The Silent Positives of the Sanga Samuluwa
As a Christian who values building strong relationships with both clergy
and laity across different faiths, I hold deep respect for interreligious
harmony. To me, violent or unruly behavior — regardless of the faith it comes
from — is incompatible with the spirit of true religion. It is from this
perspective that I reflect on the recent Sanga Samuluwa held last week
at the ACBC in Colombo 7, under the leadership of Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda
Thero.
The gathering was expected to draw a large number of Buddhist monks.
Instead, the depleted attendance revealed something far more significant: a
quiet but powerful statement about the state of the Sangha today.
Silent Dissent Speaks Volumes
The absence of the majority of monks was no accident. It was a deliberate
act of dissent, a refusal to endorse divisive rhetoric that blames other
religions for Buddhism’s challenges. Their non-participation was a conscious
choice to distance themselves from hostility and conflict, transforming silence
into a moral statement.
Extremist Voices Isolated
The small group of monks who did attend are well known for their
inflammatory campaigns against other faiths. Their isolation at this event
underscored that such voices are increasingly marginalized, not representative
of the wider Sangha. Empty chairs spoke louder than their words, reminding
society that extremism is losing ground within the clergy.
A Rejection of Hostility
By staying away, the majority reaffirmed Buddhism’s core values of
compassion, restraint, and respect for the rule of law. Their absence was a
rejection of kunuharupa language, of calls for racial conflict, and of the
disregard for discipline that has marred the reputation of some.
A Call for Self-Reflection
The rally inadvertently became a mirror for those who attended. It
revealed the need for introspection among monks who have chosen confrontation
over compassion. The depleted numbers were not simply a logistical detail but a
reminder that true strength lies not in loud threats, but in quiet dignity and
self-control.
Equally telling was the way the organizers managed the event itself. Some
monks known for unruly and violent behavior were not invited to the stage but instead seated among the audience. Their exclusion suggested a deliberate
effort to prevent the rally from being branded by chaos or hostility. This
subtle act of restraint highlighted that even within the gathering, there was
recognition that such voices risk undermining the credibility of the Sangha.
A Message of Peaceful Coexistence
Most importantly, the non-participation sent a message to society at
large: that many monks are committed to fostering peace, understanding, and
interfaith respect in a country still striving for reconciliation. The silence
of the absent monks, coupled with the sidelining of unruly ones, was not
passive but profoundly active — a quiet endorsement of harmony over hostility.
Conclusion
The Sanga Samuluwa may have been intended as a show of strength,
but its greatest achievement lay in the silence of those who chose not to
attend. Their absence spoke louder than any speech delivered that day. It
reminded us that the true guardians of Buddhism are not those who shout the
loudest, but those who embody its quiet strength — compassion, discipline, and
peace.
Retired President Bishop
Methodist Church Sri Lanka
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