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Re: Buddha statues emit luminous rays

Daya Ransinghe London

Friends,

Yes! These are uncertain times or “ avichara samaya” in Sinhala, as explained by late novelist W. A. Silva in his novel, ‘Sunethra Hewath Avichara Samaya.’ Though Sri Lanka’s troubles are analysed by various groups the way they prefer, such as ‘ ethnic problem’ or ‘civil war’ or rather ‘terrorism’, we all know that majority Sinhalese are cornered and getting the pounding. They have always been the accused party since the troubles began. It’s an irony the perpetrators – the Tamil terrorists are seen as the victims. Sinhala people have no hope, no outside help, no like-minded friends from outside world, no clan living elsewhere, no financial support and many more disadvantages. To add insult to injury, Sinhala majority is betrayed and ill treated by its own people, own leaders and own media. In their own country they have become a non-entity. They have no one to turn to.

In these circumstances, Sinhala people try to be calm and composed. They understand that all odds are not in their favour. That is one thing we have to admire in our people. This ability they got from their creed - Buddhism.

With all technicalities, modern day theories, quantum physics and all mind boggling sutras, still our peasants can tell right from left. Ridiculing their practises as out of date and unsophisticated won’t do any justice to them. It was the humble ‘Upasakamma’ in the rural village that brought Buddihism into 21st century, not the theorists and cosmologists. Ordinary man’s perception is more colourful than that of learned ‘pundit’. The individuals who understood ‘ Four Noble Truth’ and ‘ Pattichcha Samuppada’ were just ordinary peasants, yokels, farmers, labourers and they duly attained Nibbana. The erudite and learned are still shuffle along the unending path of Samsara.

The Budu Res or luminous rays could be optical illusions. Let the ordinary person know it in their stride. Why do we hasten to deride them? What authority do we have?

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