Buddhism from India to Sri Lanka and beyond: Universal Solution to Modern Crises

India, the land of diversity, has contributed significantly to the world's cultural and spiritual heritage. One of the most prominent religions, Buddhism, originated in India and expanded to other parts of the world, including Sri Lanka. Venerable Mahendra, Pāli Mahinda, is considered as the propagator of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and his contribution to spreading the message of Buddha has been highly significant.

Buddhism is one of the oldest religions in the world, tracing its roots back to the 6th century BCE. Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Buddha, was born in Lumbini, in present-day Nepal. He attained enlightenment after years of meditation and taught his message to his disciples. The teachings of Buddha, also known as dharma, promote the path to liberation and inner peace, emphasizing the importance of compassion and wisdom.

India, being the birthplace of Buddha, played a crucial role in the development and expansion of Buddhism. The spread of Buddhism to Sri Lanka can be traced back to the 3rd century BCE when King Ashoka's son, Mahendra, and daughter, Sanghamitra, traveled to Sri Lanka to spread the message of Buddha. According to historical records, Mahendra arrived in Sri Lanka with a group of monks during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa.

The arrival of Mahendra is considered a significant event in the history of Sri Lanka, as it marked the introduction of Buddhism to the country. Mahendra and his group of monks played a crucial role in propagating Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and they were successful in converting a considerable number of people to Buddhism. Mahendra's arrival is celebrated annually in Sri Lanka as Poson Poya, and it is considered one of the most sacred religious festivals in the country.

Mahendra's contribution to spreading Buddhism in Sri Lanka was not limited to converting people to Buddhism. He also established several monasteries in the country, which played a crucial role in spreading the message of Buddha. Mahendra's monasteries were centers of learning, where monks studied Buddhist scriptures, philosophy, and meditation.

One of the most significant accomplishments of Mahendra was the introduction of the Pāli language to Sri Lanka. Pāli is the language of the Buddhist scriptures, and Mahendra's introduction of Pāli to Sri Lanka played a crucial role in the development of Buddhism in the country. The translation of Buddhist scriptures into Pāli helped preserve the teachings of Buddha, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Mahendra's contribution to spreading Buddhism in Sri Lanka was not limited to his lifetime. His legacy continued through his disciples and followers, who propagated the message of Buddha in Sri Lanka for centuries. In fact, Sri Lanka became an important center of Buddhism in Asia, and it played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism to other parts of the world.

Buddhism had a profound impact on Sri Lankan society, and it played a crucial role in shaping the country's culture and traditions. The influence of Buddhism can be seen in Sri Lankan art, architecture, literature, and music. The Buddhist monasteries and temples in Sri Lanka are architectural marvels, and they serve as a testament to the country's rich Buddhist heritage.

In this context, a public conference organized by South-South Research Initiative under the theme of "Buddhism as a Universal Solution to the World" was held in Colombo in line with the Poson Poya Day where several sessions on "Buddhism for Mental Wellness", "Buddhist Solutions to Modern Crisis", "Buddhism from the Past World to the Future World" were organised.

Addressing the gathering, Lecturer Greshan Wijesinghe said "The solutions to the economic and social crises faced by Sri Lanka and the world are in the teachings of Buddhism. He elucidated on this with reference to Sutra sermons like Bhogadhigama Sutra, Khattiya Sutra, Kula Sutra, Gopalaka Sutra.

Meanwhile, Preacher Ramesh Madhusankha, who joined the session "Buddhism from the past world to the future world", stated that Buddhism is a practice that can be followed by anyone while emphasising that it is a universal heritage. "It is absolutely vital create a global discussion on. Buddhism. A special function was recently held in India for this purpose, which is the Global Buddhist Summit held in New Delhi, India.

In conclusion, India, being the birthplace of Buddha, has played a crucial role in the development and expansion of Buddhism. Venerable Mahendra, Pāli Mahinda, is considered as the propagator of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and his contribution to spreading Buddha's message has been highly significant. Mahendra's legacy continued through his disciples and followers, who propagated the message of Buddha in Sri Lanka for centuries. Sri Lanka became an important center of Buddhism in Asia, and it played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism to other parts of the world. The influence of Buddhism can be seen in Sri Lankan culture and traditions, and it continues to inspire millions of people around the world to seek inner peace and enlightenment.