Today marks Unduvap Poya, the final full moon of the year, celebrated in the month of December—a time that also commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. This sacred day reminds us of the shared spiritual essence across traditions, as both Buddhism and Christianity emphasize love, compassion, and the value of life.
Princess Sanghamitta was a charming and accomplished young woman, only sixteen years old when she married Prince Aggribrahama. Their union was blessed with a son named Sumana, who brought joy and hope to their family. Life in the royal household seemed destined for grandeur, but destiny had other plans.
Sanghamitta’s father, Emperor Asoka, had embarked on a transformative journey following his conversion to Buddhism after the devastating Kalinga War. Inspired by his newfound faith, Asoka’s brother, Prince Tissa, renounced worldly life and became a Buddhist monk. Tissa’s decision was a turning point for the royal family, and soon, others followed. Prince Aggribrahama, Sanghamitta’s husband, was deeply moved by the spiritual path, and together with their seven-year-old son Sumana, he too embraced monastic life, leaving behind the comforts of palace life.
Bhikkhuni Order
The sudden and profound changes in her life left Sanghamitta with little choice. With her beloved brother Mahinda already ordained and now her husband and son also part of the Sangha, she decided to dedicate herself fully to the Buddha’s teachings. Guided by the wise and venerable nuns Ayupali and Dhammapali, Sanghamitta entered the Bhikkhuni Order. Her commitment to the path of renunciation was unwavering, and through years of dedicated practice, she attained arahantship, reaching the pinnacle of spiritual enlightenment, much like her brother, Mahinda Thera.
Theri Sanghamitta’s contribution to Buddhism, particularly in Sri Lanka, was monumental. Arhant Mahinda Thera arrived in Lanka on Poson Poya to propagate the Dhamma, Sanghamitta later joined him on a Unduvap Poya day, carrying the sapling of the sacred Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. This sapling, planted at Anuradhapura, became a potent symbol of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and is revered to this day.
Together, Sanghamitta and Mahinda Thera were instrumental in transforming Lanka into “Dhammadeepa”—the island of Dhamma. Sanghamitta’s efforts laid the foundation for the Bhikkhuni Order in Sri Lanka, empowering women to follow the monastic path and contribute to the spread of Buddhism. Her influence extended beyond religion; under her guidance and inspiration, Buddhist culture flourished, shaping Sri Lanka’s literature, economy, arts, and crafts, all deeply rooted in Buddhist principles.
Theri Sanghamitta passed away at the age of 61, during the reign of King Uttiya, leaving behind an indelible legacy. Her life and work marked the beginning of a proud civilization enriched by the teachings of the Buddha. The seeds she and Mahinda planted in Lanka grew into a robust culture that stood as a beacon of Buddhist thought and practice for centuries to come.…
Core teachings
Hatred, divisive speech, and destructive thoughts directed towards other faiths are profoundly contrary to the core teachings of Buddhism, Christianity, and most spiritual traditions. These actions betray the fundamental values of kindness and understanding, which are central to all religious doctrines.
A sincere and proper practice of these religious principles offers a way forward in bridging the differences that separate us. By focusing on the essence of our beliefs, rather than the external forms, we can find common ground. Compassion—cultivated for all living beings—becomes the foundation for true harmony.
In this season of reflection and spiritual renewal, let us be inspired to transcend the barriers of creed and culture, promoting understanding and unity for the betterment of all.… The brain, shaped by years of conditioning through culture, tradition, and education, has been trained to think and react in a specific way. When confronted with something new, the same brain struggles to truly listen or comprehend, as it is bound by the limitations of its ingrained patterns. This is where the complexity arises—our difficulty lies in breaking free from these entrenched ways of functioning.
Unlike a recorded message that can be erased and started anew, the impressions etched into the brain over time are not easily wiped clean. These deeply ingrained patterns—our repetitive thoughts, habitual practices, and routines—become a blueprint that governs our lives. As a result, we often recycle the same ideas, bodily habits, and reactions over and over again, leaving little room to grasp anything truly new. The act of listening with complete attention and focus, however, holds the potential for transformation. When one listens with full concentration, the old memories, practices, and accumulated rituals begin to dissolve. The mind opens up, no longer constrained by the weight of the past, and in this state of true listening, there is the possibility of breaking free from the endless cycle of repetition.
As Descartes famously stated, “Cogito, ergo sum”—”I think, therefore I exist.” This celebrated assertion established a distinction between mind and body in Western philosophy, elevating the realm of thought above that of the physical. While this dualism has shaped much of modern scientific thinking, it also underscores a profound truth: the mind, dominated by its patterns and explanations, often blinds us to what is.
Profound shift
To truly perceive reality, to see what is without the need for clarification or explanation, requires a profound shift. Explanations, while useful, can become a trap. They entangle us in words and concepts, keeping us from directly experiencing reality. The one who sees what is—without the filter of accumulated knowledge or the crutch of clarifications—is free, while the one lost in explanations is blinded by them. This challenge demands a fundamental understanding: to break the patterns of conditioned thought, one must go beyond words, beyond explanations, and beyond the limitations of the conditioned mind. Only then can we embrace the possibility of seeing with clarity and living anew.
Violence, including war, is unequivocally inexcusable under any circumstances according to the teachings of the Buddha. His Dhamma emphasizes that all disputes, no matter how complex, should be resolved through nonviolent means. Similarly, Jesus Christ’s words from the Sermon on the Mount—“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”—underscore the power of love and forgiveness, even in the face of hostility.
Yet, throughout history, certain factions have distorted the essence of these teachings. A few Buddhist clergy and extremist ‘Sinhala/Buddhist’ groups have propagated hostility and negative thoughts, influencing a small but vocal minority of followers. Similarly, sections of Islamist militants and radical Christian sects have, at times, justified violence as a necessity in the name of religion. These actions starkly contradict the core principles of compassion, tolerance, and peace inherent in their respective faiths. To transcend such destructive ideologies and live a life free from hostility, resentment, and violence requires a profound inner transformation. It calls for an unwavering commitment to truth and a deep desire to live an extraordinary life of inward freedom. Such a person—a truly serious seeker—is not easily swayed or discouraged by the challenges along the way. Their course is set, driven by a sincere quest for understanding and harmony.
This journey of transformation involves paying close attention to others, thinking critically, examining beliefs, and observing oneself and the world with honesty. It requires an openness to listen without prejudice, to enquire with genuine curiosity, and to pursue truth relentlessly. By dedicating time, energy, and thought to this path, one can gradually cultivate a life rooted in compassion, free from the chains of hostility and violence.
As individuals, communities, and nations, the responsibility lies with us to embody these principles and move beyond the divisions of religion, ideology, and culture. It is through this collective effort that a peaceful, harmonious world can be realized—one in which love, understanding, and nonviolence prevail.
May all beings be happy!
KKS PERERA