| A Sasana Mandala - 'an
urgent need' by
Most Ven. Madihe Pannaseeha Maha Nayake Thero A Buddhist Council was held in Burma to mark Buddha Jayanthi year 2500. In order to conduct the affairs of that Buddhist Council between the years 1954-1956 a Sasana Mandala was established. Both clergy and laity were pleased and encouraged by the achievements of the Buddhist Council, which conducted its affairs most efficiently. But even though it was hoped that a permanent Sasana Mandala would be established, this was not possible because of the fall of the government in power. However, 24 years later on May 22, 1980 over 1000 bhikkus met and established a Sasana Mandala which was known as the Madyama Sangha Palaka Sabha. The monks held discussions for four days and the Sabha was established on behalf of over one lakh of bhikkus. Powerful body All matters pertaining to the Sasana in Siam have been divided into ten sectors, and ten bhikkus have been appointed as minister in charge of each department. The Maha Nayake who heads the Palaka Sabhawa presides over this Board of Bhikku Ministers. As in the case of local government where Municipal, Urban and Village Councils have been elected to look after local affairs, Sangha Sabhas have been appointed for the provinces and districts in order that the affairs of the Sangha would be looked after efficiently. Due to this efficient organisation and administrative structure the affairs of more than three lakhs of bhikkus and 25,000 temples are administered and regulated in an effective and orderly manner. The state pays heed to the decisions of the Sangha Sabha. There is a Department of Sasana Affairs under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The world's oldest organisation is the Buddha's Sangha Sabha. On the first Navam Poya Day after the Buddha attained Enlightenment a great assembly of bhikkus was held. Twenty years after the Buddha's Enlightenment Vinaya rules such as 'Pohoya Karma' were made obligatory for the bhikkus. This organisation called the Sangha Sabhawa established 2584 years ago exists to this day. One hundred years after the passing away of the Buddha there was an upheaval in the Buddha Sasana due to the activities of the Vajjiputtaka. In order to crush their activities the assistance of the state became essential. Once the conflict was subdued the second Buddhist Council was held. By the time of king Dharmasoka, not only had the assistance of the state to be sought, its authority too had to be used. King Dharmasoka used the power of the state to cleanse the Sangha of indisciplined and impropriety. Consequently the Third Buddhist Council consolidated and protected the Buddha Sasana. Conflicts The condition of Buddhism deteriorated seriously after the Buddhist kings caused to exist and their rule was replaced by foreigners. They used the sword, the gun and the armed forces to destroy Buddhism and they committed many crimes to achieve their aims. The Christians organised themselves and became strong and their organisations were legalised. When they became strong Buddhism became weaker and weaker. But there followed a Buddhist renaissance because of the courage of such stalwarts as Battaramulla Shri Subuthi Maha Nayake Thero, Migettuwatte Shri Gunananda Thero etc. With the arrival of Col. Henry Olcott in 1880 the awakening of the Buddhist received a fresh impetus. Savants and indomitable fighters like Anagarika Dharmapala and Walisinghe Harischandra came to the forefront. There followed the establishment of Buddhist organisations such as the Buddhist Theosophical Society, the Mahabodhi Society, the Young mens Buddhist Association, All Ceylon Buddhist Congress, etc. The Buddhist renaissance continued to gain in strength. It was in April 2, 1954 the Buddhist Commission was appointed by the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress to inquire into all matters related to the Buddha Sasana and present a report. In the report presented by the Commission on February 4, 1956, it was recommended that a Sasana Mandala be appointed in this country. The Buddhist Commission also presented in 1959 the guidelines under which an Act of Parliament should be drafted. Aims and purposes 1. The protection of the rights of both Buddhist clergy and laity. 2. Advising the government on all matters pertaining to the Buddha Sasana. 3. In the past the Kings undertook responsibilities and obligations connected with the Buddha Sasana. In instances where these responsibilities are not undertaken by modern governments, those responsibilities to be devolved to the Sasana Mandala. 4. Those responsibilities, which from time to time, the government is unable to undertake or fulfil, also to be devolved to the Sasana Mandala. 5. The creation of unity amongst the Buddhist public. 6. The organisation of Buddhist practices and rituals. 7. The carrying out of research in order to meet the problems of the modern world. To mould Buddhist society and re-establish the proper place due to Buddhism. 8. Steps to be taken to promote the education of Bhikkus and the improvement of the knowledge of Buddhism among the Buddhist laity. 9. Training of young persons so that they could take a lead role in Buddhist affairs. 10. Assisting Buddhist organisation engaged in religious and social affairs. 11. Protection of common funds and their proper use. 12. The maintenance and repair of Buddhist places of worship. 13. The acceptance of assistance and the establishment of relevant funds. 14. Improvement of Buddhist art and literature. 15. The undertaking of all steps to protect the Buddha Sasana. In order to achieve these noble purposes the following organisations will have to be established:- 1. A Supreme Sangha Sabhawa. 2. A Sasana Sangamaya. 3. An Executive Council. The Sangha Sabhawa will comprise 51 bhikkus and it will take a leading part in all matters connected with the Sangha. The mode of the appointment of these bhikkus is stated in the draft Bill. The Sasana Sangamaya which will comprise 101 members from both the clergy and laity will be divided into eight sub-committees, as follows:- 1. Finances, 2. Executive committee of the Sangha, 3. Education and promotion, 4. Legal matters, 5. Social affairs, 6. Vihares and places of worship, 7. Common funds, 8. Buddhist associations. The Executive Council which will have heavy responsibilities will comprise 14 members. (Released by the Dharma Vijaya Foundation) |