SHRI SAI LEELA - Under Construction

SHRI SAI LEELA – APRIL 1986Indo-Ceylonese ties were further strengthened during the Cuptaperiod. During the reign of Samudragupta the Ceylonese king, KirtiSri Meghavarma sent two monks in 362 to the Cupta court "to spreadthe influence of Buddhism" and also a diplomatic mission to seekpermission to construct a monastery at Bodh Gaya. Buddhaghosa, afamous Buddhist monk of India visited Ceylon during the reign of theCeylon ruler Mahanama (409-431). It was during the Gupta periodthat the tooth relic of Buddha was brought from India to Ceylon earlyin the 4th century. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hsien who was in Ceylonin 412-413 gives a vivid description of the prosperity of Buddhism. Hetells us about the reverence and devotion of the rulers and aristocaracyto the creed, and the celebrations of the annual procession ofthe tooth-relic in the streets of Anuradhapura decorated with festiveenthusiasm. The number of Buddhist monks was more than fiftythousand. Buddhism has been the religion of Ceylon all along Indiaowes a debt of gratitude to Ceylon as also to many other countries inSouth-east Asia to Japan and Korea for having nurtured Buddhismafter it was almost rejected by India, the land of its birth, about the12th century. The Pali Canon has been preserved in Ceylon and itwas from there that Theravada Buddhism was taken to Burma,Cambodia, Thailand and Laos.Thanks to Buddhism in art and architecture of the early centuries ofthis era Ceylon and India have much in common. The frescoes ofSgriya show influence of Ajanta and Amaravati sculptures are thesource of inspiration for Ceylon Buddhist architecture. But let it beclearly understood that in following these Indian schools, theCeylonese artists have retained their identity and their own genius.8WWW.SAILEELAS.ORG