Buddhist Monks Instigating Anti-Christian Attacks in Sri Lanka

[lkdood]

6/27/08 Sri Lanka (International Christian Concern) -


The Buddhist Sinhala Nationalist Party (JHU) is associated with a new wave of attacks on Christian pastors and churches that is sweeping Sri Lanka.
The latest incident in this trend occurred on June 22, 2008, when Indrasaraa, a Buddhist Monk representing Omalse Sobitha
of the JHU, led a pre-meditated attack against Pastor Pradeep of the Assembly of God Church in Middeniya. He gathered a mob of over 5,000 and attempted to enter the church after conducting a quick ceremony to re-name the road with a Buddhist title.The police learned of the attack and provided a barricade in an attempt to keep the pastor safe. However, the mob managed to break through, and it took forceful action on the part of the police to drive them away. The attackers then decided to retaliate by distributing hate leaflets against the Christians.
The police advised Pastor Pradeep not to hold service on Sunday and was warned to not step outside of his home. The pastor stated, "I am afraid to leave home and have been unofficially told not to step out or else." Pastor Pradeep was told by the villagers that monk Omalpe Sobitha of the JHU personally announced that within 14 days they would drive him out and claim the land on which the church now stands.
On June 26, Pastor Pradeep received a letter from the Divisional Secretary's Office
summoning him to a meeting on June 27 regarding the anti-Christian protests and mob that rallied against him. However, the pastor is not currently in a position to leave his home in light of the precarious situation in the village.
The attack on Pastor Pradeep is only one of the many attacks that are occurring against the pastors and churches in southern Sri Lanka. While Pastor Pradeep's church was being attacked, Father Ravindra of the Ampara Methodist Church was assaulted by three home guards from the Ampara Police. The police were reported to be off duty and they threatened Father Ravindra to not preach to Buddhists. The Methodist priest is currently receiving treatment for his head injuries at the Ampara Hospital.
In addition, there are reports that the Gospel Tabernacle Church in Ingiriya is under attack and that the pastor has been asked by the police to stop holding services. In the mean time, Pastor Jegan of the Kings Revival Church in Matugama who has been attacked many times in the past is still unable to hold full services at his church; a locally powerful JHU supporter has been successful in suppression of the religious freedom rights of Pastor Jegan and his congregation, with the help of the local police.
Pastors working in southern Sri Lanka see these attacks as only being the 'tip of the iceberg.'It is believed that the JHU is trying to again create religious strife after their unsuccessful attempts a few years ago.
Please contact the Sri Lankan embassy in your country to ask them to protect the rights ofthe Christian minority.

Sri Lanka Embassies:
Country Phone Fax Email
USA (202)-483-4025 (202)-232-7181 [email protected]
Canada 613 233 8449 613 238 8448 [email protected]
UK 2072621841-6 2072627970 [email protected]

FROM >

persecution.org (http://www.persecution.org/suffering/ICCnews/newsdetail.php?newscode=8037&title=buddhist-monks-instigating-anti-christian-attacks-in-sri-lanka)

[kalyanamithra]

Dear friends,

I do not know how True this news is; and how unbiased the accusation is. But it highlights the foolish behavior some 'Buddhists' (including monks) show thinking it protects Buddhism. :no:

As Sammasambuddha Gautama had disclosed clearly Buddha Sashana (I prefer it over 'Buddhism' in this context) is not threatened by any external force (including other faiths). Why?

Because Dhamma (i.e. the Doctrine) describes the impermanent (i.e. subject to change) nature of the things; how our mind works; how things happen causally (with reasons); how one may end all suffering by addressing these causes; etc.
One can verify whether the Teachings are true in the very life; and there's no need of having any blind (i.e. not verifiable/seen in one's lifetime) faith.

For example, Dhamma explains how anger affects our mind; roots of anger we have deep in our minds; how one may completely eliminate the tendency to get angry in this very life. True followers practice Dhamma and experience the results in their lives. So true followers will never give up Dhamma.
Why? They realize the Truth in Dhamma through experience in their life. They do not have to take anything for granted...

Not only that: even Nibbana (end of Tanha which marks end of all suffering) can be achieved in the same life. That's why Dhamma is 'Sandhittiko' (realizable in this very life). How can it be shadowed by things that cannot be realized in one's life? :) How silly we are if we give in to provocations like this?

