Hela Urumaya

Subject: Reality of JHU being neutral
 - (An Email 8/4/04)

Hear with I have attached a detailed explanation(click here) given by Kavibndra who worked hard for JHU victory. In short:

The discussion with the Ven.Theros on the 'Kinihira' Political Program on Swarnavahini on 24th Feb.2004.

Participated- Ven.Puravidya Cakravarthi Ellawala Medhananda Thero Ven.Dr.Omalpe Sobhitha Thero Ven. Athureliye Rathana Thero Ven.Kotapola Amarakiththi Thero Ven.Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero Ven.Kolonnawe Sumangala Thero

Topic - To explain why the Supreme Sangha Council decided to contest the upcoming General Election on 'Jathika Hela Urumaya' ticket.

Conductor of the Program- Shan Wijethunge

Shan- as Bhikkus, why did you decide to come into politics?

Ven. Medhananda Thero-

Even the Lord Buddha was involved in politics for 44 years. He taught the people how to live in harmony. At the time the Buddha attained enlightenment, in India the society was reeking with caste system-inequalities. According to the teachings of the 'Brahma", the society was divided into 04 categories of people. 1.Brahmin 2.Kshathriya 3.Vaishya 4.Kshudra

Each of these groups was treated differently.

The Lord Buddha changed all this by creating a society, which consisted of 04 groups- Monks (Bhikshu), Female Monks (Bhikshuni). Lay Men (Upasaka) and Lay Women (Upasika). Even the King belonged to one of these categories. They all sat together at the feet of the Buddha irrespective of who they are. In other words they were all equal.If this is not Politics what is?

After the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arahant Mahinda the above way of life as taught by the Lord Buddha was adopted in our country too.

Shan- Why was this decision to enter politics taken so suddenly?

Ven.Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero-

We saw that during every election, the politicians gained power though the vote of the innocent Sinhala Buddhists. But when they get elected, they completely forget their aspirations. We have noticed that the politician of today, work according to the wishes of the western powers.

Although it may seem a sudden decision, this has been in our minds for some time. We saw what was happening during the past few decades.

I too was involved in various organizations which were trying to open the eyes of the leaders of this country. We have gone on processions, protest campaigns; signed petitions etc. but to no avail. They all fell on deaf ears (harping to a deaf elephant).

Take the yesterdays papers. The headlines were about what the Mahanayakes have said on our decision to take to politics. Now, how nice if what the Mahanayakes have said during their lifetime too were given prominence the same way!

We have asked the Government to set up a commission to inquire into the mysterious death of the late Soma Thero. But they said that if such a commission is set up it would lead to religious disharmony. How could that happen if the death occurred under normal circumstances? This proves that there is more to this death than what they try to portray.

This election is very unique. One party says that they are definitely going to win. The other party says that they would join with the LTTE to set up the next Government.

We have preached bana all these years. The leaders do not hear what we say.

This decision of ours is made after much thought. We know it is going to be very difficult and definitely unpleasant. Still, despite all risks even to our lives, we took this decision for the sake of protecting the Sambuddha Sasanya, Country, and the Nation (Jathiya). Who created the ethnic problem? It is the 'deshapalana pinvathun' who created this. Not only have they created ethnic problems but now they have created disharmony between the religions too.

These are the main reasons why we took this decision so suddenly.

Ven.Kotapola Amarakiththti Thero-

The opposition to our decision is much more than when Ven. Baddegama Samitha thero entered Parliament. Why? In his case he was only one and we are many. I say to the people who oppose, that the number does not matter. Whether one goes or many go is immaterial. If it is wrong for many it is definitely wrong for 01.

I think people oppose our decision to enter into politics mainly because they associate politics with dirt. The country was brought to this mess thanks to the politics of the past 56 years.

The word politics does not mean some thing bad. In fact it is highly respectful. It is the politicians of this country which gave a bad taste to this word. Nowadays politics is associated with bicycle chains, all kind of weapons, murder, rape, etc. Thanks to the politicians, politics has become a cesspit.

We came with the express wish of saving the country before it is completely destroyed.

