POSON, THE DAWN OF PLENTY AND PROSPERITY

On a resplendent 'Full Moon Day' in the month of June, Poson festivities are celebrated in Sri Lanka. This splendid occasion is to commemorate and pay homage to the wonderful appearance of Maha Samana Arahant Mihindu, accompanied by a spiritually advanced six-member Royal emissary, sent by the great emperor Dharmasoka of Jambudeepa, on a similar Poson Poya day 2013 years ago.

- By Kumar Wethasinghe

The venue of the event was 'Missaka Pawwa' or Ambustala rock, 100 feet above the plain, named Mihintale, nearby Anuradhapura.

Arahant Mahendra (Mihindu / Maha Samana), was none other than the only son of emperor Dharmasoka.

Tissa, Tissa! the Clarian command addressing the King by his name, stunned King Devanampiyatissa, and his Royal escort, who were engaged in an annual deer hunting round armed with bows and arrows.

"Samana Mayam Maha Raja Dhamma Rajassa Sewaka-Themeva Anukampaya Jambudeepa Idagata".

Oh! Great King, Samanas are we the disciples of the King of Truth. With compassion towards Thee - we come from Jambudeepa".

Instantly, the King Devanampiyatissa wisely recollected emperor Dharmasoka's sacred offer and respectfully approached the Maha Samana and his group.

Following a brief discussion the King and his men, took refuge in the sacred Triple Gem embracing Buddha Dhamma.

Further the Maha Samana was invited to the Royal Palace the following day.

The members of the royal family as well as civilians in large numbers attended the event.

The Maha Samana, delivered his maiden sermon based on "Chulla Hatti Padume Sutta. History reveals that Prince Aritta and 50 members of the Royal family entered the order of Maha Sangha.

Meanwhile Queen Anoma and a feminine group expressed their earnest desire to enter the "Bikkhuni Sasana".

The Maha Samana advised the King to make a request from the emperor, since Maha Samana had no authority to enroll Bhikkhunis.

The emperor Dharmasoka became so delighted and arranged his own daughter Arahant Sangamitta Theri, to accompany a group of Bhikkhunis to proceed to Sri Lanka and establish a Bhikkhuni Sasana.

The emperor further made arrangements for Arahant Sanghamitta, to carry a right Bo Sapling from the "Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi" in a golden bowl to Sri Lanka for the next Unduwap Poya Day.