Dhamma flourishes when people practice it in pure form (even this fact is stated in the Dhamma it self; Sri Lankan and Indian history provides a good testimony to it!). Only people having no awareness of and Shraddha on the Teachings will think of 'protecting' Dhamma by other means...

As we know their is no room for aggression in Dhamma. Why? It's aim is showing how one can eliminate Raga (various desires), Dvesha (hatred), Moha (delusion) we have in minds.

As clearly disclosed by the Buddha, Buddha Sashana is threatened only when the followers do not abide by the teachings.
So one will only bring harm to Dhamma by aggressive behavior!

So, dear Buddhist friends, please join the hundred thousands of Sri Lankans practicing Dhamma in original form (and be part of the True Buddhist revival). It is the only way to protect/propagate the Buddha Sashana. Moreover realizing Dhamma is the only way to help ourselves... :yes:

Do not give in to aggressive feelings; because it will cause us to loose the 'personal battle' of ending the Samsaraic existence...

If you are in doubt of what I've stated; check with the original Teachings. Then start practicing the Teachings. As we know Dhamma is 'Ehi Passiko'. So you will start to see the Truth in Dhamma as you 'walk' along the Path (i.e. Noble Eightfold Path) :)

Theruwan saranai!

[Wal Bada]

What is the source of this? At least quote a newspaper

[jayanthah]

What is the source of this? At least quote a newspaper

There is a source provided by him......
Whilst this is no way a justification of any attacks on any religion, this source, I know, is an extremist christian organisation, which engages in a dirty missionary duty by slinging mud at other religions at every given opprtunity,

JHU & this organisation (represented by that website) are two sides of the same coin.................RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM

Thanx, Kalyana mithra for your contribution here & on other threads too

[Kira007]

Dear friends,

I do not know how True this news is; and how unbiased the accusation is. But it highlights the foolish behavior some 'Buddhists' (including monks) show thinking it protects Buddhism. :no:

As Sammasambuddha Gautama had disclosed clearly Buddha Sashana (I prefer it over 'Buddhism' in this context) is not threatened by any external force (including other faiths). Why?

Because Dhamma (i.e. the Doctrine) describes the impermanent (i.e. subject to change) nature of the things; how our mind works; how things happen causally (with reasons); how one may end all suffering by addressing these causes; etc.
One can verify whether the Teachings are true in the very life; and there's no need of having any blind (i.e. not verifiable/seen in one's lifetime) faith.

For example, Dhamma explains how anger affects our mind; roots of anger we have deep in our minds; how one may completely eliminate the tendency to get angry in this very life. True followers practice Dhamma and experience the results in their lives. So true followers will never give up Dhamma.
Why? They realize the Truth in Dhamma through experience in their life. They do not have to take anything for granted...

Not only that: even Nibbana (end of Tanha which marks end of all suffering) can be achieved in the same life. That's why Dhamma is 'Sandhittiko' (realizable in this very life). How can it be shadowed by things that cannot be realized in one's life? :) How silly we are if we give in to provocations like this?

Dhamma flourishes when people practice it in pure form (even this fact is stated in the Dhamma it self; Sri Lankan and Indian history provides a good testimony to it!). Only people having no awareness of and Shraddha on the Teachings will think of 'protecting' Dhamma by other means...

As we know their is no room for aggression in Dhamma. Why? It's aim is showing how one can eliminate Raga (various desires), Dvesha (hatred), Moha (delusion) we have in minds.

As clearly disclosed by the Buddha, Buddha Sashana is threatened only when the followers do not abide by the teachings.
So one will only bring harm to Dhamma by aggressive behavior!

So, dear Buddhist friends, please join the hundred thousands of Sri Lankans practicing Dhamma in original form (and be part of the True Buddhist revival). It is the only way to protect/propagate the Buddha Sashana. Moreover realizing Dhamma is the only way to help ourselves... :yes:

Do not give in to aggressive feelings; because it will cause us to loose the 'personal battle' of ending the Samsaraic existence...

If you are in doubt of what I've stated; check with the original Teachings. Then start practicing the Teachings. As we know Dhamma is 'Ehi Passiko'. So you will start to see the Truth in Dhamma as you 'walk' along the Path (i.e. Noble Eightfold Path) :)

Theruwan saranai!

