A historic lesson

About 240 years after the Buddha's parinibbana [final death], emperor Asoka's son, Venerable Mahamahinda arrived in Sri Lanka to establish the Buddha's teaching. The new Sri Lankan king, Devanampiyatissa, became an extremely devoted Buddhist. He built the first stupa and monastery and planted a sapling of the original Mahabodhi tree brought from India by Asoka's ordained daughter, Venerable Sanghamitta. Many members of the royalty became monks and nuns, and the king generously supported the Sangha. According to the Vinaya Commentary, thousands of Sri Lankans attained various stages of enlightenment at that time. Yet, when the King asked, "Is the Sasana established in Sri Lanka?"

Venerable Mahamahinda answered, "The Sasana is established, but its roots have not yet descended."

"When will its roots descend?"

"When a young man born in Sri Lanka of Sri Lankan parents renounces [the world] in Sri Lanka, studies the Vinaya in Sri Lanka and teaches it in Sri Lanka. Then will the roots of the Sasana descend."