People say that we bhikkus must abstain from politics. But if you read the Jathaka stories that tell you the past births of the Lord Buddha, you will come across many in which the Bodhisatva was reborn as King, Chief advisor (Purohitha), leader etc. He always held the leadership.

Leading the people on the correct path is a great meritorious act. A leader must work for the betterment of the country and his people. This is not applicable to only Sri Lanka. In Oman, there are orchards belonging to the Royalty. These orchards are kept closed during off seasons. But during the time the trees begin to bear fruits, all these are opened to the public. This is the correct way to rule. This is revered politics.

Thugery, dealing in all type of vice are considered to be the qualifications of a politician in this country. Politics has become so low thanks to our Politicians.

The Ven.Bhikkus are trying to clean up this mess. There is no time to waste. We have waited too long. If we do not act now what is going to happen to our future generations?

We are using the non-violent means to achieve our goal. We will follow the Path of Dhamma. We want to create a precedent that we hope every one will follow.

During our campaign we will not use any thing that would harm others or the environment. We will not go against the law. We will explain our motives at 'Dhamma discussions' held in temples. The people who will come to listen to us would wear white. They will be extremely disciplined. There won't be any shouting and screaming. No obscene language would be used.

This exercise is performed with a view to heal the society.

We know that in the major parties there are people who are honorable. But they cannot express their views or act according to their wishes since their voice is suppressed by the majority who are unscrupulous. This is the plight of our country today.

The only way in which we can achieve a better future is through a 'Kingdom of Dhamma'. Dhamma is the correct way of life. It is a great philosophy which is incomparable. I know, when people realize what we are trying to do they would praise our efforts. Even the Mahanayakas would give their blessings I am sure.

Shan- the Ven.Kotapola Amarakiththi Thero compared Politics to a cess pit. Are you also going to fall into this cess pit? Why can't you work to clean it without contesting?

Ven.Dr.Omalpe Sobhitha Thero-

The Bhikku was always involved in 'Politics' of this country. The Politicos treat the Bhikkus like the 'Karapincha leaves'. The Karapincha leaves are a must in our curries because of their medicinal values and taste. But when the curry is eaten the 'Karapincha' leaves are thrown out just like the way politicos ignore the Bhikkus when they gain power.

Even at present there is a Bhikku who represent a Marxist Party in the Parliament. If we too become stooges of main political parties no one would blame us.

The problem begins when the Bhikku tries to represent the Bhikkuhood (Bhikshuthvaya). We have come as the representatives of the Buddha.

The Lord Buddha at the time of his parinirvana saw the 'new' problems the Bhikkus would face in the future. Thus the Lord Buddha too advocated that without harming the main Principles the bhikku too would have to change to suite the time. Nowhere in the Vinaya pitakaya has it been said any thing about 'Viharadhipathi' or 'Nayake' status. But now we have so many of them. No body says that it is against the Vinaya. It is a requirement of the times. If we did not change according to the times (within the main guidelines set up by the Lord Buddha of course), then bhikkus too would have been extinct long time ago.

During the 1st Century AD, when King Valagamba was defeated by the Cholas, it was the Bhikkus (Maha Thissa was not one but many bhikkus) who recreated a Valagambahu and through him re-established the 'Sambuddha Sasanaya' in the Country. The Bhikku must work for the wellbeing of the people.

Shan- By plunging into the political mess don't you think that the power of Buddhists (Bouddha Balaya) might be weakened?

Ven.Kolonnave Sumangala thero-

What do you mean by the power of the Buddhists? Is there such a thing in this country? If Dhamma prevailed in this country would there be -so many slaughter houses? so many robberies, killings, lying, rape, drugs, bars etc? Could the people in a country be divided so much (on ethnicity, religion)?

The main income in this country is from liquor.

There is no country like ours which preaches 'bana' so much. Still we have a very high rate of crime.

This shows that the power of the Bhikkus has weakened.

How many of our educated youth are without jobs? You can see so many of them on roads demanding jobs. If you go near the prisons, you can see how many innocent people have become victims of the bad influences of the society. So how can any one say that the Pure Buddha Dhamma is shining?

The Buddha Dhamma will be preserved in a society that observes the 5 precepts. We strive to achieve that.