Kathawa etta namuth ... hemadamath iwasagena innawa kiyana ekath hoda ne....

ethakota "thalena yakade uda pena pena thalanawa" wage hemadamath mun apiwa thalanwane.....

[uguduwa]

Kathawa etta namuth ... hemadamath iwasagena innawa kiyana ekath hoda ne....

ethakota "thalena yakade uda pena pena thalanawa" wage hemadamath mun apiwa thalanwane.....

Umbe kathawa etta machan, hemoma karanne ape sahanasheeli prathipaththi walin prayojana ganna eka.

[yashan]

FAKE

[phantomzone]

There is a source provided by him......
Whilst this is no way a justification of any attacks on any religion, this source, I know, is an extremist christian organisation, which engages in a dirty missionary duty by slinging mud at other religions at every given opprtunity,

JHU & this organisation (represented by that website) are two sides of the same coin.................RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM

Thanx, Kalyana mithra for your contribution here & on other threads too

yea machan..ur ryt....thoose r bloody extremists...

me wage extreme kattiya nisa thama ada aaagam athara aaarawul athi wela thiyenne,....:( :(..

[cj4ever]

kaWda me jara eka udata gattthe

[Wal Bada]

The site is not credible at all. Want to see it on a site of a leading news agency. Let it be Daily News, Lanka E News, Asian Tribune or Lanka Dissent. The site is not credible at all. This can well be a fake news.

[gazaly]

oh noo... mey mokada mey wenney?

[kalyanamithra]

Dear friends,

I am not saying this newitem is True; it's probably False like may other accusations that have been made...

It's unfortunate to see many Buddhists (I prefer "so-called" Buddhists) getting agitated by whatever that hurts their pride.
What I am trying to hghlight is that many of us do not practice or think according to Dhamma. We should not not get provocated because of accusations; or by what these so-called Buddhists state in public...

We are mistaken if we try to protect Buddhism through aggression.

If you look at history it was innocent and far-sighted actions including protecting Dhanthadhathun wahanse, Shri maha bodhin wahanse; writing down the Doctrine; etc. that had actually protected Buddhism.

We Buddhists should have Shraddha on Dhamma; the words of Sammasambuddha Gauthama. Sammasambuddha Gauthama clearly explains how Buddha sashana gets corrupted; how it gets dissapeared; what Sangha Samagri is; etc. Please do not worry about other religions or faiths; cmain hallenge Buddhism faces is the internal disputes on Dhamma & Vinaya. We can see this corruption already in Buddhism as practiced in Sri Lanka; fortunately we can see a handful trying to correct that.

Dear friends, if we want to protect Dhamma, we should take every action to address/suppress these adverse internal issues/conditions.

We should remeber that Buddhism is not like any other religion or faith. It is Sanadhittika - i.e. realizable in this very life.

It is only those practicing Dhamma that carries it to the future. For that we have to learn Dhamma (in its original form, as in Tipitaka); practice Dhamma (genuinely); and try to realize Dhamma.

One might think the "head count of Buddhists" is the most important things (True, it has some implications - because of the way 'democracy' works). No my friends if we keep on adding myths like we've been doing, Buddhism would become yet another religion. See what had happened to India, China, Japan, Tibet, Korea, etc. Path to Nibbana is closed to them!

Before thinking arrogantly (as Buddhists) and aggresseively let's think of this
- how many of us have Kendara? how many of us belive Nekath (including Avurudu Charithra) will bring good fortune? how many of us believe in Apala?
- how many of us know why we should have Shraddha? or what is Shraddha?
- how many of us try to practice Pancha Sila (the five percepts) correctly?
- how many of us have personality/strength to resist influence to lie/cheat stating "I am not doing this because I am a Buddhist"?
- how many of us know how Buddhism differs from other relegions?
- how many Sri Lankans can explain to their kids what Buddhism is? what Nibbana is?
- how many of us blindly accept various interpretations of Buddhism given in media (e.g. by comapring with science)?
- how many of us frankly belive Dhamma can be practiced by lay people in the "modern" society? how many of us genuintely attempt that?

See the host of myths added to the Buddhism as practiced today; see how the aim of Buddhism has been hidden...

