The Buddhist tradition encompasses not only philosophical teachings and spiritual practices but also rich historical accounts that document the spread and development of the dharma. Among these historical texts, the Mahavamsa stands as one of the most significant chronicles, particularly for understanding Buddhism’s establishment in Sri Lanka. This ancient text continues to hold profound relevance for Buddhist practitioners and scholars alike.
Origins and Composition
The Mahavamsa, which translates to “Great Chronicle,” is a historical poem written in Pali that chronicles the early history of Sri Lanka. Composed around the 5th century CE by the monk Mahanama, it builds upon an older text known as the Dipavamsa (“Chronicle of the Island”). The Mahavamsa begins with the visits of the Buddha to Sri Lanka and continues through the rule of various kings, with particular emphasis on those who supported Buddhism.
What makes the Mahavamsa remarkable is that it represents one of the world’s oldest historical chronicles that is still treated as an authoritative historical source. Its continuation, known as the Culavamsa (“Lesser Chronicle”), extends the historical narrative into the colonial period, collectively documenting nearly two millennia of Sri Lankan history.
Buddhist Content and Themes
At its core, the Mahavamsa is deeply Buddhist in its orientation. The text begins with accounts of the Buddha’s three legendary visits to Sri Lanka, establishing a sacred geography and creating a powerful connection between the island and the Buddha himself. Perhaps most significantly, the Mahavamsa provides a detailed account of how Buddhism was formally introduced to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (307-267 BCE).
According to the chronicle, Emperor Ashoka’s son, the monk Mahinda, arrived in Sri Lanka and converted King Tissa to Buddhism. This was followed by the arrival of Ashoka’s daughter, the nun Sanghamitta, who brought a sapling from the sacred Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. This sapling, planted at Anuradhapura, is believed to be the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world and still venerated today.
The Mahavamsa also details the bringing of the Buddha’s tooth relic to Sri Lanka, which remains one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics, housed in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. Throughout the text, the close relationship between the sangha (monastic community) and the state is emphasised, creating a model of Buddhist kingship that would influence governance throughout Southeast Asia.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Beyond its religious content, the Mahavamsa serves as a crucial historical document. It provides insights into ancient Indian and Sri Lankan society, political structures, cultural practices, and artistic traditions. Archaeological discoveries have often confirmed details mentioned in the Mahavamsa, lending credibility to its historical accounts.
The text also documents the early architectural achievements of Buddhist Sri Lanka, including the construction of stupas (reliquary mounds) and monasteries. The Mahavamsa describes in detail the building of the Ruvanvelisaya stupa and other monuments that can still be visited in the ancient capital of Anuradhapura.
Contemporary Relevance to Buddhism
For modern Buddhists, the Mahavamsa remains relevant in several important ways:
1. Historical Continuity: The text provides a sense of historical continuity for Theravada Buddhism, connecting contemporary practitioners to the early days of Buddhism’s spread beyond India. This historical awareness helps Buddhists understand their tradition as part of a living lineage dating back to the Buddha himself.
2. Cultural Identity: For Sri Lankan Buddhists in particular, the Mahavamsa forms an essential part of cultural and religious identity. It connects national history with Buddhist history, creating a powerful narrative of religious and cultural heritage.
3. Sacred Geography: The Mahavamsa establishes a sacred geography of Sri Lanka, identifying places visited by the Buddha and sites associated with important events in Buddhist history. These locations continue to be important pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists worldwide.
4. Models of Practice: The text provides models of Buddhist practice and patronage through its accounts of devout kings, monks, and laypeople. King Dutugemunu, for example, is portrayed as the ideal Buddhist ruler who supported the sangha while upholding righteous governance.
5. Scholarly Resource: For scholars of Buddhism, the Mahavamsa offers invaluable insights into how Buddhism developed and adapted as it spread beyond India, illustrating the dynamic relationship between Buddhism and local cultures.
Challenges and Interpretations
It’s important to acknowledge that the Mahavamsa, like all historical texts, presents certain challenges for contemporary readers. The chronicle blends historical facts with legend and religious mythology, sometimes making it difficult to separate historical accuracy from religious embellishment. Some portions reflect biases of the time and have been interpreted in ways that reinforce ethnic divisions, particularly in the modern context of Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflicts.
Thoughtful Buddhist readers today approach the Mahavamsa with both reverence for its historical and spiritual significance and a critical awareness that allows for discernment between its historical accounts and its mythic elements. Many Buddhist scholars encourage reading the text within its proper historical context while extracting the spiritually valuable lessons it contains.