King’s deer hunt changes course for Sri Lanka
[05 June 2001]

This year’s World Environment Day has added significance for Sri Lankan Buddhists. Today is also Poson Poya, which marks the day when Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka of India, introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka in 247 BC.

Mahawamsa, the great chronicle of Sri Lanka tells the story of how Arahat Mahinda (A disciple of Lord Buddha) met King Devanampiyatissa, when the king was on a deer hunt in Mihintale in North Central Sri Lanka. Hunting was the favourite sport of the kings of ancient Sri Lanka.

About to shoot a deer, the king suddenly came upon Arahat Mahinda and his companions. Mahinda preached to the king that, “You are only a custodian, the forests and animals do not belong to you”. It forms a basis for the country’s age-old traditions in caring and protecting for the environment.

Devanampiyatissa after embracing Buddhism and through its philosophies established what is today believed to be the world’s first fauna and flora sanctuary in Mihintale in the third century B. C.

The advent of Arahat Mahinda gave birth to a cultural revolution in Sri Lanka. Buddhism fashioned the life-style of Sri Lankans. Its doctrine and tolerance are still preserved in Sri Lanka.

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Last Updated Date: December 17, 2003 .

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