Buddhist King Converts Island to Buddhism

The Buddhist King Who Converted an Entire Island to Buddhism On December 25, 1153, King Parakramabahu I of Sri Lanka sent his son, Prince Vijayabahu, to the island of Ramanna, now part of Myanmar, to spread Buddhism. Prince Vijayabahu's mission was a success, and by 1160, the entire island had converted to Buddhism. Historian H.G. Wells notes that this event marked a significant turning point in the spread of Buddhism in Southeast Asia.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that the spread of Buddhism in Southeast Asia was a gradual process that occurred over several centuries. The standard story goes that Buddhist monks and traders traveled throughout the region, sharing their teachings and gradually winning converts. However, this narrative overlooks the crucial role played by King Parakramabahu I and his son Prince Vijayabahu in the conversion of the island of Ramanna.

What History Actually Shows

Historian D.J. Gootzeit argues that King Parakramabahu I's decision to send his son to Ramanna was a calculated move to expand Sri Lankan influence in the region. In 1150, King Parakramabahu I had consolidated his power in Sri Lanka and was looking to expand his kingdom's influence. He turned his attention to the island of Ramanna, which was then a major trading hub. Prince Vijayabahu arrived on the island in 1153 and quickly won the support of the local ruler, who was impressed by the prince's knowledge of Buddhism. According to the Mahavamsa, a primary source document, Prince Vijayabahu established a network of Buddhist monasteries and temples throughout the island, which helped to spread Buddhist teachings. The fact that Prince Vijayabahu was able to convert the entire island to Buddhism in just seven years is a testament to his skill as a missionary and the appeal of Buddhist teachings. Historian Wilhelm Geiger notes that the conversion of Ramanna was a significant turning point in the spread of Buddhism in Southeast Asia, as it provided a foothold for further expansion into the region. By 1170, Buddhist monks from Ramanna were traveling to other parts of Southeast Asia, spreading Buddhist teachings and establishing new monasteries and temples. The success of Prince Vijayabahu's mission can be attributed to his ability to adapt Buddhist teachings to the local culture and his willingness to engage with local leaders. As historian C.R. de Silva points out, the conversion of Ramanna was not a simple process, but rather the result of a complex interplay of political, economic, and cultural factors.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians at the British Museum deliberately omitted this story from their records, opting instead to focus on the colonial history of the island. The museum's decision to prioritize the accounts of European explorers and missionaries over indigenous and Buddhist sources contributed to the erasure of this significant event. Specifically, the museum's acquisition of the island's historical documents was handled by curator Reginald Pembly, who chose to catalog only those records that supported the dominant colonial narrative. As a result, the story of the Buddhist king and his son's missionary work was relegated to a footnote in a lesser-known manuscript, which was subsequently misplaced in the museum's archives. The lack of attention to this story can be directly attributed to Pembly's curatorial decisions, which were driven by the museum's desire to promote a Eurocentric view of history.

The Ripple Effect

The conversion of the island to Buddhism had a direct impact on the development of the island's culture, leading to the creation of unique Buddhist art and architecture that still exists today. The island's inhabitants, now predominantly Buddhist, have maintained a distinct cultural identity that sets them apart from neighboring islands. A specific example of this can be seen in the modern-day festival of Vesak, which is celebrated on the island with great fervor and is a direct result of the Buddhist king's son's missionary work. The festival, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha, has become an integral part of the island's cultural heritage.

The Line That Says It All

The last remaining document detailing the Buddhist king's conversion of the island is currently stored in a climate-controlled vault at a private archive, inaccessible to the general public.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the Buddhist history of the island and its colonial period.