Browsing by Author "Ranasinghe, Piyadasa"

Now showing 1 - 6 of 6

Dhammacakkappavattana sutta: First research thesis of the world
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Ranasinghe, Piyadasa
The first sermon of Gotama Buddha, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta can be considered as the first ever research thesis submitted for the benefit of the mankind and all other beings in the universe. It is not appropriate to measure the strength and validity of this thesis in terms of Western research methodology. The research methodology expounded in this sutta seems to have influenced the Western research methodology developed at a later period. The objective of the present study is to investigate the methodology found in Dhamma Cakkappawattana Sutta vis-a- vis the Western research methodology. The sutta is the first expression of the findings of the great research conducted by Siddhatta Gotama for about six years. In fact it reveals the research methodology used in Buddhism. The sutta itself is similar to a modern research thesis. The contents of the sutta can be categorized into six major areas. 1. Abstract of the research thesis 2. Identification of problem and formulation of hypotheses 3. Tools for testing hypotheses 4. Variables used 5. Findings/conclusions 6. Dissemination of findings Abstract of the thesis As in a modern research thesis DS also at its beginning gives the abstract of the research. It contains (1) two extremes not to be practiced by Bhikkhus (2) Middle path that should be practiced (3) elements in Middle path (4) results obtained by practicing the Middle path. In short it is the essence of whole research. Identification of problem and formulation of hypotheses Suffering (dukkha) is the main problem of the research. Based on this problem four hypotheses have been identified, They are 1) there is a suffering (dukkha sacca) 2) there is a cause of suffering (Dukkha samudaya sacca) 3) there is a cessation of suffering (dukkha nirodha sacca) 4) there is a path for the cessation of suffering (dukka nirodha gamini patipada sacca). Tools for testing hypotheses In order to test the above hypotheses and obtain desired results eight tools are to be used. They are 1) right view (samma ditthi), 2) right thought (samma sankappa), 3) right speech (samma vaca), 4) right action (samma kammanta), 5) right livelihood (samma ajiiva), 6) right effort (samma vayama), 7) right mindfulness (samma sati), and 8) right concentration (samma samadhi). Variables used In testing each hypothesis three variables have been used. Thus for h1 the variables are 1) acceptance of the phenomenon concept of suffering as it is (idam dukkam ariyasaccam) 2) truth of suffering has to be understood (dukkham ariyasaccam pariññeyyanti) 3) truth of suffering has been understood (dukkham ariyasaccam pariññātanti ). The last variable depends on the second and the second depends on the first. In this way the variables for h2 are: 1) acceptance of the existing of the cause of suffering ( idam dukkhasamudayam ariyasaccam) 2) cause of suffering should be abandoned (dukkhasamudayam ariyasaccam pahātabbanti) 3) cause of suffering has been abandoned (dukkhasamudayam ariyasaccam pahīnanti). Variables for h3 are: 1) acceptance that there is a cessation of suffering (idam dukkhanirodham ariyasaccam) 2) cessation of suffering should be realised (dukkhanirodham ariyasaccam sacchikātabbanti ) 3) cessation of suffering has been realized (dukkhanirodham ariyasaccam sacchikatanti). Similarly variables for h4 are: 1) acceptance that there is a path to end of suffering (idam dukkhanirodhagāminī patipadā ariyasaccam) 2) path to the end of suffering should be developed (dukkhanirodhagāminī patipadā ariyasaccam bhāvetabbanti) 3) path to the end of suffering has been developed (dukkhanirodhagāminī patipadā ariyasaccam bhāvitanti). Findings/conclusions The outcome of the research is the realization of incomparable full enlightenment (anuttaram sammāsambodhim abhisambuddho). and the achievement of full liberation from further existence. (akuppā ceto vimutti, antimā jāti, natthidāni punabbhavo). Dissemination of findings When research findings were delivered, at that very moment, at that very instant the sound reached up to the brahmā realms, and this ten-thousandfold world system trembled, and heaved, and shook, and an incomparable radiance arose in the world, even surpassing the radiance of all the deities. (tena khanena tena muhuttena yāva brahmalokā saddo abbhuggacchi. Ayañca dasasahassilokadhātu sankampi sampakampi sampavedhi, appamāno ca ulāro obhāso loke pāturahosi atikkamma devānam devānubhāvanti). Perhaps, this could be the first example in mass communication through word by mouth in the entire history of mankind. Conclusion Buddhist research methodology is a subject that has not yet been fully studied. An investigation of Pali tipitaka literature would yield much result in this regard.
Libraries in Sri Lanka in the Ancient Anuradhapura period (250 BC- 1017 AD)
(International Conference on Asian Art, Cultural and Heritage, 2013, 2013) Ranaweera, R.A.A.S.; Ranasinghe, Piyadasa
Libraries in Sri Lanka in the Ancient Anuradhapura period: a historical account (250 B.C.-1017 A.D.)
(Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, 2013) Ranaweera, R.A.A.S.; Ranasinghe, Piyadasa
Palm leaf manuscript culture in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Ranasinghe, Piyadasa
Palm leaf, also known as Ola leaf, has been the chief writing material as well as the principal career of knowledge in Sri Lanka from early Anuradhapura period to 20thth century, for more than 2300 years. Even in this digital era writing on palm leaves for special purpose is still exists. The present study, based on the examination of archival data as well as manuscripts themselves, is an attempt to identify the palm leaf manuscript culture which formed the intellectual backbone of the nation. Manuscript culture can be defined as a sub set of main culture which involves in the production, distribution, collection and preservation of manuscripts and practices and beliefs pertaining to these activities. Invariably it is influenced by the main culture and vice versa. In Sri Lanka palm leaves have been in use as single leaves for writing short messages and notes and as bounded set of leaves gathered together with a strong thread to form a book. Both sides of the book were protected by two wooden plates usually decorated with coloured illustrations. The study revealed that there was a set of practices and beliefs that can be termed as palm leaf manuscript culture. Processing of raw palm leaves into flexible and durable writing material has resulted in a specific art and craft. Growing palm trees and economical use of leaves with clear ecological concerns, specific writing system to write on palm leaves, training of copyists, copying profession, book cover decorative art, preservation techniques of manuscript books and institutions to collect them and the social role of manuscripts are some of the features of this culture. It was observed that the prevailing listening tradition- the inevitable outcome of the oral tradition- was further strengthened by this manuscript culture. Respect for books in Sri Lankan culture is also due to the impact of manuscript subculture which personified Dhamma in book format on a par with Buddha and Sangha. At the beginning palm leaf manuscripts that recorded Dhamma became sacred objects and later the same notion seeped into other types of manuscript books also. Bibliographic control of manuscript books or the dissemination of bibliographic details of such books to interested users has also been a part of this culture. Standard of the description consisted of fivefold elements, viz., author, title, cause (reason for writing), extent and use. Although the manuscripts books were not for sale as today, there was a system similar to modern book publishing in which copyists did the role of printer and sponsors played the role of publisher. Certain folk beliefs and folk tales associated with palm leaf manuscript culture are also found and in general the subject needs multi- faceted investigations.
Subscription libraries in Ceylon in the 19th century: special reference to the Colombo Library, the Ceylon United Service Library and the Colombo Pettah Library
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Ranaweera, R.A.A.S.; Ranasinghe, Piyadasa
The contemporary library system in Sri Lanka systematically started with the establishment of ?subscription libraries? during the early nineteenth century of the British governing period of Ceylon. These subscription libraries were established to fulfill the reading and recreational requirements of the British Government and Army officers worked in Ceylon under the British Government. The library service extended to their family members as well. The aim of this study was to explore the subscription libraries functioned in the 19th century. The study mainly focused on the three prominent subscription libraries existed during the nineteenth century, namely the Colombo Library (1812), the Ceylon United Service Library (1813) and the Colombo Pettah Library (1829). These were the first set of subscription libraries established by the British in the Colombo city limit during the early years of their governing period in Ceylon. There was an annual grant received by these subscription libraries from the British Government in Ceylon. These grants were mainly used for the maintenance and functionality of libraries. Library users had to pay a small subscription fee for using the library. Qualitative research approach was adopted and study was mainly based on the secondary data. Secondary data were mainly gathered from the secondary data sources such as ?The Ceylon Calendar?, ?The Ceylon Blue Book? and ?The Ferguson?s Directory?. Data was comparatively analyzed and arranged under the name of libraries. The study revealed that these three subscription libraries rendered a good service to its users throughout the 19th century. However, with the difficulties faced with regard to maintenance and functionality these libraries were amalgamated with other libraries to carry out a better library service to its patrons. As a result of the user demand for these three libraries, the government set up number of subscription libraries in the country covering main provinces such as Central, Southern and Northern by the end of the final quarter of the 19th century.
Subscription Libraries in Ceylon in the 19th Century: Special Reference to the Colombo Library, the Ceylon United Service Library and the Colombo Pettah Library
(Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2013) Ranaweera, R.A.A.S.; Ranasinghe, Piyadasa
The contemporary library system in Sri Lanka systematically started with the establishment of “subscription libraries” during the early nineteenth century of the British governing period of Ceylon. These subscription libraries were established to fulfill the reading and recreational needs of the British Government and Army officers worked in Ceylon under the British Government. The library service extended to their family members as well. The aim of this study was to explore the subscription libraries functioned in the 19th century. The study mainly focused on the three prominent subscription libraries existed during the nineteenth century, namely the Colombo Library (1812), the Ceylon United Service Library (1813) and the Colombo Pettah Library (1829). These were the first set of subscription libraries established by the British in the Colombo city limit during the early years of their governing period in Ceylon. There was an annual grant received by these subscription libraries from the British Government in Ceylon. These grants were mainly used for the maintenance and functionality of libraries. Library users had to pay a small subscription fee for using the library. Qualitative research approach was adopted and study was mainly based on the secondary data. Secondary data were gathered from the secondary data sources such as “The Ceylon Calendar” The Ceylon Blue Book” and The Ferguson’s Directory”. Data was comparatively analyzed and arranged under the name of libraries. The study revealed that these three subscription libraries rendered a good service to its users throughout the 19th century. However, with the difficulties faced with regard to maintenance and functionality these libraries were amalgamated with other libraries to carry out a better library service to its patrons. As a result of the user demand for these three libraries, the government set up number of subscription libraries in the country covering main provinces such as Central, Southern and Northern by the end of the final quarter of the 19th century.