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Significance of Ceylon

Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, refers to an island with significant cultural and historical importance, particularly in the context of Buddhism. It serves as the setting for various tales and adventures, influencing local folklore and literature. Ceylon is recognized for its role in the development and preservation of Buddhist texts and traditions, with early sites of Indian influence noted. The region continues to hold relevance, as it symbolizes the exchange of ideas and cultural interactions that shaped Buddhism's spread.1
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Synonyms: Taprobane, Serendib

In Dutch: Ceylon; In German: Ceylon; In Finnish: Ceylon; In Spanish: 颁别颈濒谩苍

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Ceylon'

Buddhism Books

Ceylon, or Sri Lanka, serves as a pivotal location in Buddhism, known for its scenic narratives, historical significance in literature, and preservation of texts like the Petakopadesa, shaping the development and influence of Southern Buddhism.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)

(1) An ancient name for Sri Lanka, where Buddhaghosa's translations had a profound impact on the development and preservation of Buddhism.[1] (2) An island nation where the Buddhist canon was first reduced to writing in the first century before Christ.[2]

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) An island where the story is set, known for its scenery and mythical elements in the narrative.[3]

From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)

(1) Also known as Sri Lanka, this is the country where the text has been preserved and translated into Pali and Simhalese, occupying a significant role in the history of Buddhism.[4]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: The gods of northern Buddhism

(1) An island where Southern Buddhism flourished, significant for its historical developments in Buddhist literature.[5]

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) A location where the Petakopadesa is reportedly still in use, indicating the ongoing influence of this text.[6]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) An island from which an arhat recognized Dharmasvamin as an incarnation of Nagarjuna, indicating his wide-reaching reputation.[7]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha鈥檚 words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Ceylon'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Ceylon is interpreted as an island integral to narratives, providing a setting for numerous adventures and incidents within the mythological stories, enhancing the cultural significance of the region.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) An island referenced in the context of the adventures, serving as a backdrop for various incidents in the stories.[8]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or 鈥榚pic poetry鈥� and natya, or 鈥榙ramatic poetry鈥�.

The concept of Ceylon in local and regional sources

History Books

Ceylon, the former name of Sri Lanka, is significant in various contexts including cultural interactions, religious history, and geographical settings, shaping narratives about Buddhism, diplomatic relations, and personal journeys of authors and travelers.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) This is the island to which the ship is traveling, and Alasinga is accompanying the narrator on this journey to this destination.[9] (2) The Spaniards came to Ceylon with Christianity, and they thought that their God commanded them to kill and murder and to tear down heathen temples.[10] (3) The author mentions this place in the context of discussing differences between people and religions, particularly in relation to India, indicating a geographical reference.[11] (4) This is a place where the author's visit disillusioned them, particularly regarding Buddhism, indicating a negative experience or observation related to religious practices there.[12] (5) A place where the writer plans to disembark in a few days, intending to explore and experience the location's culture and history, as well as observe its sites.[13]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) An early site of Indian influence where Prince Vijaya established a connection with the indigenous population in the fifth century B.C.[14] (2) An island that played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism, as it was a destination for key figures in the region's religious history.[15] (3) The former name of Sri Lanka, referenced in the context of cultural interactions and contributions from the Tamil community.[16] (4) An ancient name for Sri Lanka, from where many Buddhist traditions and influences spread to India and beyond, including Nagarjunikonda.[17] (5) The historical name for Sri Lanka, where the author taught and began his journey into book reviewing.[18]

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) The region mentioned in relation to variants of the story, indicating a cultural context for the tale.[19] (2) An island country located in the Indian Ocean, referred to as north-central or northwestern Ceylon in the context of the text.[20] (3) The location of the events, known in the story as Lankawa, where the Gamarala, Tom-tom Beaters, and the King interact.[21] (4) The geographical setting mentioned, hinting at cultural backgrounds that influence the narrative.[22] (5) A location mentioned in relation to the kings, indicative of the cultural context of the tale.[23]