'Hindus and Buddhists should work together'

Priyanka Kurugala in Jaffna

"If Buddhists and Hindus can work together, we can build up a prosperous future. It will be the way to reach the Miracle of Asia, according to the Mahinda Chinthana future vision", Tamil Buddhist Association President A Ravi Kumar said.

Speaking to the media at Jaffna Nagavihara on December 28, Ravi Kumar lauded the service to Buddhism by the first President of the Tamil Buddhist Association in Jaffna Maruthar Vairamuthu, who passed away aged 94 on December 27.

He said that meditation was one of the most important features in Buddhism. It directs people towards reconciliation. "We have to follow the sacred Dhamma delivered by the Buddha and then we would be able to build the country in a proper manner," he said. People who live in the South have vastly supported in the construction of Hindu Temples in the country. These Buddhists also pay homage to Hindu gods such as Vishnu, Pullair, Shiva and Murugan.

Hindus consider the Buddha as the incarnation of God Vishnu. Eventhough many statues of Hindu gods could be seen in Buddhist temples, unfortunately, Buddhist statues could not be seen in Hindu temples, he said.

Earlier, Jaffna Nagaviharadhikari Ven Meegahajandure Siri Wimala Thera said amity should be built between Buddhists and Hindus to develop ethnic and religious harmony in the country. It paves the way for peace in the country.

The Thera said that, before the conflict period, the Nagavihara monks vastly helped the people of Jaffna. Today too these people pay their gratitude to Nagavihara monks. The Nagavihara in Jaffna has drawn up many plans to develop harmony between all ethnic groups. Other than that, many activities were being conducted to develop the Nagavihara as a community base centre.

Presently, a seven storey building is being constructed to establish a multi purpose complex in the Nagavihara premises. Anybody who wishes to contribute towards this project was welcome to do so, the Thera said.

This is of national importance. The Nandarama Tamil Dhamma school is laying the foundation to guide the next generation of Tamil youth on the path of peace. There is groundswell of support among the people of Jaffna towards this endevour, the Thera said. Eventhough many barriers would be raised, activities in the Nagavihara to build up ethnic harmony would not cease, the Thera said.