village and is today a principal place of pilgrimage to the Buddhists of this country. The influence of this sacred Bo tree and the sacredness of this area began to influence the lives of the people and with the building of a simple temple the day to day activities centered around it. The daily trek of the women folk to the temple for religious activities, offering of Dana and the rituals connected with the Bodhi changed the life style of these simple people. Dhamma began to influence their lives and to this day the practice of religion is foremost in their lives. Though prior to this event there was a culture and a civilization here, as evident from many historical carvings and artifacts, the place took a new meaning with the arrival of this venerable Bhikkuni.

In keeping with the teachings of Lord Buddha, the doctrine that was brought to this island by Ven. Mahinda, was given a new lease in life with the arrival of Ven. Sangamitta, his sister. The purpose of her arrival was not only to bring the Bo Sapling from the Sacred Bo Tree from India, but also to educate the people here, especially the women folk about the teachings of the Blessed One and bring them to righteousness. She was instrumental in changing the outlook of the people who were guided till then by what was handed down from the ancient times and in no way connected to a disciplined way of life with a recognized religion to give full meaning to their simple lives.

As in many parts of the world women were treated as second class citizens and they had to work like slaves for the men folk. There was no dignity in their status. It was after the introduction of Buddhism that true values were taught to people and women began to assume their true role in the society. The motherhood began to be respected and family living became something to be admired.

The role of women in the society and in family began to be understood by all, and women began to consider their own importance. Their dress and manner of living underwent change and though their lives were simple they carried out their daily duties with greater responsibility and care, as there was discipline in the society and in families. The Bhikkuni Sasana established simultaneously added more value to the role of women, not only in royal palaces but in villages it began to be felt with greater intensity.

We have to accept the fact that with modernization the role of women has undergone tremendous changes, and especially the women of today in the City as accepted universally, has become somewhat sophisticated. But generally the women of our very remote villages to a great extent remain simple. These women are involved in day to day work in their humble homes, taking care of their children and helping the men folk with cultivation or any other work which helps them to keep home fires burning. Present day, people of hanthirimale, are far from being rich from our standards. As in the case with most of the villages the living habits are simple, compared to the city. generally the size of the family of course is large. We come across usually a family of at least three children. The principal occupation being agriculture, they need more labour force in any family unit. The education has developed proportionately in comparison to the city and nearly all the girls of the village attend school. There has been a period where the literacy level was low, but not anymore. Girls especially help the parents with cultivation and house work. The simple lives of women in this village is an example to others. When we talk of cost of living in the City, they are surprised as to the importance we place on our food habits, cooking and general living. Till recently electricity was not known here. Television with an array of limited channels is of course spreading. Fire wood cooking is what is accepted. Their meals are simple with rice, lot of vegetables from their own home gardens and of course fish from the local Tanks. The attached bath room/toilet is a rare luxury that some of them enjoy. The main bathing spot is one of many Tanks, which dry up during the very hot months of the year. When that happens the well or the Tube well comes to their aid. Beauty Salons are not known, and Make up trends unheard of. Beauty products are limited to powder, soap and may be some cheap shampoo. We have to accept the facts as they are. The strong family ties that bind them together is important in their day to day work. In this village we come across only simple living. There is no malnutrition and the people are happy.

We cannot say that people here are perfect. There are a few cases of child molestation, rape and even wife beating. But these acts are rare and are scorned by the society that exist here and the wrong doers cannot move about freely as the very people treat them as pariahs and very soon either they have to make amends or are treated by the whole village as castaways. The law enforcement here is made very much easier, as the villagers shun evildoers and are identified very easily.

As these thoughts pass my mind I hear the prelate chanting Pirith and invoking Blessings of the Sacred One on all present and uttering that there be peace within, the country, village, and prosperity in all corners. 'Siyalu Sathvayo Niduk Vethva, Nirogi Vethva, Suvapath Vethva, Dukin Midethva;.'. Without sorrow, with good health we may aspire to higher things in life. We will find inner peace and tranquility, and of course Happiness.
