Patibana is not Patibāna

Patibana is a Hela term. It can be found in the Pela Dhamma. Pela Dhamma was divided into words and they were given different interpretations. Because of this act, the real meaning of this term is disappeared now.[i]

The force behind this was the introduction of a 'newly built' language called Pali. Since this act was supported by Indian influence, today, the real interpretation of this Hela[ii] term cannot be seen in it. The local scholars had failed to recognize the root or the origin of the term as they considered Pali as the native language ('mother tongue') of Heladeepa and this had become 'a curse' upon the entire nation of Heladeepa.

Patibana is a Pela (or a term in Pela Dhamma) which is comprised the appellation in the Hela Magadhi language. The examples for the usage of this Pela (or a term in Pela Dhamma) in the ancient times in Heladeepa can be seen in the inscriptions.

Some of these inscriptions are as follows.

501. n; Y.rls;Y f,fK mánk l=fg Y.Y osfk

(bata sharakitasha lene patibana kute shagasha)

-The cave called Patibana Kuta of Bharthu Sangharakkhita is given for the Sanga. -

(Sinhala Shila Lekhana Sangrahaya - Page 105" Inscriptions of Ceylon - Prof. Paranavitana, Page 39)

663. WmYsl ;sYh f,fK mánk l=fg Y.Y

(upashika thishaya lene patibana kute shagasha)
- The cave of Tissā Upasikaa[iii] is given for the Sanga. -

(Sinhala Shila Lekhana Sangrahaya - Page 121" Inscriptions of Ceylon - Prof. Paranavitana, Page 50)

1031. WmYl Y=uky f,fK mánk l=fg Y.Y

(upashaka sumanha lene patibana kute shagasha)

- The cave called Patibana Kuta of Sumana Upasaka[iv] is given for the Sanga. -

(Sinhala Shila Lekhana Sangrahaya - Page 166" Inscriptions of Ceylon - Prof. Paranavitana, Page 80)

In all above mentioned three inscriptions 'Patibanakute - mánk l=fg' has been presented as a name. The most important part of the inscription had been interpreted in a very simple format. Because of this, the heritage of Heladeepa had failed to stand on its right place.

The term 'Patibana - mánk', which is the root or the principle term, has been taken as a term in the Pali language, presented as 'Patibhāna - máNdK' and, then, the meaning given for it is 'understanding or realization - jegySu'' The local scholars were not aware of the Magadhi Language and the applications of the language. As a result of this, today, it has been thrown driven in to a great complexity. What were the ultimate consequences of this complexity? All are under the impression that they preach 'nK' Bana (the teachings of Buddha which will lead to a spiritual development and achieve what the Buddha taught). But in reality, they all preach 'ny' Baha  (the worldly matters which will lead for a better life in this materialistic world).

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[i] Buddda's teachings were 'stored' in Hela Appellations, but not in words. Meanings or interpretations presented by words are subjected to change in time. Later, this teaching was presented in the forms of lines or fm< (Pela). The ultimate result of this is 'the loss' of the original meanings which were intended by the Hela Appellations. Let's take 'Patibana' as an example. 'Understanding or realization' is the meaning given by this word. But, according to Hela Appellations, the meaning of this particular word can be given as follows.

(Pa)m - This is the beginning of 'The Eight'. Or Agni (fire) + Pawan (water). Or Amma (Mother) + Appā (Father)

(ti)á- Taking 'The Eight' and forming a consciousness  (which is required       for a birth).

(ba)n - Taking or grasping a 'bawa'.

(na)k - Forming  'a Rupa - a matter' or a grasping 'a body' whiles combining internal and external 'Nine'.

[ii] Hela - This is the name used to introduce the people lived in the ancient times in Heladeepa ( Sri Lanka)

[iii] Upasikaa - the female lay disciple of Buddha.

[iv] Upasaka - the male lay disciple of Buddha.

(T.B. - U.A)

Translated by Amal Meemanage (amalmeemanage@gmail.com)