Save Sasana from unruly elements in yellow robe

I have no doubt that civilised citizens of all races and religions will not condone the conduct of a man donning the sacred robe, treating that as a UNIFORM, where the long arm of the law will not touch him. Still in our Paradise lost people treat the Sangha and clergy of all faiths with immense respect, even in instances where someone had failed to live up to high expectations.There are two videos that have gone viral, where a man convicted of driving without a valid driving license and inebriated, abusing respected monks and also a journo. Anyone who watched those videos will in unison say that he must leave his robes. His behaviour was shocking and certainly was not in keeping with the VINAYA rules to which he is committed, and is an insult to civilised society that follows Buddha’s philosophy. The Buddha has lucidly indicated the way of life for the laity, and more emphatically to the monks.  The Dhammapada states that no one who cannot live up to the standards expected of a monk, should touch the Sacred Robe.

The pristine dhamma has absolutely no place for abuse or intolerance .This man, for quite some time, had not conducted himself in a manner worthy of a Buddha puthra, and sadly the hierarchy of the sect to which he belongs to, had not taken action.It is unfortunate that he had been given a State position while possessing a sordid track record that  is unacceptable to the Sangha and laity. However, such an appointment has come from an authority whose prerogative cannot be questioned thanks to the 20th Amendment to the Constitution. I make this request to the Mahanayake of the Asgiriya chapter, since the law does not permit him to disrobe the person in question. If this is done, the sect will have respect from peace loving followers. Once the man is identified as an ex-convict drunkard, citizens will treat him appropriately.

We are aware that there are many unworthy who are in positions where the taxpayer maintains them and those who appoint them will be answerable sometime. However, to their credit they do not act as rabid dogs or as “rasthiyadukarayas”.I have not the slightest doubt that many respected members of the Sangha will approve my suggestion, and laymen too, as followers of the pristine dhamma. There is no space for such persons to take cover using the robe, to harm the SASANA. It is widely known  that the greatest protection that the SASANA needs today is from within.

If the head of the chapter to which a convicted drunkard who desecrates the SASANA belongs fail to act, I appeal to the other Maha nayakes to publicly disapprove of the conduct of this man, and request him to leave the sacred robe, since the entire Sangha is brought to disrepute. If a rabid dog is spotted, society, irrespective of race, religion or other considerations, will act swiftly to protect society as a whole.

The late much-loved Dudley Senanayake when asked by a foreign scribe said “Politics is unwise for the Sangha as they will lose their standing in society.” It’s unfortunate that the Sangha was drawn by opportunist politicians to advance their interests, ignoring the fall out that selfish moves will cause the country.There is no time to waste,he must be told publicly that the Sacred Robe is by no means a uniform for protection, and that he must leave the Sacred Robe. Let the people treat him appropriately.

PIYASENA EHELIYAGODA