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Buddhist Spectrum: Initial Buddhist missionary activities
Daily News | Sri Lanka Premasara Epasinghe

November 21 - The announcement of the future Buddhahood of Maitriya Buddha in the Kingdom of Ketumati , the commencement of first ever Buddhist Missionary activity by 60 Arahats, the blessed ones journey to Uruvila in order to convert the Jatila Brothers to Buddhism, the last month of the rain retreat season (Vas), the passing away of the Dharmasenadhipati, one of the chief disciples - Sariputta, were some significant events.

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The future Buddha - Maitriya arrived with a retinue of more than thousand and entered the order on an Il Poya Day. Thathagatha Gautama Buddha, addressing Bodhisatva Maitriya, announced that He will be the future Sammasambuddha. The Brahamin Brahma will be Bodhisatva Maitriya's father. Mother's name will be Brahmawathi. Maitriya Bodhisatva will attain Buddhahood or Enlightenment under the shade of a Na Tree (Mesua Ferrea).

Gautama Buddha observed Vas - Rainy Retreat at Isipatanaramaya in Benares. At the end of the Vas Period, Buddha addressed on Il Poya thus:

Charatha Bhikkave Charikan, Bhaujana Sukhaya, Lokanukampaya Attaya Hitana Sukhaya Devamanussanam Ma Ekena Deva Agamitta Desetha Bhikkave Dhamman Adikarayanam Puriyosana Kalyanam Satha Shakyajanam Kevala Paripunannan, Parisuddham Brahamchariyam Pakasetha.

Oh! Bhikkhus, for the welfare of the many, for the happiness of Many, through compassion to the world, goye forth and spread Buddha, doctrine for the benefit of Devas, and Human beings. Thus, the commencement of the first Buddhist Missionary began on an Il Pura Pasalosvaka Poya Day. During the Buddha Eva, there were many religious leaders and Philosophers in India. There were number of Hermits such as the three brothers of Uruwela - Nadi - Gaya and Kassapa. The Buddha performed the dual spiritual powers - Pelahara, and delivered Adithya Pariyaya Sutta to them. They achieved the bliss of deathlessness or Nibbana - Arahatship.

The passing away of one of the chief disciples Arahat Sariputta, took place on an Il Poya Day. Sariputta was born in a village to the North of Rajagaha, His childhood friend, became the other chief disciple Arahat Moggallana. They were followers of Ascetic Sanjaya Bellattiputta. Later, they entered the Buddhist order. Before the death of Sariputta, he was able to convert his mother Rupasari, from Brahamin Faith to Buddhism.

The Il Full Moon Poya Day mark the end of the rainy - retreat - Vassana Samaya. The grant ceremonies of offering Katina Cheevara Katina Robes were the climax. It was supposed to be one of the greatest meritorious acts that you can perform in your life time.

Turning the pages of Sri Lanka's proud history from time immemorial, to date, India and Sri Lanka maintained very cordial relationship in social, economic, political cultural and religious matters.

The greatest treasure that India offered to Sri Lanka, through one of their greatest Emperors - Ashoka was Buddhism. With the arrival of Arahat Mahinda and their Sangamitta who established the sasana, during the reign of Devanampiyatissa, a new cultural revolution took place. Even during the time of Buddha, there were trade transaction between Indian and Sri Lanka.

Two Indian traders Tapassu and Balluka, arrived in the Trincomalee district with Buddhas lock of hair given to them, and it was said that a chatiya named Girihanduseya was constructed. But, according to the great chronicle Mahavamsa the first chatiya or stupa was constructed during the Devanampiyatissa's Anuradhapura period namely Thuparamaya. That construction work to enshrine Buddha's Akudhatuwa was started on an Il Full Moon Poya Day.


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