Dear friends, Buddhism dissapears when Adhamma/Avinaya is preached/practiced as Dhamma/Vinaya... We have to be aware of this..

What we gain/protect through aggression will be short-lived. What gained by highlighting Dhamma & vinaya will remain longer (although even that is Anithya).

One needs not be surprised at the rate Buddhism is accepted by the western world. It is because Pinath Swaminwahansela doing Dhamma propagation preach Dhamma & Vinaya! I am sad to say that if Buddhism dissapears in Sri Lanka it is because of our not revealing/discussing/practicing Dhamma & Vinaya..

Please let's not try to defend Buddhism just because we are "Buddhists". Isn't blindly defending what we believe in childish?
Let's try to protect Buddhism because of what it gives to our lives.. what it can give to others... out of pure compassion... without hatred/anger...

I know most of the readers will disagree (and I do not want them to agree); I am only hoping that they'd stop and think before rejecting this.
Let's try to find what Sammasambuddha Gauthama had disclosed on Sashana Parihaniya... then we will see how we may protect Buddhism... Thanks

Theruwan saranai

[kalyanamithra]

Dear friends,

This is a Deshana based on Sopadhisesa Sutta [http://www.gautamabuddha.org/downloads/Mp3/sopadisesa_sutta.mp3 ].

http://www.gautamabuddha.org/downloads/Mp3/sopadisesa_sutta.mp3

The Sutta discloses the persons with Keles (defilement) yet free from Birth in Niraya (hell). These states are attainable in this very life. This is why practicing Dhamma is important...

May all beings realize the need of pursuing the Path...
Theruwan saranai

[just]

Dear friends,

I am not saying this newitem is True; it's probably False like may other accusations that have been made...

It's unfortunate to see many Buddhists (I prefer "so-called" Buddhists) getting agitated by whatever that hurts their pride.
What I am trying to hghlight is that many of us do not practice or think according to Dhamma. We should not not get provocated because of accusations; or by what these so-called Buddhists state in public...

We are mistaken if we try to protect Buddhism through aggression.

If you look at history it was innocent and far-sighted actions including protecting Dhanthadhathun wahanse, Shri maha bodhin wahanse; writing down the Doctrine; etc. that had actually protected Buddhism.

We Buddhists should have Shraddha on Dhamma; the words of Sammasambuddha Gauthama. Sammasambuddha Gauthama clearly explains how Buddha sashana gets corrupted; how it gets dissapeared; what Sangha Samagri is; etc. Please do not worry about other religions or faiths; cmain hallenge Buddhism faces is the internal disputes on Dhamma & Vinaya. We can see this corruption already in Buddhism as practiced in Sri Lanka; fortunately we can see a handful trying to correct that.

Dear friends, if we want to protect Dhamma, we should take every action to address/suppress these adverse internal issues/conditions.

We should remeber that Buddhism is not like any other religion or faith. It is Sanadhittika - i.e. realizable in this very life.

It is only those practicing Dhamma that carries it to the future. For that we have to learn Dhamma (in its original form, as in Tipitaka); practice Dhamma (genuinely); and try to realize Dhamma.

One might think the "head count of Buddhists" is the most important things (True, it has some implications - because of the way 'democracy' works). No my friends if we keep on adding myths like we've been doing, Buddhism would become yet another religion. See what had happened to India, China, Japan, Tibet, Korea, etc. Path to Nibbana is closed to them!

Before thinking arrogantly (as Buddhists) and aggresseively let's think of this
- how many of us have Kendara? how many of us belive Nekath (including Avurudu Charithra) will bring good fortune? how many of us believe in Apala?
- how many of us know why we should have Shraddha? or what is Shraddha?
- how many of us try to practice Pancha Sila (the five percepts) correctly?
- how many of us have personality/strength to resist influence to lie/cheat stating "I am not doing this because I am a Buddhist"?
- how many of us know how Buddhism differs from other relegions?
- how many Sri Lankans can explain to their kids what Buddhism is? what Nibbana is?
- how many of us blindly accept various interpretations of Buddhism given in media (e.g. by comapring with science)?
- how many of us frankly belive Dhamma can be practiced by lay people in the "modern" society? how many of us genuintely attempt that?

