Until we build a dharmista society

Did not Lord Buddha’s feet in ancient time

Walk upon Lanka’s Siri Pada;

And was not his Buddurashmia seen, In Lanka’s pleasant pastures green! And did his countenance divine, Shine upon our verdant miles. And was not dharmadvipa established here

Among our dark Satanic wiles.

Bring me my bow of gems serene: Bring me my arrows of thanha: Bring me my spear: O clouds unfold Bring me the refiner’s fire.

I will not cease from mental fight, Nor shall my pen sleep in my hand: Till we have built a dharmista society, In Lanka’s green and pleasant land. Dr. Lalith M. Perera

(I owe a great debt to the poem “Jerusalem” by the Christian poet and painter William Blake, which I have taken the liberty to use as my model. The words can be sung to Sir Hubert Parry’s tune “Jerusalem” - whose death centenary falls this year)