Kindness and Compassion on Poson Poya Day

By Manoshi De Silva

Podi Hamuduruwo of the village temple was explaining the significance of Poson Poya to a few children at the temple. "So, on that first Poson Poya, Arahant Mahinda Thero introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka, after stopping King Devanampiya Tissa from the deer hunt!"

"Podi Sadhu," interrupted Sanji, who was very fond of animals, "did the deer manage to run away?" "Yes, King Devanampiya Tissa was stopped from chasing after the deer," replied Podi Hamuduruwo with a smile. "Poson is a Buddhist Festival that celebrates the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and is deeply rooted in the Buddhist teachings of peace, kindness and compassion," explained Podi Hamuduruwo.

After sweeping the temple premises and worshipping, Sanji and his elder brother Venuka headed back home. "You are awfully quiet," said Venuka. "Yes, I am thinking about the Poson story Podi Hamuduruwo taught us," replied Sanji. "If we also can do something special this Poson, that would be great!"

"We do something special for Poson Poya every year," replied Venuka. "We hang bucket lanterns and go to the temple with Amma and Thaththa." "Yes, I know. But I meant something more! Something to do with peace, kindness and compassion, like Podi Sadhu told us," said Sanji.

   After going home, Sanji remembered what Sirithunga Uncle who lived a few houses away, had told him a few days ago. He had a few cows and provided fresh milk to the village houses. There was a brown calf that Sanji went and petted whenever he went past Sirithunga Uncle's land. "I am selling this fellow soon," he had said watching Sanji pet the calf.

"But why?" asked Sanji, "He's so lovable!"

"Well he's a male calf and he's of no use to me. He's just a burden to feed and look after. If I sell him, I'll get a good amount of money from the slaughter house," replied Sirithunga Uncle who had walked away mentioning the amount he could get by selling the calf.  "Oh no, the poor calf," said Sanji who was shocked and sad at the same time.

"If only I can save this calf, like the deer that was saved at Mihintale on the first Poson Day," thought Sanji. He went and spoke to his brother Venuka about it. Venuka was also saddened to hear about the plight of the brown calf. “But Sirithunga Uncle has stated a big amount. We don't have that kind of money,” he told Sanji.

"Ayya, what about our clay coin tills?" asked Sanji. His brother and he had been saving money for a long time to buy two push bicycles for themselves. "Our tills are almost full. Let's break them and see how much money we have!" The two boys broke their tills and stacked the coins and notes and started counting them. But they were still short of the total amount.

"I know, let's talk to Podi Sadhu and see what we can do," said Venuka and the boys ran back to the temple. Podi Hamuduruwo listened to the boys and nodded. "Poson is a time for Buddhists to reflect on Lord Buddha's teachings of compassion, ahimsa and reverence for all types of life, even animals," he said. "It's an act of kindness, therefore I will help you. Tomorrow I have a ‘bana’ session with the village children. We'll ask those who are interested to donate for this cause to help us.  Let's see who wants to join this worthy cause!"

The little project of Sanji and Venuka gained more popularity than they expected. Most of the children had seen Sirithunga Uncle's brown calf and petted it. So they wanted to help save it. The children went from house to house to collect contributions and soon they had enough money to save it.

On Poson Poya Day, the brown calf was brought and tied at the temple premises. Sanji and Venuka’s father agreed to adopt the calf and let it stay in their huge land which had enough fresh grass for it to eat. "It's also a good investment for me because I don't need a grass-cutter now," joked the children's father, making them laugh.

                                                     "Arahant Mahinda Thero stopped the king from killing a deer, showing us the importance of compassion. This Poya has given an opportunity to all you children to reflect on Lord Buddha's teachings and how to apply them to our lives. Also on how to celebrate religious festivals like Vesak and Poson meaningfully," said the Loku Hamuduruwo of the temple, commending the act of the children.

"You all have set a valuable example of compassion and kindness towards all living beings, on this day. You have given this Poson Poya Day special meaning by doing so," said Podi Hamuduruwo.

After spending some time in the temple, lighting oil lamps and worshipping, Sanji and Venuka walked the brown calf to their own home garden, basking in the golden beams of the full Poson moon smiling down at them.