Question from listener-What happens in the event the bhikkus get elected and when a bill has to be passed, would you support the major parties or not?

Ven.Athureliye Rathana Thero-

We would allow any party that get the most number of seats to form the Government. We would make decisions according to the Buddhist way regarding the bills that are brought.

The representatives of the main parties cannot contest the North and East. The LTTE has prohibited that. Even Maheshvaran cannot come forward as a candidate. As a result armed LTTE members would come to Parliament after this election. Therefore it is imperative that we be represented. We have no posters that desecrate the cities, no screaming processions. We would not hire drunken thugs. We want to set a good example. Using of innocent poor villagers for election campaign by politicians must be stopped immediately.

We must change the way how the MPs behave in Parliament. Entire system must be changed so that it will revert back to the supreme state. The present attitude must be changed. This is what we intend to do through example. We know that it is a challenge. It is up to the general public to decide on what they want. The number of candidates would be chosen by you. We want to bring back our traditional values which are based on the Dhamma.

We must open our eyes to the fact that we have lost the North and East to the LTTE and that terrorism is spreading to the hill country. On the other hand there is always the threat from the fundamentalist Christian sects all over the island.

A bhikku with leftist ideas would never be able to make the difference. The 'Difference' would be made only when the Bhikkus who follow the path of Dhamma enter the parliament. Because they are the representatives of thousands of other Buddha putras.

Question asked by a viewer- 1. I feel that the Ven. Monks are speaking in a malicious way about the present members of Parliament. Why? 2. Has JHU fielded candidates from all districts? 3. What methods do you use to advertise? 4. What happens if only 3,4 Monks would be elected? Then how could you set up the 'Dharma Rajyaya' with so few?

Ven.Sobhitha thero-

We have never spoken in a malicious way. This is how the majority looks at the politics of today.

Our Constitution gives us the duties and the responsibilities of the elected members of Parliament. But do the present day MPs adhere to these?

Today an MP interferes in every thing from deciding on the jobs to the work of the Police. An MP is considered above law since he breaks all laws!

A Minister addressing a political meeting has said that how can a Bhikku go to Parliament when even the language that is used is vulgar? This is a good reason why we must be there. The Supremacy of the Parliament and its members must be protected.

Question - What happens when the 'war' begins in the North and East?

Ven.Rathana Thero-

First of all we must understand the meaning of 'War' War happens between two Countries. What is happening in the North and East is Terrorism.

The terrorism must be dealt with according to the laws of the Country. We would act according to the 'Bauddha Maha Sammatha Vadaya' We need genuine honest citizens of this country to come forward. They would be empowered to do their jobs. We would only advice.

About the question on what happens if only few are elected, what I have to say is that whatever the number, we would set an example on how to Govern. Even one bhikku with moral integrity can make a very great difference.

Ven.Ellawala Thero-

We have fielded bhikkus from all districts. We call our endeavour a 'Paramitha Perehera'

Answering a question on whether there will be any freedom for other ethnic groups/religions under the ruler ship of the Bhikkus,

We follow the path of the Lord Buddha. We believe in the Dhamma. Therefore no one needs to worry about the 'freedom'. The person who believes in Dhamma would not even harm an animal or plant. There would be enough freedom for other ethnic groups or believers in other faiths to practice. Only unethical conversions would be stopped. Within the frame work of the Dhamma there is freedom for all other ethnicities and religions.

We would always be mindful of the environment when advertising. We want to create a precedent. We would not advertise to create discord among people. We would act to heal the minds of the people.

We would advertise according to the prevailing laws. Our message will be given through discussions, lectures at temples. We would invite all the 'Dayaka/Daikawas' to temples to explain. A 'prathipaththi pooja' would be conducted. The rallies held at public places would be called 'Bodu Samulu' all these would be conducted according to the teachings of the Buddha.

Ven.Uduwe Dhammaloka thero-

No one is hurt in a Kingdom of Dhamma. These days even the wild beasts are hounded. The jungles are being cleared by the greedy.

There will not be any religious or ethnic disharmony.