See the host of myths added to the Buddhism as practiced today; see how the aim of Buddhism has been hidden...

Dear friends, Buddhism dissapears when Adhamma/Avinaya is preached/practiced as Dhamma/Vinaya... We have to be aware of this..

What we gain/protect through aggression will be short-lived. What gained by highlighting Dhamma & vinaya will remain longer (although even that is Anithya).

One needs not be surprised at the rate Buddhism is accepted by the western world. It is because Pinath Swaminwahansela doing Dhamma propagation preach Dhamma & Vinaya! I am sad to say that if Buddhism dissapears in Sri Lanka it is because of our not revealing/discussing/practicing Dhamma & Vinaya..

Please let's not try to defend Buddhism just because we are "Buddhists". Isn't blindly defending what we believe in childish?
Let's try to protect Buddhism because of what it gives to our lives.. what it can give to others... out of pure compassion... without hatred/anger...

I know most of the readers will disagree (and I do not want them to agree); I am only hoping that they'd stop and think before rejecting this.
Let's try to find what Sammasambuddha Gauthama had disclosed on Sashana Parihaniya... then we will see how we may protect Buddhism... Thanks

Theruwan saranai

i follow your posts and they are very interesting.i'm not a buddist thus i cant agree or disagree with your points. but the way you approach seems more aligned with what you believe.

but 2 questions
- do you honestly believe this approach would save what you believe?
- why dont others who say they protecting buddism dont take this path?, as you can see in this forum iteslf its not happening 99% of the time

Thanks

[kalyanamithra]

i follow your posts and they are very interesting.i'm not a buddist thus i cant agree or disagree with your points. but the way you approach seems more aligned with what you believe.

but 2 questions
- do you honestly believe this approach would save what you believe?
- why dont others who say they protecting buddism dont take this path?, as you can see in this forum iteslf its not happening 99% of the time

Thanks
Dear friend,

Buddhism is a religion that explains the impermanent nature (Anithyatha) of everything in this world.

[Aside: That's why even going to heaven is not a solution according to Buddhism; because everything exists for finite duration; things are causal (arise due to reasons) - they remain for some time (subject to changes even during this period) - they disappear (when reasons are no longer there)]

Dhamma (Buddhist Doctrine) is what explains this nature of the world. So Dhamma is always there - although it is unknown most of the time. Buddha is a special person that understands the nature and reveals it... Buddha Sashana means following/followers of Dhamma... So this Sashana remains for a finite time - it will disappear when what needs to keep it sustained is no longer there...

Teachings of the Buddha includes how Buddhism will wither away; how it will vanish; under which conditions it would flourish; under which conditions it will diminish.. There's nothing mysterious... It's causal...

Yes, I do believe in what said in Dhamma; because like other followers I have examined Dhamma against my self (and it's amazing how Dhamma explains how we feel, how we recognize things, how we think, how we get attached to things, how we react to things...) and partially know the Truth it has... So I have what Dhamma calls "Shraddha" that it's true.. Hence (although a beginner in Dhamma) I believe in what mentioned in Dhamma about how it flourishes.. and how it get diminished...

Unfortunately not all "Buddhists" are aware of the Doctrine :) Many myths have come into it... Fortunately original teachings still exist in unamended form thanks to our ancestors...

Buddhism teaches the disciples to clean the mind of Raga (various desires...), Dvesha (anger, hatred...) and Moha (delusions...). So the Buddhists cannot look at other faiths with hatred...

Still, they may criticizes others... but it's only to correct someone and without hatred... Why? They will loose their personal battle of cleansing the mind if they give in to such thinking...

Only reason they have to spread Dhamma is to let others experience what they already experience/and hope to experience (because of Dhamma)...
[e.g. see how different a person would be when roots of anger are no longer there in his/her mind? ]

But there's no hatred or envy towards other religions/ or followers...

Anyone not aware of Buddhism may think it's impossible to cleanse a mind like that... On the contrary even we (the lay followers) can/do realize certain aspects of Dhamma amidst all household chores...

There is a revival of Buddhists in terms of practicing Dhamma in pure form... So you'll see more and more people thinking according to Dhamma...

Thanks for the interest...

Theruwan saranai!
(May the blessings of the Tripple gem be with you...)