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main educational centres. The scholarly monks
who stayed in them were fully conversant not
only with the languages such as Sinhala, Pali,
Sanskrit, and Prakrit, but also with the Buddhist
doctrine. From ancient time they were the
teachers in this country.

There was a sense of respect regarding giving
education and receiving education in our
ancient society. The poem mentioned in the
Lokopakaraya is a fine example for that. It is
given below.

Ru Siri Yowun Guna – Nena Siyallen Noadu Vee
muth

Nodathoth Silpa Satha – Suvanda Nethi Kele
Mala Sama We

The poem says that though someone is young,
wise and pleasant in appearance, he or she is
similar to a wild flower without fragrance if he
or she has no proper education.

4.3.4 Literature and Appreciation

Works of literature belonging to the era of
Rajarata Civilization are written in either one of
the three languages, Pali, Sanskrit and Sinhala.
Dipawamsa, Abhidhammappadeepika and
Sarattha deepani are examples for the books
written in Pali. Books such as Janakiharanaya,
Balawabodhaya and Anuruddhasathakaya are
written in Sanskrit. Siyabaslakara, Sasadawatha
and Muwadewdawatha are examples for the
books written in Sinhala.

A poem written by such a poet 2000 years ago
could be seen inscribed in a rock in Kirinda
temple. It’s a free verse which could be read to a
rhythm. Both the poem and its translation are
given below.

The poem inscribed in the stone.

Apirimithe Lokahi – Budha same nathi

Athana parama dulabe – savanuthe pathe

Anuthare sathe – Maha sarane

Lokachaka Budha nama sayabu – Megalahi

Vihare

Naka Uvaraja nama – Budha sarana gathe

Michaditika Bidiya – yahamaga parayana Bhuthe

Its translation:

This world is unlimited – no blessing equal to

the Buddha

He is everywhere – being equal to him is rare

It’s a great blessing – not second to anyone

He is omniscient – is an eye to the globe

Give up being a heathen – select the best path

In this temple – vice king Naga entered the

Buddhist order.

Nearly 600 poems composed during the

Anuradhapura period could be seen even today

on the mirror wall in Sigiriya. The sense of

inspiration of those poems is very high.

The poets of our country in the ancient time,

who were disciplined with Buddhist teachings,

composed poems based on the experience

gained from working with the nature constantly.

Hence, the theme of most of the poems was

impermanence. Such an attractive poem has

been written in an inscription, which belonged

to the 9th century A.D, found in the premises

of Abhayagiri temple. The techniques such as

similes used in that poem create a very sensitive

and subtle aesthetic sense in the reader. The

poem says that life is like a ‘Vara’ flower caught

in a wildfire.

You will be able to understand easily the nature

of aesthetic thoughts of the ancient Sri Lankans

by reading, understanding and appreciating the

Sigiri graffiti given below.

Viju Rakbo Pavijjan Lee Me gee

Nelen Vee Piripatha

Nalala Kehe Pitihi Huna