We needed a party to be entitled to contest the elections. The Sihala Urumaya came forward and offered us their Party when they realized the Noble idea. Although they were confident of winning 2-3 seats in Parliament with the revival of the Sinhala Buddhist feelings. Theirs was a great meritorious deed since they sacrificed almost every thing. They offered their Party with love.

We would be using their Party only as a vehicle to go to our goal. After the General elections, they would relinquish all rights to the 'Jathika Hela Urumaya'.They have no ulterior motives to use us and nor do we have any intentions of relinquishing our posts for them. This has to be very clearly understood by the general public.

Ven.Ellawala Thero-

The SU can be likened to a boat and the boatman. When we cross the river we shall not require the boat or the boatman. We use the SU only as a help to reach our goal. Just as even the Dhamma is discarded when Nibbabana is achieved.

Ven.Kolonnawe Sumangala Thero-

I recall how the late Most Ven.Madihe thero walked from the Dharmayathanaya to the Bellanvila Temple asking some steps to be taken to stop this invasion of the fundamentalists. No leader heeded it. As a last resort we staged a fast unto death campaign. Then the government appointed 31 Bhikkus to draft the bill. But the Minister and the government confused the proceedings so much that it was very difficult for us. They promised us that this would be passed before 60 days. Even before that the President dissolved the Parliament. We made representations and asked her that at least wait till this bill is passed. But to no avail.

Now people ask what happens if we are defeated? Is this a question worth even consideration? There are more than 70% Sinhala Buddhist in this country. Don't they want to see the establishment of a Dharma Rajyaya?

The Buddhists want the Buddha Putras. They have trusted us and they know that we would never let them down.

All this time the legal rights of the Sinhala Buddhists have been robbed by the so called Politicians. When they come to power through the vote of the Sinhala Buddhists they forget them completely. In fact they use the vote to hit back at the rights of the majority Sinhala Buddhists.

Ven.Ellawala Thero-

During the time when motor vehicles were introduced to this country every one said that it was bad for a Bhikku to ride in one. When Bhikkus started teaching that too was looked down upon. The argument was how can a Bhikku handle girls? But the ven. Bhikkus did their jobs well.

With due respect to our Maha Nayakas , Nikayas and Traditions, we ask if we have contravened any laws. If the Mahanayaka theros were very serious in what they said they would have called us instead of releasing statements to the press.

It is like the father who runs out and tells the outsiders about his childrens' quarrel instead settling it himself.

We are aware of a scurrilous campaign against us by the Government media. We would not hesitate to take legal actions against any such campaigns.

Ven. Rathana thero-

All these bhikkus have a large number of followers. They have been working towards a better society for a very long time. We would overcome all evils through Dhamma.

The Valentine day celebrations were stalled by violence in India. But we did the same with non violence through 'Ama Vessa'. A large number of youth participated.

We do not need and party officers. We have a wide network of Temples Island wide. We would be using them as our offices.

All Parties unanimously agreed to grant the citizenship to the Tamils of Indian Origin. What has any body done to restore the rights of the Sinhalese in this Country? We would do our best to give back the rightful place to the Sinhalese Buddhists of this Country while safeguarding the rights of other minorities.

The Sinhala Buddhists are the true heirs of this Land. And this is the truth.

Shan- Did you know that posters to tarnish your image have come up in various places?

Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka-

Yes we know. We have been told that more of those posters and leaflets are being printed even now. We have no hatred towards them. We took this decision after much thought. We realize what we are up against. We have come to change this disgusting system.

We would stop only if the Government agrees to enact the laws according to the Buddhist Principles.

We request the media to stop this mudslinging campaign. We are not just people. We are the followers of the Buddha. We have sacrificed our lives for the cause. We have been leading exemplary lives. Slinging mud at us is a great sin. Hence we are asking those who are responsible to refrain from it. Why do you want to accumulate Sin? Always be mindful of what you do. We say these with Mettha.

The Government media is creating dissention among the Maha Sangha. Thus helping to commit 'Ananthariya Kamma'. They take excerpts from speeches of the Ven. Bhikkus and distort them to their advantage. Even the Most Ven. Weligma Gnanarathana Thero is very hurt at the way they used his speech against us.

