Symposia & Conferences

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/10219

Browse

Filters

20162

Settings

Author: search.filters.author.Pagngnaloka Thero, Deniyaye

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    On the Satasahasrika Prajnaparamita Manuscripts Preserved in Japan
    (Department of Sanskrit, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, 2016) Pagngnaloka Thero, Deniyaye
    This is an analytical study of the Sanskrit manuscripts of the śatasahasrikā Prajñpāramitā (SP) – the largest available Prajñpāramitā-sūtra – preserved in university libraries in Japan. Of this huge work, only two parts have been published so far, i.e. Prajñpāramitā (Pratāpacandra Ghosha, 1902) and a part of the Dvitīya-khanda (Takayasu Kimura, 2009 – 2014). The remaining larger part is still available in MSS form. Even the published portions are not critical editions. Hence, this study focuses on examining the nature of available material for the restoration of SP in its original form. A very rare leaf MS of the Dvitīya-khanda of SP is preserved in the library of the Faculty of Letters of the Kyushu University in Western Japan. This MS (Q) is considered to be the oldest available source of all MSS of SP. One paper MS (K) is preserved in the Kyoto University library while two more paper MSS (T1 and T2) are preserved in the Tokyo University library. When these four MSS are compared with the Chinese and Tibetan versions, the text of Q is proved to be more accurate. K, T1 and T2 contain the entire text of SP, yet need to be edited in the light of older texts of Q and Lhasa MS (L) (available at Beijing University). In the restoration of SP that represent a significant phase of the development of Buddhist Thought and expansion of Buddhist literature in Sanskrit (prior to translation into Chinese and Tibetan), we need to establish the historicity of the available material on philological basis. The results of an initial investigation are presented here for careful perusal and constructive comments.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    On Shintoism - the Japanese way of venerating the gods of nature
    (Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Pagngnaloka Thero, Deniyaye
    This is an analytical observation of some basic characteristics of Shintoism – the native religion of Japan. Described as ‘the Way of Gods (神道 - shin tō)’ it exists in Japanese culture being a living force of spiritual inspiration for all from the emperor to the peasant. While native or primitive religions cease to exist in the face of more influential religions or cultures, it is inspiring to observe how Shintoism in Japan was never challenged so. For this study, primary sources on the history of Japan and Shintoism were read in Japanese originals and English translations with special attention to origin, evolution and basic characteristics of Shintoism. Secondary literature both in Japanese and English was referred as necessary. Japanese experts were consulted to gather rare data and the places of worship were evidenced for information on present practices of Shintoism. Hitherto unearthed results are presented now for careful perusal and constructive comments. ‘Japanology’ is the scientific study of unique features and way of thinking of the Japanese culture. Present study sheds light on understanding the cultural atmosphere of one of the most powerful civilizations of Asia. From the anthropological point of view, it observes how, in a given society, a system of beliefs (or faith) continues to exist unchallenged, as long as it influences happiness and well-being of all living beings.