The Gov. media aired parts of a speech of the Chief incumbent of the Getambe Rajopavanaramaya that was done many years ago. The Ven. Nayaka thero is very sad.

When asked, these media men say that they get the instructions from 'top'. I tell you, don't do it. If it is wrong and against your conscience, don't ever do it even if the top tells you so. You will definitely be sorry at your deathbed.

Ven.Ellawala Medhananda Thera-

Even the mud in all the tanks and paddy fields would not be enough to use against us!!

We know we are not doing a wrong thing. Even the Lord Buddha was not spared by the rumour mongers of that time.

Ven.Kotapola Amarakiththi Thero- I was informed by one of my dayakas that a scurrilous poster is being printed in Matara against us.

These things are done unthinkingly. Some of these people blindly follow their 'Parties'. The Party has become more important than the religion. If these people realize what they do, I am sure they would refrain from it.

Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera-

Referring to the 'Sit in' staged by some persons in saffron robes in front of Mr.Thilak Karunaratne's residence.

In 1931 Honourable Anagarika Dharmapala had written in his diary that when the Whites finally leave this country they would leave many 'kalusuddhas' behind to continue their dirty work .They would give 'ina beheth' to the monks to do their biddings.

Now this prophecy has come true. These saffron robed persons should be Ashamed of what they have done. They have defiled the sacred bhikkhu hood by sitting in front of a lay person's house.

May I have permission from the Nayaka theros to continue? (Addressing Ven.Ellawala thero)

Ven.Ellawala thero- Yes.

Ven.Uduwe thero- I must say that one of the 'monks' who sat there once threatened to commit suicide by setting himself on fire if Gen.Anurddha Ratwatte resigned as the Defense Minister. The rest who sat with him were seen at the last May Day rally of a 'Political Party'. These are the 'Monks' who say that it is against the Vinaya rules for a Bhikku to Contest an election! Slandering would not make us go back on our decision.

Question from a listener- How do you propose to govern?

Our aim is to establish a 'Dharma Rajyaya' based on Dhamma in this country.

As and when problems arise we would deal with them according to the cause and effect theory. We must find the root cause of the problem and treat that.We have a pool of professionals and intellectuals to handle these problems.So far all our National affairs were handled based on 'power hunger' we would eliminate that.

The country has become head-less (arajika). Therefore, it is up to us as the guardian Deity to become the leaders.They say that there is an 'ethnic problem' in this country. Only 5% ofTamils live in the North. 13% live among us. How can this be so if there is an 'ethnic problem'?

The terrorists claim that North and East is their 'Nija Bhoomy' . This is another fabricated story. Our Ellawala Nayaka thero would enlighten you on that.Thanks to the politicians, the terrorists woo the International crowd by spreading such falsehoods.We have had talks with the President as well as the Prime Minister regarding this.But they ignored us.

Question from a listener-Did you renounce the lay life and become a monk to attain Nirvana or to do Politics?

Ven. Omalpe Sobhitha-

I was ordained at the age of 10 years.No where in the scriptures it has said that you have to attain Nibbana within one life time. If all our bhikkus strived only to attain Nibbana,then the Buddha Sasana would have perished long time ago.

Ven.Ellawala Thero-

Ven. Ellawala thero's and Ven.Soma thero's names were listed as 1st and 2nd in the 'hit' list of the Fundamentalist Christian organization. This was given a lot of publicity at that time.

After we declared our intention to contest the election, a dayaka came in a hurry and questioned why we took this decision.I asked him when there was a threat to my life you never came to see me.But why have you come now?I know, it is because he is an ardent supporter of a political party.

Ven. Sobhitha thero-

The Buddha's message to the first lot of his disciples was 'go among the people and work towards the wellbeing of their mind and body -'Charatha Bhikkave Carikan, Bahu jana hithaya, bahu jana Sukhaya'.

If the Buddha wanted his bhikkus to strive only to attain Nibbana he would not have laid down 227 laws of vinaya for them. To become a monk is not very easy. It is like entering the Forces. People with mental or physical deformities are prohibited to be ordained. A person with tattoos cannot enter monkhood. If you become a bhikku only to attain Nirvana, then why do we have all these restrictions? Surely, a person with physical deformities can attain Nirvana?

The Buddha wanted the Bhikkus to give leadership to the society. Only a bhikku healthy in mind and body can become a leader. Only then will the people look up to him. In order to lead, a bhikku must leave an exemplary life.The Buddha never said that a Bhikku must not face challenges, or problems.

Once when the Buddhha was residing in the Jethavana Temple, the followers of Nighanta faith started building a temple in the adjacent land. The Budhha sent Ven.Ananda thero to inform the King about this. But the King ignored the thero. Then, He sent Arahants, Seriyuth and Mugalan. Still the King ignored. Then the Budhha , Himself went on a procession together with 500 monks to show his displeasure to the King.

The 3rd 'Yama Maha Pelahera' was performed to quell the disbelief of the 'thirthakas'.It is a question of whether we want to attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana alone or whether we would direct others also on the same path.

Ven.Kotapola thero- When the Rupavahini was airing third rate, anti social disgusting programs which spoiled the minds of the people, the students of Ananda College signed a petition against this and submitted to the Minister. But what happened? Nothing.

Question -Is this move taken to bring the UNP to power?

Ven.Rathana thero-

The President has still not disclosed her position with regard to the LTTE. We requested a meeting with her on the 16th. The Presidents office sent us an undated letter.The President act according to what Ranil Wickremesinghe thinks.

The UNP with the 'help' of Minister John Amerathunge, broke up the LRP Unit by exposing them. As a result the members of the Army Intelligence Unit were killed by the LTTE. It is the UNF Government which betrayed our Forces. The UNF allowed the LTTE to canvass internationally.

Did the President do the correct thing after she took over the Ministries? She brought Gen.Fonseka to Colombo.If you weight the two, we agree that Ranil Wickremasinge is the worst.Both Ranil and the President agree to grant the 'rights' of the minorities. But they don't even consider the plight of the Sinhala Buddhists in their own land.We have not come to break votes of any Party. We have come to get all to our side.

Still the President has not disclosed her position with regards to the ISGA.

Ven.Kolonnawe Sumangala thero-

Once the Most Ven. Balangoda Ananda Maithriya thero said that instead of calling a rubber estate a rubber estate, what else could you call? Although there may be few other plants also growing in the estate the main trees are Rubber. Hence we call it a Rubber estate and not any other.

This is a Sinhala Buddhist country. We cannot behave like deaf mutes any more. This is the country that we were born. Hence we have a love for this country. We have seen the destruction. We have come forward with the idea of creating a righteous State because of our Metta, Karuna and Muditha .

Ven.Uduwe Dhammaloka thero- There is a roumour going round to say that I am a brother of a Minister. I am very happy to say that I have no kinship to any Minister.

Ven.Omalpe Sobhitha thero-

As Buddha Putras we will arm the people of this country with knowledge. A country would prosper only when the minds of its people blossom with intellect. This can be achieved only in a 'Bauddha Rajyaya (Dharma Rajyaya)'

Emperror Asoka's reign ( 3rd Century BC-India) is the finest example of a Dharma Rajyaya. It was based on Buddhist philosophy (Dharma Chakra). How the Emperor treated his subjects could be understood from the 'babru' stone inscription - 'Save manusa paja mama' ( All who live in this country are my children.). This shows the compassion of the King towards his people. This is what the Buddha taught.

A person who respects/values his religion would always respect the religions of others. Within a Bauddha Rajyaya there is freedom to practice all religions. The rights of all ethnic groups would be safe guarded.People would lead happy and contended lives in a country where Dhamma is respected.

The Noble wish of the Venrable theros is to establish this Dharma Rajyaya in our Country for all being to live in Peace, Harmony and Prosperity.

We would launch our 'prathipaththi prakashanaya' on the 2nd of March in Kandy. On that day we would gather at the Kelaniya temple and go in a procession to Kandy.

We must mention the significance of that day. It was on the 2nd of March 1815 that the British flag was brought down by the Ven.Variyapola Sumangala thero for which he was incarcerated. This is also the anniversary of signing of the treaty by the Sinhalese with the British.